Are you worried a landlord in Manitoba is discriminating against you or your family because of your household size or children? Understanding your rights as a tenant is crucial—discrimination over family size is a real issue, but the law is on your side. This guide explains what counts as discrimination, what you can do if you experience it, and where to find trusted legal help in Manitoba.
What Is Discrimination Over Family Size in Manitoba?
Discrimination occurs when a landlord treats you unfairly or refuses to rent to you because of your family status—especially if you have children or a larger household. Both the The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) and the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba protect tenants from this type of treatment.
- Refusing to rent to families with children
- Setting different rental terms because of family size
- Evicting you for having children join your household (if occupancy standards allow)
Landlords are only allowed to apply reasonable occupancy limits as permitted by law or for health and safety reasons—not simply based on the presence of children or family size.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Manitoba
In Manitoba, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against you because of your family status, including if you have children. The law ensures you have an equal opportunity to rent housing, regardless of how many people are in your family—provided the home can safely accommodate them. See the official summary of Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for more details.
Other protections include:
- Prohibiting rental ads that say "no children"
- No extra deposits or higher rent charged based on family size
- Fair treatment during the rental application and throughout your tenancy
What Are Legal Occupancy Standards?
While landlords cannot discriminate based on family status, rentals must still comply with local health, safety, and occupancy standards—such as minimum square footage per occupant. These rules are in place to keep your family safe, not to exclude families. For safety standards, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
If You Face Discrimination: Steps to Take
If you believe you've been discriminated against due to family size, there are official steps to challenge this and protect your rights.
1. Keep a Written Record
- Document every interaction, including emails, ads, text messages, or notes from conversations.
- Collect evidence like rental ads that show restrictions against families or children.
2. Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission
File a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission if you believe you've been denied a rental, evicted, or otherwise treated unfairly because of family status.
- Official Form: Human Rights Complaint Form
Use this form to start a complaint with the Commission. For example: If an ad says "adults only" or a landlord tells you their building is not suitable for kids, you can submit details on this form.
3. File a Complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch
The Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba protects tenant and landlord rights, including dealing with disputes and enforcing standards under the Residential Tenancies Act.1
- Official Form: Application for Resolution of Dispute (Form RTB-1)
Tenants can use this to resolve issues if a landlord tries to evict or penalize them unfairly because of family size. Attach your written evidence for best results.
4. Know Your Rights Before and After Signing
Familiarize yourself with your legal protections before moving in, and understand how to act if your situation changes or you add a family member. See What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for additional guidance on life after you start renting.
Legislation Protecting Manitoba Tenants
Two main laws cover discrimination issues in housing:
- The Human Rights Code (Manitoba): Prohibits discrimination on the basis of family status, which includes having children or a larger family.2
- Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): Governs landlord–tenant relationships and ensures fair treatment.1
Complaints can be made to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch—the official tribunal for residential tenancy issues.
FAQ: Manitoba Family Size Discrimination and Rentals
- Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
No. Under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba), it is illegal for a landlord to refuse you because you have children or a large family, as long as you meet legal occupancy rules. - What should I do if I see a rental ad that says "no children" or "adults only"?
This is likely a violation of Manitoba's human rights law. Take a screenshot or save the ad, and report it to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. - How do I file a complaint if I’ve experienced discrimination?
Gather your evidence and file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission using their official Complaint Form. You can also seek resolution through the Residential Tenancies Branch. - Are there any exceptions where family size can legally limit renting?
Yes. Landlords can apply reasonable occupancy standards (such as local health and safety rules), but cannot discriminate just because you have children. - Where can I learn more about my general tenant rights in Manitoba?
Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for a complete overview.
Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants
- Family size discrimination is prohibited under Manitoba law.
- File complaints with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Branch if you face unfair treatment.
- Know your rights about occupancy standards and keep detailed records.
Learning about your protections helps ensure a fair experience when applying for or living in a rental property.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Advice and complaint resources for discrimination (Phone: 204-945-3007)
- Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba: Assistance with disputes, complaints, and tenant protections (Phone: 204-945-2476)
- Family Violence & Abuse Prevention Program: Extra support for vulnerable tenants
- Browse general tenant legal rights on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba
