Housing Discrimination in Manitoba: Steps Tenants Can Take

If you’re renting or searching for a shared place in Manitoba, fair and equal treatment is your legal right – regardless of your background, identity, or family status. But what should you do if you face discrimination when renting a room, joining a shared household, or from a landlord? Understanding your rights and the right steps to take is crucial to protecting yourself, your housing, and your dignity as a tenant in Manitoba.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Manitoba

Housing discrimination means being treated unfairly based on protected personal characteristics. In Manitoba, it is illegal for landlords or roommates to deny housing, evict, or mistreat you because of attributes like race, sex, disability, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, or source of income. These protections are detailed in The Human Rights Code (Manitoba)^[1] and in the provincial Residential Tenancies Act^[2].

Examples of Discrimination

• A landlord refuses to rent to you because of your ethnicity or immigration status
• You are asked discriminatory questions about your religion, sexual orientation, or disabilities during a roommate interview
• An advertisement states “adults only” or “no children” which excludes families with kids
• A rental offer is withdrawn after you disclose you are on social assistance or have a disability

Even in shared housing, these protections apply. If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly because of who you are, you may have experienced illegal discrimination.

What To Do If You Face Housing Discrimination

Responding can feel intimidating – but the law is on your side. Here is how to advocate for your rights if you believe you’ve been discriminated against in Manitoba housing.

• Document what happened: Write down dates, times, and details of what was said or done. Save emails, texts, or listings that show discriminatory treatment.
• Ask for an explanation: Sometimes discrimination may not be intentional. Politely request a reason in writing if your tenancy is denied or terminated.
• Seek information on your rights: Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba to confirm which protections apply to your situation.

How to File a Complaint: Manitoba Human Rights Commission

If you have evidence of discrimination, you can make a complaint to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. This free, official process investigates housing discrimination and can order remedies like rental access or compensation.

• Form used: Complaint Form – Manitoba Human Rights Commission
• When to use: File this form if you believe you’ve been denied rental housing, been evicted, or treated unequally due to one of the protected characteristics listed in The Human Rights Code.
• How to use: Download the form, fill it out with your details and description of what happened, attach evidence (if available), and submit to the Commission by mail, fax, or email using the contact details on their website.

Support from the Residential Tenancies Branch

The Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba handles rental disputes about repairs, deposits, entry, and more – but if discrimination leads to an eviction or denial of housing, a remedy is usually through the Human Rights Commission. However, if discrimination affects your access to repairs or rental stability, tenant applications to the Tenancies Branch (such as Tenant Application for Order of Possession) may be an option. Find out more in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Your Rights, Tenant Protections, and Legislation

Manitoba law prohibits discrimination whether you’re renting a whole unit, a room, or subletting. Key sources:

• The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) – Main anti-discrimination law^[1]
• The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)^[2]

Rental advertisements, interviews, lease terms, and roommate requirements must comply with these laws. Learn more about the rights and obligations of both sides in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Can Discrimination Occur Between Roommates?

If a co-tenant treats you unfairly and you believe it is based on a protected characteristic, document events and speak to your landlord or building manager. If this impacts your ability to live in your home, you may have a valid complaint for the Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Branch.

If you need to search for other rentals while your complaint is being processed, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for timely and safe alternatives.

Steps for Tenants: Dealing with Discrimination in Manitoba

• Write down details and save any evidence as soon as possible
• Contact the landlord or roommate for an explanation in writing
• Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission if you still believe discrimination has occurred
• Submit a Complaint Form through mail, fax, or email
• Keep communication and evidence – the Commission will investigate and may contact you for more details

Remedies can include an apology, compensation, or a requirement that the landlord offers you the rental if it’s still available.

FAQ: Manitoba Tenant Rights and Discrimination

1. What can I do if I am denied a rental because I have children?
   File a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. It is illegal for landlords to deny rentals to families with children under The Human Rights Code.
2. Who do I complain to if I am harassed by my roommate due to my sexual orientation?
   You may make a complaint with the Human Rights Commission and should also inform your landlord in writing. Document all incidents for your records.
3. Can landlords refuse to rent to me because I am on social assistance?
   No. Manitoba law prohibits discrimination based on source of income when renting
4. Does the Residential Tenancies Branch handle discrimination disputes?
   Usually, discrimination complaints are handled by the Human Rights Commission. However, you can contact the Branch for related tenancy issues or to seek guidance.

Conclusion

Facing discrimination in housing can be stressful, but you are not alone. Key takeaways:

• Manitoba law protects tenants against discrimination in all housing situations, including shared rentals.
• Document events and file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission if needed.
• Explore Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for a broader overview of tenant protections.

If you’re unsure what to do next, reach out for support as soon as possible.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: 1-888-884-8681 – Help with discrimination complaints and free advice
• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: 1-800-782-8403 – Helps with general tenancy rights, disputes, or questions
• Local legal aid services or tenant advocacy groups (such as Community Legal Education Association Manitoba at https://www.communitylegal.mb.ca/)
• Browse more tenant resources and official guides at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. The Human Rights Code (Manitoba)
2. The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)

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