How Tenants Can Prevent Discrimination in Manitoba Rentals

Discrimination in rental housing is a serious concern for tenants across Manitoba, especially in shared accommodations or when seeking roommates. This guide will help you understand your rights, recognize signs of discrimination, and take practical steps if you believe you've been treated unfairly in your rental search or tenancy. Manitoba has specific laws in place to protect you—let's break down what that means in clear, accessible terms.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in Manitoba

All tenants in Manitoba are protected from discrimination by the Human Rights Code (Manitoba). This law makes it illegal for landlords, property managers, or even other tenants to treat you differently because of certain personal characteristics, such as:

• Race or ethnic origin
• Religion
• Age
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Family status (including if you have children)
• Disability
• Marital status
• Source of income (like receiving government assistance)

For more details on general tenant-landlord rights in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

How Discrimination Can Happen in Roommate or Shared Housing Situations

Discrimination can appear in many forms. For roommates and shared rentals, watch out for:

• Rental ads that specify a preferred gender, age, or cultural background (unless there's a lawful exemption)
• Refusing your application or interview after learning about your personal characteristics
• Harassment or exclusion based on protected grounds while you live in the rental

Recognizing the Signs and Acting Quickly

Stay alert for red flags and trust your instincts. While some shared accommodation settings allow some level of personal preference (for example, in owner-occupied homes), the law still prohibits unfair treatment on protected grounds. In Manitoba, both written and spoken discriminatory statements can violate the Human Rights Code.

What Steps Should Tenants Take If Facing Discrimination?

Below are key steps you can take if you suspect you've been discriminated against when looking for a room, apartment, or shared house:

• Document every interaction: Save emails, messages, and notes from conversations, including details of rental listings.
• Ask for reasons in writing: If you're denied a rental, kindly request the reason by email.
• Other tenant issues: If discrimination is ongoing during your tenancy (e.g., harassment, unfair treatment), see our page on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for advice on handling complaints.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint in Manitoba

Complaints about rental discrimination are handled by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission (MHRC). The standard process is:

1. Contact the Commission: Visit their official process page to learn about timelines and requirements.
2. Complete the Complaint Form: Use the Complaint Form (MHRC Form) to submit your complaint—all tenants can use this form free of charge. Example: If you were denied a room due to your religion, describe what happened and attach supporting documents.
3. Submit Online or By Mail: The MHRC allows digital submissions or mail-in forms. Follow instructions on their website for your preferred method.
4. Follow Up as Needed: The MHRC will assign a mediator, who may offer dispute resolution or launch a formal investigation.

The Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is responsible for general tenancy disputes (not discrimination cases), such as rent, repairs, or deposit issues. For discrimination, always start with the MHRC.

What Landlords and Roommate Arrangements Are Allowed to Consider

Landlords may require information related to:

• Rent payment history
• References
• Employment verification

They cannot ask about personal characteristics, relationship status, or source of income. Some shared housing or live-in roommate situations may have limited exceptions, especially if the landlord also lives in the property, but discrimination for protected grounds remains unlawful.

Related Tenant Issues and Protecting Your Rights

Discrimination often arises alongside other problems, like disputes about deposits, repairs, or living conditions. Understanding your responsibilities and communicating clearly with landlords or roommates helps prevent misunderstandings.

Learn more about expectations and rules by reading Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Proactive Steps: Tips to Avoid Discriminatory Situations

• Read listings carefully—avoid ads that openly restrict gender, age, or other characteristics unless legally allowed
• Politely refuse to answer inappropriate screening questions
• Know your rights—visit official resources and tenant guides for up-to-date information
• Consider connecting with local advocacy groups if you need support or mediation

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Frequently Asked Questions about Discrimination in Manitoba Rentals

1. What should I do if a landlord denies me because I receive social assistance?
   If a landlord refuses to rent to you or raises rent because you receive government benefits, this likely violates the Human Rights Code. Save any written evidence and consider filing a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
2. Are roommate ads allowed to specify gender or age?
   In Manitoba, shared accommodations may sometimes specify gender if a privacy or safety exemption exists. However, age and most other personal characteristics are protected. If unsure, contact the MHRC.
3. Can I be evicted for filing a complaint about discrimination?
   No. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights. If you face eviction soon after submitting a discrimination complaint, contact the MHRC immediately.
4. Is discrimination only about being denied a rental?
   No. It can also include harassment, unequal treatment, or negative comments during your tenancy based on protected characteristics.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Manitoba law protects you from discrimination in all types of rental housing—even in roommate and shared housing.
• Document everything if you suspect discrimination, and report promptly using the MHRC's process and complaint form.
• Stay informed about your general rental rights, and don't hesitate to reach out to tenant organizations or the MHRC for advice.

This article provided a snapshot of your rights and practical guidance. For more about deposit rules, repairs, and moving out, see other resources on this site and official Manitoba channels.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Human Rights Commission (MHRC): Main point of contact for rental discrimination complaints or questions. Phone: (204) 945-3007.
• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Handles rent, deposit, repairs, evictions, and general tenancy disputes.
• Manitoba Government - Tenant Resources: Information guides and support contacts for tenants across Manitoba.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba: General rights and laws for Manitoba renters.

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1. Manitoba Human Rights Code: Full text
2. Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Official Complaints Page
3. Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba): RTB official website

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