Illegal Rental Application Questions in Manitoba: Tenant Guide

Applying for a rental home in Manitoba should be a straightforward process. However, some landlords may unknowingly (or knowingly) ask questions that break the law. Understanding which rental application questions are illegal in Manitoba helps protect your rights and ensures equal treatment during your search for housing.

Understanding Tenant Rights During Rental Applications

In Manitoba, tenant protections against discrimination are enshrined in two key sources:

• The Residential Tenancies Branch (part of Manitoba Finance) oversees landlord-tenant matters and disputes. You can access them at the Residential Tenancies Branch website.
• The Human Rights Code, which makes it illegal to discriminate during the rental application process based on certain protected grounds. See Manitoba Human Rights Code for full details.

These rules apply to all landlords and property managers advertising or filling a rental unit in Manitoba.

What Rental Application Questions Are Illegal in Manitoba?

Landlords cannot ask questions—or use application forms—that request information about any of the following protected grounds under the Manitoba Human Rights Code:

• Race, nationality, or ethnic origin
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation or gender identity
• Age
• Marital or family status (for example, if you have kids or are pregnant)
• Physical or mental disability
• Source of income—except for confirming you can pay rent (requesting proof of employment is allowed, but not specifying which government income program you receive)
• Political beliefs or association
• Social disadvantage

Landlords are permitted to ask for information that helps them verify your ability to pay rent, your rental history, and references. However, they cannot ask for anything that would single you out based on the above personal characteristics.

Examples of Illegal Rental Application Questions

• "What is your ethnic background?"
• "Are you planning to have children soon?"
• "Are you on social assistance? If so, which program?" (They can only ask for your income amount, not the source.)
• "What is your religion? Do you attend services regularly?"
• "Do you have any disabilities or mental health conditions?"

Questions Landlords Can Ask

Landlords may collect the following without violating the law, as long as their questions are neutral and asked of all applicants:

• Proof of identity (e.g., government-issued ID)
• Rental history and landlord references
• Credit checks (with your written consent)
• Proof of income or employment (but not the specific source)
• The number of occupants intending to live in the rental unit (but not their relationship to each other)

For information about securing your rental after approval, Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know covers deposit rules and your legal protections in Manitoba.

If You Experience Discrimination: What to Do

If you suspect a landlord has asked you illegal questions or denied you based on a protected ground, you have options:

• Document the interaction. Keep emails, notes about phone conversations, and copies of any forms.
• File a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. Use their Complaint Form for housing-related issues. Example: If you are asked about your religion in an application, you can describe the situation and submit the form online or by mail.
• You may also reach out to the Residential Tenancies Branch for advice if you believe general rental application rules have been breached.

Relevant Manitoba Official Forms

• Manitoba Human Rights Complaint Form: Used to start a discrimination complaint related to tenancy. Download or submit the Complaint Form. As a tenant, use this when you believe a landlord or agent has violated your rights during the application process.

Important Manitoba Legislation and Contacts

• The Human Rights Code (Manitoba)
• The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
• Tribunal: Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba Finance) — official website

See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for more facts on housing laws and your protections as a renter.

Looking for housing? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and tools to search for homes across Canada.

FAQ: Illegal Rental Application Questions in Manitoba

1. What can I do if I am asked an illegal question on a rental application?
   If you’re asked an illegal question, document the incident, don’t answer, and you may file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
2. Can a landlord reject my application because I receive government assistance?
   No. Landlords cannot discriminate based on your source of income, as long as you can pay the rent.
3. Are landlords in Manitoba allowed to ask for my SIN on an application form?
   Landlords can request a Social Insurance Number for a credit check, but you are not legally required to provide it. Offer alternative proof if possible.
4. Where do I file a discrimination complaint about a rental in Manitoba?
   Submit a housing complaint to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission using their official form, online or by mail.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Manitoba cannot ask about race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or source of income (other than ability to pay) during rental applications.
• If you face discrimination, use the Manitoba Human Rights Complaint Form and seek assistance from government agencies.
• Knowing your rights makes the rental process safer and more equitable for all Manitobans.

Be proactive—keep good records of all application interactions, and don’t hesitate to get support if your rights are not respected.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: File a discrimination complaint online or call (204) 945-3007
• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba): Official tenant-landlord information and dispute resolution
• Legal Help Centre: Free legal information for tenants in Manitoba — legalhelpcentre.ca
• For more facts: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. See: The Human Rights Code (Manitoba)
2. See: The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
3. See: Residential Tenancies Branch, Government of Manitoba

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