Illegal Rental Screening Practices in Manitoba: A Tenant’s Guide

Searching for a place to rent in Manitoba should be fair, but some landlords or property managers use illegal screening practices that can harm tenants. Understanding what's allowed and what's not can help you recognize discrimination and protect your rights as a renter in Manitoba.

What Is Rental Screening?

Rental screening is how landlords decide if a tenant is a good fit. This usually means asking about income, rental history, credit checks, and references. However, the process must respect your rights under Manitoba law and the Human Rights Code (Manitoba).^[1]

Landlords cannot use screening to discriminate based on:

• Race, colour, ancestry, or ethnic background
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Age, marital or family status
• Source of income (including social assistance)
• Religion or religious beliefs
• Disability

Common Illegal Rental Screening Practices in Manitoba

Not all questions or requirements are lawful. Watch out for these illegal rental screening methods:

• Refusing to rent to families with children
• Rejecting applications due to social assistance or employment insurance
• Refusing service animals or modifications for accessibility
• Requesting medical information or documents unrelated to your ability to pay rent
• Different treatment based on race, religion, or country of origin
• Requiring extra deposits or fees only for some groups (for example, people with children or pets for disability support)

These actions are prohibited under the Human Rights Code.^[1]

Your Rights as a Tenant in Manitoba

Tenants in Manitoba have protections under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Human Rights Code. No landlord can deny you housing for reasons listed above, and it is illegal to ask you to provide information on any of those protected grounds.

If you feel a landlord has acted unfairly, you can learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

What Can a Landlord Legally Ask?

• Proof of ability to pay rent (pay stubs, employment letter)
• References from previous landlords
• Consent for a credit check
• Contact information

Landlords cannot ask for:

• Bank account passwords or PINs
• Your SIN (Social Insurance Number)—it’s not required for a credit check
• Medical or disability-related information, except for reasonable accommodation/documentation for accessibility aid
• Personal questions about your family status, religion, or ethnicity

Tip: If you are unsure about a question on a rental application, ask the landlord why they need the information. If it feels wrong, you may be protected under the Human Rights Code.

Filing a Complaint: Human Rights and Tenancy Protections

If you suspect illegal screening, act quickly. Manitoba residents can file a complaint about discrimination in rental housing with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission (MHRC). This independent body resolves discrimination complaints, including rental housing issues.

How to File a Complaint

• Visit the MHRC Official Complaints Page
• Download the "Complaint Form"
• Complete the form with details about the landlord and the specific discriminatory action
• Submit by mail, email, or in person to the MHRC

Practical example: If a landlord rejects you because you have children or use social assistance, fill out the MHRC complaint form to start an investigation.

What Happens Next?

After submission, the Commission reviews your complaint. They may contact you for more details, mediate with the landlord, or, if necessary, refer the case to an inquiry for formal decision.

Deposits and Screening: What’s Allowed?

In Manitoba, landlords can ask for a security deposit (also called a damage deposit), but cannot request extra deposits from some groups and not others. For full details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

• Document everything: Keep copies of application forms, emails, and text messages.
• Note any comments or actions that seem discriminatory.
• File a Human Rights complaint with the MHRC, or seek help from a local tenant’s association.
• Learn more about your responsibilities as a tenant and how to respond after signing a lease in What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
• Report concerns or unfair treatment to the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba (RTB), which administers landlord-tenant law in the province.^[2]

If you need to find a new rental home or want a transparent search experience, Browse apartments for rent in Canada for more options and features that support fair rental practices.

FAQ: Illegal Rental Screening in Manitoba

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No, refusing to rent to someone because they have children is illegal under Manitoba’s Human Rights Code.
2. Is it legal to ask for my Social Insurance Number (SIN) on a rental application?
   No, landlords do not need your SIN for a credit check and you are not required to provide it.
3. What should I do if I think I was turned down for discriminatory reasons?
   Document the incident and file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or seek help from the Residential Tenancies Branch.
4. Can a landlord ask for extra deposits from tenants with children?
   No, charging extra deposits based only on family status is illegal in Manitoba.
5. Who can help me if I experience discrimination during the rental application process?
   The Manitoba Human Rights Commission can help with discrimination complaints, while the Residential Tenancies Branch handles lease and rights issues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Manitoba law protects you from discrimination during rental screening.
• Landlords can screen based on ability to pay rent and references, but cannot ask unlawful or personal questions.
• If you experience illegal screening, help is available through the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Always stay informed, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel you’ve been treated unfairly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba (RTB) – For rental disputes and legal info
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission – To file discrimination complaints or learn more about your rights
• Legal Help Centre – Free legal information for tenants in Winnipeg and Manitoba: Housing Rights Services
• For a summary of tenant and landlord rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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

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