Landlord Duties for Tenants with Mental Health Needs in Manitoba

Finding and keeping safe, stable housing is especially important if you or someone in your household has a mental-health need. In Manitoba, both tenants and landlords have specific rights and responsibilities, including important accommodations related to mental health. This article will break down what landlords must do, how tenants can request help, and how Manitoba law protects mental health in rental housing.

Understanding Accommodations: What Does the Law Require?

Landlords in Manitoba are legally required to consider and, where reasonable, provide accommodations for tenants with mental-health disabilities. These duties are set out in The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) and the Residential Tenancies Act.¹ This means landlords cannot discriminate against someone based on mental health when renting a home, nor can they refuse reasonable changes that enable a tenant to live safely and comfortably.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodation

• Allowing a support worker to visit regularly
• Modifying house rules (such as a more flexible noise policy) if supported by medical documentation
• Permitting an emotional support animal, even if the building has a pet restriction, where medical documentation supports this need

Accommodations must be reasonable and should not cause "undue hardship" for the landlord, such as major costs or safety risks.²

Your Rights as a Tenant with Mental Health Needs

Tenants are protected from discrimination in all parts of a tenancy, including applying to rent, renewing a lease, and resolving issues. If you disclose a mental health-related disability, your landlord cannot evict, refuse services, or treat you unfairly based on this information.³

For an overview of tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Requesting an Accommodation

To make a request, you do not need to disclose specific details about your condition—only enough information for your landlord to understand the impact and what change is needed. Supporting documents (like a note from a mental health professional) help clarify your needs.

How Landlords Must Respond

When you request an accommodation, the landlord must:

• Take the request seriously and respond promptly
• Discuss reasonable solutions with you
• Implement changes unless they create significant difficulty or expense (undue hardship)

If your landlord refuses or ignores a reasonable request, you can seek help from Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) or the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Several forms may be relevant for tenants with mental-health needs in Manitoba:

• Request for Accommodation Letter (no official form number): While there is no province-specific form for accommodation, tenants can submit a written request with medical documentation to their landlord. Mention specifically what change is needed (e.g., permission for support animals, extra time for repairs).
  Example: If your medical provider recommends an emotional support animal, submit a letter and attach that recommendation to your landlord. Keep a copy.
• Application for an Order of the Director (RTB Form): Use this if your landlord refuses reasonable accommodation or retaliates. Access the form at the Residential Tenancies Branch's official forms page. Complete the form and submit it to the RTB for an order enforcing your rights.
  Example: A tenant with a documented need for a support worker is denied this by their landlord. The tenant fills out the application, attaches supporting evidence, and submits it to the RTB.

Health, Safety, and Accessibility Considerations

If a mental-health disability means changes are needed to safely use your home, your landlord should consider these as part of their general Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. Manitoba landlords must meet minimum safety and repair standards at all times.

When an Issue Isn’t Resolved

If you feel your accommodation request was unfairly denied or led to discrimination:

• Document all interactions and keep copies of any evidence
• Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission to file a complaint (how to file a human rights complaint)
• Consider mediation or dispute resolution through the RTB

Summary: Manitoba law protects your right to equal housing access and gives you options if your needs are not met.

For a full overview of tenancy law in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Want to explore your rental options? Browse apartments for rent in Canada and find your next home with Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my landlord ask for proof of my mental health condition?
   Landlords may request enough information to understand the need for an accommodation but cannot ask for detailed medical records. A doctor or health professional’s letter is often sufficient.
2. What should I do if my landlord denies my accommodation request?
   Try to resolve it directly first. If the issue remains, file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Branch using their official processes.
3. Can I have a support animal even if my building has a no-pet policy?
   If a licensed medical professional confirms it is a necessary accommodation due to your mental health, your landlord generally must allow it—unless doing so causes them undue hardship.
4. Will my landlord or other tenants be told about my diagnosis?
   No. Medical details are confidential and only need to be shared on a need-to-know basis and never beyond supporting your accommodation request.
5. Where can I get support as a tenant with mental health needs?
   Contact local tenant organizations, the Residential Tenancies Branch, or the Manitoba Human Rights Commission for advice, advocacy, and dispute resolution support.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Manitoba law requires landlords to consider and provide reasonable accommodation for mental-health needs.
• Requests should be made in writing and include appropriate documentation when possible.
• If your rights are denied, official complaint processes exist to help you assert them.

Knowing your rights and documenting key interactions can help maintain a positive and supportive tenancy experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): For complaints, forms, and advice – Manitoba RTB Official Website
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: For discrimination complaints – File a Human Rights Complaint
• Provincial Mental Health Services: Local health authorities and Manitoba Health provide supports – Manitoba Health – Mental Health Services
• Tenant Rights in Manitoba: See your key protections and rules – Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. The Human Rights Code (Manitoba), s. 2, 9, 20: Read The Human Rights Code of Manitoba
2. The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba), s. 2, 150–169: See Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act
3. Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities (Official Guidelines)
4. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): Manitoba RTB – Forms and Guides

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