If you rent in Manitoba, you have important legal protections against discrimination and for accessibility in rental housing. Landlords must treat all prospective and current tenants fairly under the law. Understanding your rights under Manitoba’s rental and human rights laws can help you recognize, address, and resolve issues related to discrimination or accommodation needs.
What is Housing Discrimination in Manitoba?
Discrimination in rental housing means being treated unfairly due to a personal characteristic. In Manitoba, the Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination based on:
- Race or ancestry
- Ethnic background or nationality
- Religion or creed
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Marital or family status
- Age
- Source of income (e.g., social assistance)
- Physical or mental disability
Landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or treat you differently because of any of these protected grounds. For example, they cannot deny a rental because you have children, use a wheelchair, or receive income assistance.
Your Rights to Accessibility in Manitoba Rentals
Tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations in their rental housing. This can include:
- Permission for service animals
- Accessibility modifications like grab bars or ramps
- Alternative communication methods for hearing or vision barriers
Landlords generally must allow these changes if they are reasonable and do not cause significant hardship. Tenants may be responsible for costs, but landlords cannot unreasonably refuse requests.
How to Request an Accessibility Accommodation
When you need an accommodation for a disability, make a written request to your landlord, explaining what you need and why. Providing documentation from a medical professional can help support your request. If your landlord refuses or ignores your request, you can make a complaint to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint
If you believe you have experienced discrimination as a tenant or rental applicant, or if your request for accessibility has been denied, you can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. Examples include being denied an apartment due to having children, needing a guide dog, or requiring a wheelchair ramp.
Official Forms and How to Use Them
- Manitoba Human Rights Complaint Form: Needed to start a formal complaint about rental discrimination or denial of accommodation.
— When to use: If you've been treated unfairly during your search for housing, during your tenancy, or your request for an accessibility change has been refused. Download and submit the form online or in person. - Request for Access/Accommodation Letter: While not a government-issued form, tenants should always document their requests in writing (letter or email), specifying their needs and reasons.
The Manitoba Human Rights Commission investigates complaints independently and may try to mediate a solution, or refer your case for a hearing if necessary.
Duties of Landlords and Tenants
Both landlords and tenants have rights and responsibilities under Manitoba law. For example, landlords must maintain a safe and livable property and cannot retaliate against tenants who assert their rights. Tenants must respect the property, pay rent on time, and not cause unreasonable disturbance.
If you’re unsure about your rights around accessibility, you can consult the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained guide.
Further Information
For a broad overview of what Manitoba tenants and landlords should know, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.
Looking for a barrier-free rental or pet-friendly options? Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to find your next home with accessibility features and detailed filters.
- Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children or receive government assistance?
No. In Manitoba, it is illegal for landlords to deny you housing because of your family status or if your income comes from social assistance. - What should I do if my landlord refuses my request for a reasonable accessibility modification?
Write your request in detail and if denied, file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission using their complaint form. - Who handles tenant complaints about eviction or repairs in Manitoba?
The Residential Tenancies Branch reviews disputes related to evictions and maintenance (not discrimination). - Do I need to inform my landlord if I get a service animal?
Yes, inform your landlord in writing. They must allow service animals, even if the building has a "no pets" policy. - Where can I learn more about landlord and tenant responsibilities?
See the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for details.
- How do I file a discrimination complaint as a Manitoba tenant?
Complete and submit the Manitoba Human Rights Complaint Form online or in person. Provide all relevant details and evidence. - How do I request a disability accommodation for my rental unit?
Write to your landlord describing the accommodation needed and why. Include supporting documentation if possible. - How do I address a health or safety issue in my rental?
Contact your landlord in writing. If not resolved, reach out to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
- Manitoba landlords cannot legally deny you housing on the basis of protected grounds such as disability, family status, or income source.
- Tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations for accessibility needs.
- If discrimination occurs or a modification request is refused, you have the right to file an official complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Manitoba Human Rights Commission – File a Complaint
- Residential Tenancies Branch – Tenant Information
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba
- Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained
