Manitoba Tenant Guide: Addressing Discrimination & Accessibility

If you're a tenant in Manitoba facing discrimination or accessibility challenges in your rental home, you're not alone. The law protects you from unfair treatment based on disability, race, gender, family status, or other protected grounds. Manitoba has clear rules to ensure all tenants have safe and accessible housing. This guide offers step-by-step advice if you feel you've been treated unfairly due to discrimination or have accessibility needs in your home.

Your Rights Against Discrimination in Manitoba Rentals

In Manitoba, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, give you different terms, or harass you because of your race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, family status, disability, or other protected characteristics. These rights are covered under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) and the Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. If you have a disability, landlords must make reasonable efforts to accommodate your needs—such as allowing service animals or modifying entryways—unless it causes serious hardship.

Common Examples of Rental Discrimination

• Refusing to rent to someone with children.
• Rejecting an application because of the applicant’s race or background.
• Not allowing service animals, even with medical documentation.
• Failing to provide reasonable modifications for mobility devices.

For a summary of tenant protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

What To Do If You Experience Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

If you believe you have been discriminated against, or your landlord is not accommodating your accessibility needs, take these practical steps:

• Document Everything: Keep notes, emails, photos, or other evidence of the issue and your communications with the landlord.
• Make a Written Request: Clearly state your need for accommodation (such as an accessible entrance) or describe the discriminatory behavior. Send this in writing, keeping a copy for your records.
• Refer to Your Lease: Review your rental agreement. Manitoba leases cannot override your rights under the Human Rights Code.

• Contact The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): This is Manitoba's official body for rental disputes. If your landlord refuses to accommodate accessibility needs (such as elevator access or reasonable modifications), or if a dispute arises from discriminatory behavior, the RTB can provide guidance.
• File a Human Rights Complaint: For discrimination or failure to accommodate, you may apply directly to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Manitoba provides specific forms and processes to help tenants with discrimination or accessibility problems:

• Application Under Section 95 – Human Rights (Form 18): Use this if your landlord is not meeting their duty to accommodate or you have experienced discrimination.

How to use Form 18: For example, if your landlord refuses to permit a wheelchair ramp, fill out the Human Rights Complaint Form (Form 18) with details and evidence. Submit it to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission online, by email, or in person.

• Request for Mediation (RTB): If you would prefer to resolve the issue out of court, the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) offers mediation services. Complete the appropriate RTB form depending on your issue (for example, the "Application for Tenancy Dispute Resolution").

Include as much information as possible and provide supporting documents. If unsure which form you need, contact the RTB.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission

• Gather all relevant evidence: written communications, photos, witness statements.
• Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form (Form 18).
• Describe the details: What happened? Who was involved? What was the impact?
• Submit the form by email, mail, or in person to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
• The Commission will review, may attempt mediation, and may investigate your complaint further. You will be kept informed throughout the process.

When to Involve the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB)

If your problem also involves repairs, essential services, or lease disputes resulting from discrimination or accessibility problems:

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).
• File an Application for Tenancy Dispute Resolution.
• Provide all evidence and fill in forms clearly and accurately.

For guidance on what else tenants may face, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Summary: Your Legal Protection

Manitoba’s laws are designed to ensure tenants have equal access to housing free from discrimination. You have a legal right to request accommodations for disabilities, and to live free from unfair treatment. Knowing the law, gathering evidence, using official forms, and understanding your rights puts you in a strong position to resolve issues.

Extra Resources for Finding Accessible Housing

• Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with filters for accessibility and other features.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility Problems in Manitoba Rentals

1. What grounds are protected against discrimination in Manitoba rentals?
   Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, colour, ancestry, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or family status, age, disability, or source of income.
2. Do landlords have to allow service animals?
   Yes. Service animals (such as guide dogs) must be accommodated, even in buildings that usually have a "no pets" policy, as part of a landlord’s duty under The Human Rights Code.
3. How do I request an accessibility accommodation in my rental?
   Submit a written request to your landlord, describing what you need and providing any relevant medical or legal documentation. If denied, you may file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or seek mediation through the Residential Tenancies Branch.
4. Is it possible to get an early lease termination due to discrimination?
   In some cases, yes. If your well-being is at risk due to discrimination or harassment, applications can be made to the RTB for early lease termination. It is recommended to gather supporting evidence first.
5. Who can help if my landlord ignores accessibility requests?
   You can seek help from the Residential Tenancies Branch, the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, or a local tenant advocacy group for advice and possible dispute resolution.

How To: Steps for Manitoba Tenants Facing Discrimination or Accessibility Problems

1. How do I file a discrimination complaint in Manitoba?
   Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form (Form 18), attach your evidence, and submit it to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission online or by mail.
2. How do I apply for a dispute resolution with the RTB?
   Collect all documents, fill out the Application for Tenancy Dispute Resolution form from the RTB website, and submit it with the required documents and any fee.
3. How can I request a reasonable accommodation from my landlord?
   Send a written request with clear details about your needs and documentation. Keep a record of your correspondence. If the landlord does not cooperate, seek help from the RTB or the Human Rights Commission.

Key Takeaways

• Manitoba law protects tenants from discrimination and requires landlords to accommodate accessibility needs.
• Document every interaction and use official complaint or mediation forms to address issues.
• Support is available through the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Human Rights Commission – File discrimination or accommodation complaints, get support.
• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Resolve rental disputes, seek mediation, download forms.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba – Overview of tenant protections and obligations.

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1. [1] Manitoba Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)

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