Manitoba Tenant Guide to Discrimination & Accessibility

Facing discrimination or accessibility challenges can make renting in Manitoba unnecessarily difficult. As a tenant, you have the right to be treated fairly and to request accommodations for disabilities or special needs. This guide explains Manitoba's protections against discrimination for renters, how to recognize your rights and responsibilities, and steps you can take if your landlord treats you unfairly.

Understanding Discrimination in Manitoba Rentals

In Manitoba, discrimination in rental housing is prohibited under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba)^[1] and the Residential Tenancies Act^[2]. Discrimination occurs when a landlord refuses to rent, evicts, or treats you differently because of:

• Race, ethnic origin, or nationality
• Religion or creed
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Age or marital status
• Family status, pregnancy, or children
• Physical or mental disability (including addiction in some cases)
• Source of income (such as social assistance)

It's also illegal for landlords to advertise or have rules that target specific groups or restrict potential tenants based on the categories above.

Your Right to Accessibility Accommodations

All Manitoba tenants are entitled to equal opportunity to enjoy and use their rental unit, regardless of disability. If you have a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations, like permission for a service animal, grab bars, or accessible parking.

Landlords must consider your request unless it causes undue hardship (such as major expense or structural changes that can't be done safely). In most cases, minor modifications should be permitted if you agree to restore the unit at the end of your tenancy.

Common Examples of Accommodation Requests

• Installing ramps or handrails for mobility impairments
• Allowing a therapy or service animal in a "no-pets" building
• Providing accessible parking close to an entrance

Manitoba's Laws and Key Resources

Two main provincial laws protect tenants:

• The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) – prohibits discrimination and sets out your right to request accommodations.
• The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) – governs rental agreements, terminations, and dispute resolution for tenants and landlords.

If you think your landlord is violating these laws, you can take several steps outlined below.

How to File a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

If your landlord won’t accommodate your disability, or you believe you are being treated unfairly, you can:

1. Document the issue: Save emails or texts, and keep notes about what happened.
2. Write to your landlord: Clearly explain your request or complaint and what resolution you want.
3. If the situation doesn't improve, you can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or seek help from the Residential Tenancies Branch (the official tribunal for tenants and landlords).

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Human Rights Complaint Form (Form 1): Use this form to file a formal complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission if you have faced discrimination.
  Access the Human Rights Complaint Form.
  Example: If a landlord refuses your request for a service animal, complete this form describing your situation and submit it to the Commission.
• Application for Resolution of a Dispute (RTB Form): File this with the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch if your discrimination or accessibility issue impacts your tenancy (such as eviction or problems with housing conditions).
  View Application for Resolution of a Dispute.
  Example: If your landlord tries to evict you after you request an accessible modification, use this form to challenge the eviction.

For more on tenant protections and key rules, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

What Happens After Filing a Complaint?

After submitting a complaint or dispute application, a government officer will review your claim. The landlord and you may be asked to provide documents or attend a hearing or mediation. If discrimination is confirmed, the tribunal can order remedies like allowing your requested accommodation, compensation, or changes to housing rules.

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

Manitoba landlords and tenants must follow basic obligations:

• Landlords: Cannot discriminate, must review accommodation requests in good faith, and maintain the property safely.
• Tenants: Should make reasonable requests, cooperate with agreed modifications, and restore changes (if needed) at the end of the tenancy.

For more details, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Other Common Issues

Accessibility and discrimination may overlap with health or safety problems, such as lack of repairs that prevent access. Learn more at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you’re searching for accessible and respectful housing options.

1. Can my landlord reject me because I have children or am on social assistance?
   No, Manitoba landlords cannot refuse to rent to you based on family status (such as having children) or source of income. This is discrimination under the Human Rights Code.
2. Do landlords have to allow service animals in "no-pets" rentals?
   Yes, service animals must be accommodated even in buildings with a "no-pets" policy, as long as you have documentation showing you require the animal for a disability.
3. What counts as a "reasonable accommodation" for accessibility?
   Reasonable accommodations are changes that do not create undue hardship for the landlord, like installing grab bars or allowing a service animal. Large-scale renovations may not always be required.
4. What if my landlord ignores my accommodation request?
   If informal requests fail, document the situation and file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution.
5. Where can I get help or support as a tenant?
   You can contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, the Residential Tenancies Branch, or local tenant advocacy groups for free advice and support.

1. How do I request an accessibility accommodation in my rental?
   Write to your landlord explaining the accommodation you need and include any supporting documentation. Follow up if you don’t receive a response.
2. How do I file a discrimination complaint in Manitoba?
   Complete the Human Rights Complaint Form (Form 1) found on the Manitoba Human Rights Commission website, and submit it with all relevant details.
3. How can I challenge an eviction related to discrimination?
   File an Application for Resolution of a Dispute with the Residential Tenancies Branch, and explain how the eviction relates to your protected rights.

Key Takeaways

• Discrimination and accessibility barriers in rentals are illegal under Manitoba law.
• Tenants can request accommodations; landlords must consider them seriously.
• Provincial forms and official help are available if you need to make a complaint.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba) – Information, forms, and dispute resolution (1-800-782-8403).
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission – Report discrimination (1-888-884-8681).
• Disability and Accessibility Supports – For accessible housing resources.
• See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for a complete overview of provincial tenant protections.

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

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