Manitoba Tenants: Discrimination & Accessibility FAQ

Discrimination and accessibility challenges are important housing issues for tenants in Manitoba. As a tenant, understanding your rights and knowing what to do if you face discrimination can make a big difference in your renting experience. This guide answers common questions about discrimination and accessibility, highlights your legal protections, and explains how to get support under Manitoba law.

Your Rights: Discrimination and Accessibility in Manitoba Rentals

In Manitoba, rental housing discrimination and the duty to accommodate disabilities are addressed in both the The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) and the Residential Tenancies Act. These laws ensure tenants are treated fairly and landlords provide reasonable accessibility accommodations. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is the official tribunal handling rental disputes in Manitoba.^[1]

What Counts as Discrimination?

In rental housing, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate based on protected grounds, such as:

• Age
• Race, colour, ethnic or national origin
• Disability
• Family status (including children)
• Religion or creed
• Sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation
• Marital status, source of income

This means landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or treat you differently because of these characteristics. It also means barriers that prevent full access for tenants with disabilities must be addressed where reasonable.

Accessibility: Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords have a duty to accommodate tenants with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Examples include installing grab bars, allowing service animals, or permitting necessary adaptive devices. Tenants should always communicate their needs clearly and in writing whenever possible.

Filing a Discrimination or Accessibility Complaint

If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination or believe your landlord has not accommodated your accessibility needs, you can:

• Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission (MHRC).
• File a complaint with the MHRC online or using their official form.
• For tenancy-related issues, consider the RTB if your case also involves rent, repairs, or eviction due to discrimination.

Official Forms: Manitoba Tenancy Discrimination and Accessibility

• MHRC Complaint Form (Form 1): Used for complaints about housing discrimination. Provide details, dates, and supporting information. Download and view the official MHRC Complaint Form. Example: If your landlord denies a request for a service animal, fill this form and submit it to MHRC.
• RTB Application for Resolution of Dispute: Use if your landlord fails to accommodate or retaliates, and the issue relates to your tenancy rights (like eviction or repairs). Download the RTB Application for Resolution of Dispute. Example: You’re facing eviction after requesting accessible modifications.

Always keep copies of your documents and communications as evidence. Consider reviewing Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for broader rental concerns.

Enforcement: What Happens After Filing a Complaint?

After you file a complaint, MHRC or the RTB will investigate, attempt mediation, and may conduct a hearing. If discrimination is found, possible outcomes include:

• Orders requiring the landlord to stop the discriminatory practice
• Accessibility improvements
• Compensation for lost housing or damages

Resolution timelines depend on the complexity of the case. Both agencies aim to resolve issues fairly and as quickly as possible.

Practical Steps for Tenants

• Document incidents with dates, details, and witnesses
• Communicate accommodation needs to your landlord in writing
• Seek support early from tenant organizations or legal clinics
• Keep records of all responses and forms submitted

Learn more about broader topics like Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand what landlords and tenants must do.

For those looking for a new, accessible home in Manitoba or anywhere nationwide, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme using advanced search filters for accessibility features.

For additional information on Manitoba tenancy law, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone with a disability in Manitoba?
   No, under The Human Rights Code, landlords cannot refuse tenants because of disability. They must also accommodate tenants’ needs, unless it creates undue hardship.
2. What if my landlord won’t allow a service animal?
   Refusing a service animal is discrimination. Tenants can file a complaint with the MHRC and may also use the RTB if their tenancy is affected.
3. What forms are needed to complain about discrimination?
   Use the MHRC Complaint Form (Form 1) for discrimination and the RTB Application for issues like eviction due to accommodation requests.
4. Does the law cover only physical disabilities?
   No. Manitoba's Code protects tenants with mental, physical, and other disabilities needing reasonable accommodation in housing.
5. If I’m evicted for asking for an accommodation, what should I do?
   File a complaint promptly with both the MHRC and the RTB and provide copies of all communications and notices received.

How To: Steps to File a Discrimination Complaint in Manitoba

1. How to file a discrimination complaint with the MHRC?
   Complete the Complaint Form (Form 1) found on the MHRC website, attach evidence (such as emails or letters), and submit by email, fax, or mail.
2. How to request accessibility accommodations from your landlord?
   Put your request in writing, provide medical or support documentation if needed, and follow up regularly for a response.
3. How to use the RTB Application if you’re facing retaliatory eviction?
   Download the RTB Application, check the box for discrimination, attach supporting records, and submit it in person or by mail to the RTB branch.
4. How to prove your discrimination case?
   Collect and organize all evidence: communication records, witness statements, and copies of forms submitted.

Key Takeaways

• Manitoba tenants are protected from discrimination under The Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Landlords must provide reasonable accessibility accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.
• Complaints can be made to both MHRC and the Residential Tenancies Branch, using official forms and keeping careful records.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Information, forms, and complaint support
• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: Tenancy dispute resolution, forms, guides
• Accessibility Support Manitoba: Housing support and accessible services

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1. Official tribunal: Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB)
2. Relevant legislation: Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba); The Human Rights Code (Manitoba)

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