Marital Status Discrimination in Manitoba Rentals

Being turned away from a rental or treated differently because of marital status is stressful and can affect your housing stability. This guide explains what marital status discrimination looks like for tenants in Manitoba, the laws that protect you, and practical steps to document incidents and pursue remedies through the Residential Tenancies Branch or the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. You’ll find examples of prohibited conduct, how to gather evidence, which official forms to use, timelines to watch, and where to get free help. The plain-language advice here is aimed at renters and tenants navigating applications, disputes, or notices and wanting clear next steps to protect their rights in Manitoba.

What laws protect you in Manitoba?

Marital status is a protected characteristic under the Manitoba Human Rights Code, and the Residential Tenancies Act covers many landlord and tenant obligations related to renting. If you believe a landlord or agent has treated you differently because you are married, single, separated, divorced or in a common-law relationship, you may have options under both tenancy and human-rights processes. For official contact and forms, see the provincial Residential Tenancies Branch and the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.^[1][2][3]

Examples of marital status discrimination

• Prohibit renting to married or common-law applicants without a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason.
• Demand single-applicant-only rental payments or different deposit requirements because of marital status.
• Offer different lease terms or occupancy rules based on whether an applicant is married or living with a partner.

What to do if you experience discrimination

1. Document the incident immediately: note dates, times, who was present and record the exact comments if possible.
2. Gather evidence such as screenshots of listings or messages, application records, photos of posted rules, or witness names.
3. Contact the landlord or property manager in writing to request clarification or to attempt resolution; keep a copy of every message.
4. If you cannot resolve it informally, file with the Residential Tenancies Branch or the Manitoba Human Rights Commission as appropriate.

Filing official complaints and forms

Two main official routes are commonly used:

• Residential Tenancies Branch application: use the Branch's application process to raise tenancy-related disputes such as differential treatment affecting access to housing or lease terms. For example, if a landlord refused to accept a joint application from you and your partner, file with the RTB to request a hearing and remedy.^[1]
• Manitoba Human Rights complaint form: use the Commission's complaint process when discrimination is based on a protected ground like marital status. For example, if an agent explicitly says "we don't rent to married couples," you can file a human rights complaint to seek investigation and resolution.^[2]

The Residential Tenancies Act sets out landlord and tenant obligations and can affect outcomes in RTB hearings, so review the Act before filing.^[3]

FAQ

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I am married?

No. Treating applicants differently because of marital status can be discrimination under the Manitoba Human Rights Code and may also raise issues under the Residential Tenancies Act depending on the situation.

Should I contact the landlord first or file a complaint right away?

Start with a written request for clarification to the landlord or property manager while preserving evidence; if that does not resolve the issue, proceed to file with the RTB or Human Rights Commission.

How long will a complaint process take?

Timelines vary: RTB scheduling and human rights investigations have different timelines, so act quickly to preserve evidence and meet any application deadlines.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: save messages, take screenshots of listings, record names of witnesses and keep copies of applications.
2. Send a clear written request to the landlord asking for explanation or correction and keep the response.
3. Decide the right route and submit the appropriate form to the RTB or Human Rights Commission with your supporting documents.
4. Prepare for any hearing or meeting by organizing evidence chronologically and noting deadlines for submissions or appearances.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Branch - Government of Manitoba
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch - Government of Manitoba
2. [2] Manitoba Human Rights Commission
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) - Consolidated Acts

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