Can my landlord evict me due to my mental health condition?

No. In Manitoba, landlords cannot legally evict tenants because of a mental health condition. If you receive an eviction notice, you can file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Branch.

How do I request reasonable accommodation for my mental health?

You can submit a written request outlining the accommodation you need and include documentation from a healthcare provider or support person if possible.

Where can renters outside Winnipeg access mental health support?

All Manitoba regions have local community mental health teams. Find contacts on the Manitoba Health website for your area.

What should I do if I am struggling to pay rent due to mental health?

Talk to your landlord early and seek help from mental health agencies or advocacy groups to arrange payment plans or mediation.

Who resolves landlord-tenant disputes in Manitoba?

The Residential Tenancies Branch handles applications, mediations, and hearings for rental disputes in Manitoba.

Mental Health Resources for Manitoba Renters: Tenant Support Guide

Mental Health & Tenancy Manitoba published: June 19, 2025

Finding safe and stable housing is essential to good mental health, and many renters in Manitoba face additional challenges related to stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. This guide outlines community mental health resources available to renters, explains your legal rights around mental health and tenancy, and provides practical steps for accessing support across the province.

Community Mental Health Services in Manitoba

Manitoba offers a variety of public and non-profit mental health resources designed for individuals living in rental housing. These services are confidential, affordable (often free), and accessible to all tenants.

Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line: 24/7 crisis support by phone at 1-877-435-7170.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Community Mental Health Program: Free support for adults, youth, and families by region. Find your regional mental health contact.
Manitoba Schizophrenia Society: Offers supportive counseling, peer groups, and housing navigation. Learn more here.
Canadian Mental Health Association – Manitoba and Winnipeg: Free workshops, counseling, advocacy and tenant support. Access services here.
Klinic Community Health: Crisis counseling and mental health walk-in services for Winnipeg tenants. See Klinic's support options.

Many of these programs will help you connect to affordable housing supports or advocate on your behalf if your mental health is affecting your tenancy.

Your Tenancy Rights and Mental Health

As a Manitoba renter, your mental health is protected under both housing law and provincial human rights legislation. Landlords cannot evict you or refuse reasonable accommodation because of a mental health condition. If your illness impacts your ability to pay rent or care for your unit temporarily, there may be options to protect your housing.

The main law governing rental housing in Manitoba is the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)^[1]. Issues such as rent, eviction, and maintenance fall under the jurisdiction of the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB).

Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities (including mental health conditions) as per Manitoba Human Rights Code.
If you need a service animal or mental health-related change to your living environment, you can request accommodation in writing from your landlord.
Eviction or harassment due to mental health is illegal and can be challenged at the RTB.

For an overview of tenant and landlord rights in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

How to Address a Mental Health Crisis in Your Rental

If you or someone in your home is experiencing a crisis impacting your tenancy, reach out to a crisis line immediately (such as the Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line above). Manitoba's mental health teams can also coordinate with landlords if safety or tenancy is at risk, and may prevent sudden eviction due to temporary illness.

Forms and Actions: Protecting Your Tenancy

When mental health affects your ability to meet tenancy obligations, it's important to communicate proactively with your landlord and consider the following steps:

Submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodation (no official RTB form; a written letter is usually sufficient).
If your landlord issues an eviction notice or does not respond, you may file a Tenant Application (Form RTB-1) with the Residential Tenancies Branch to challenge the eviction or request intervention. Access Form RTB-1 here.

Example: If you are served an eviction notice due to behaviour linked to a mental health condition, you can use Form RTB-1 to request a hearing at the RTB and provide medical or advocacy documentation to explain your circumstances.

Health, Safety, and Mental Wellbeing

A safe home is essential for mental health recovery. Problems such as pests, mould, or repeated repairs can undermine a tenant's wellbeing. If you are struggling with housing issues that impact your mental or physical health, learn about your rights under Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Common Rental Issues Faced by Tenants with Mental Health Needs

Difficulty maintaining payment schedules or negotiating rent arrears.
Challenges during Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them such as landlord misunderstandings.
Feeling overwhelmed by paperwork or hearing notices from the landlord.
Suffering housing discrimination or privacy violations.

Community agencies can help you communicate and advocate with your landlord or through the RTB.

Tip: If you struggle to keep up with notices or paperwork because of your health, ask a mental health worker or tenant advocate to help you organize documents, respond to your landlord, or file RTB forms.

If you’re searching for new housing or supportive accommodations, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for the latest vacancies and affordable listings.

FAQ

Can my landlord evict me due to my mental health condition?
No, landlords cannot legally evict a tenant for having a mental health condition. If an eviction notice is served, you have the right to appeal to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
How do I request reasonable accommodation for my mental health needs?
Submit a written request (explaining what you need and why) to your landlord. You may include documentation from a healthcare provider or advocate.
What mental health supports are available for renters outside Winnipeg?
Each Manitoba region has community mental health teams. You can contact your local office via regional mental health contacts.
What can I do if my mental health prevents me from paying rent on time?
Communicate with your landlord as early as possible. Community agencies and advocacy groups may be able to offer mediation or help you arrange a payment plan.
Who handles complaints or applications about rental disputes in Manitoba?
The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) is responsible for residential tenancy disputes, including those involving mental health issues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Manitoba Renters

Manitoba renters have the right to mental health accommodations and cannot be evicted for disability.
Numerous free, confidential community resources are available province-wide.
Communicating with both your landlord and mental health supports early can help protect your housing and wellbeing.

Being proactive and informed can make a significant positive difference in maintaining stable, healthy housing as a renter with mental health needs.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) Manitoba: File applications, complaints, and get information on tenant rights.
Canadian Mental Health Association – Manitoba and Winnipeg: Mental health crisis and housing advocacy support.
Regional Community Mental Health Contacts: Connect to services in your local area.
For detailed guidance on your legal rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.