Occupational Therapy & Unit Modifications in Manitoba

If you are a tenant or renter in Manitoba needing unit modifications for mobility, mental health supports, or daily living, this guide explains how occupational therapy (OT) assessments work, what to ask your landlord, and the practical steps to request and document modifications. It covers typical adaptations (ramps, grab bars, door widening), how OT reports support accommodation requests, and how Manitobas Residential Tenancies Branch and provincial laws may become involved when parties cannot agree. The language is plain so you can follow timelines, understand required forms and gather clear evidence to protect your housing while meeting health and safety needs.

What is a unit modification and when is it needed?

Unit modifications are physical or procedural changes made to a rental home to improve accessibility or support health needs. Examples include installing grab bars, lowering counters, widening doorways, adding visual fire alarms, or adjusting locks and thresholds. An occupational therapist evaluates mobility, daily activities and safety, and writes a report recommending specific changes to help a tenant live independently.

How to request modifications in Manitoba

Start by getting a clear, written OT recommendation. Present the written recommendations to your landlord and discuss options: the landlord may agree to make the change, may allow you to install a reversible modification yourself, or may propose a shared solution. If safety or habitability issues are involved, document them and refer to the official tenancy resources below for timelines and complaint options.^[1]

• Get a written OT assessment describing the modification, why its needed, and any alternatives.
• Contact your landlord in writing, attach the OT report, and propose a reasonable plan and timetable.
• Discuss who will pay, who will install, and whether permits or contractors are required.
• Keep clear records: written requests, receipts, photos and correspondence can be important if a dispute arises.

If the landlord refuses or delays unreasonably, you can seek assistance through Manitobas Residential Tenancies Branch or consider filing an application for dispute resolution. The Branch handles residential tenancy disputes and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act where applicable.^[1] For legal standards about accommodation and human rights, you may also need to consider Manitobas human rights processes if discrimination is suspected.^[2]

Practical points about payment, restoration and permits

Who pays depends on negotiation, cost, and whether the change is a reasonable accommodation under human rights law. Common approaches include the landlord paying, the tenant paying with the landlord agreeing to add the cost as a one-time rent adjustment, or the tenant making reversible changes at their own expense. If a modification requires a building permit or affects shared systems (heating, plumbing, electrical), get the landlords written consent and ensure a licensed contractor performs the work. Keep invoices and before-and-after photos to document the condition and any restoration requirements at move-out.

FAQ

Do I need an occupational therapists report to request a modification?

No single document is mandatory, but an OT report is persuasive because it explains the tenants functional needs, specific modifications, and safety rationale. Landlords often accept these reports in negotiations.

Can a landlord refuse to pay for modifications?

Yes, a landlord can refuse; however, refusal may trigger dispute processes under provincial tenancy rules or human rights law if the tenant requires accommodation for a disability. Seeking mediation or filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Branch is an option if parties cannot agree.^[1]

What forms or applications should tenants know about?

Tenants may use the Residential Tenancies Branch forms to apply for dispute resolution if negotiations fail. Keep detailed evidence: the OT report, dated requests to the landlord, invoices, receipts and photos to support your application.^[3]

How-To

1. Obtain an occupational therapy assessment detailing recommended modifications and why each is necessary.
2. Contact your landlord in writing, attach the OT report, and propose practical options and a timeline.
3. Arrange quotes from licensed contractors and check whether permits are required; share these with the landlord.
4. Agree on who pays and how the work will be done; get written consent if the tenant will install changes themselves.
5. If you cannot reach agreement, file an application for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch and include all supporting evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Branch, Manitoba
• Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
• Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch, Government of Manitoba
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Branch: Forms and Guides

Additional resources and housing searches: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme. For tenant rights in Manitoba see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba and for safety topics consult Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.