Requesting Reasonable Housing Accommodations in Manitoba

Understanding your right to a safe and accessible home is essential—especially if you have a mental health disability. In Manitoba, tenants are protected under both provincial law and human rights legislation, empowering you to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord when needed. This guide walks you through how to make these requests, what forms to use, and your rights along the way.

Your Right to Reasonable Accommodations in Manitoba

Reasonable housing accommodations are changes, adjustments, or modifications to your living space or tenancy rules that help you use and enjoy your home like anyone else. Manitoba law recognizes mental health as a protected ground, so you may have the right to accommodations if you experience mental illness, anxiety, PTSD, or similar conditions.

• Examples of accommodations: allowing a support animal, installing extra locks, adjusting communication methods for notices, or providing extra notice before landlord entry.
• Landlords must comply unless the accommodation causes them undue hardship (such as significant cost or safety concerns).

Manitoba Legislation and Resources

In Manitoba, your tenancy rights—including accommodations—are governed primarily by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)¹ and the Human Rights Code². The provincial Residential Tenancies Branch is your main tribunal for housing issues, including accommodation disputes.

For a summary of key tenant protections in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation

Making your request in writing is the best way to ensure your needs are clearly communicated and officially documented. Here’s how tenants in Manitoba should proceed:

Step 1: Prepare Your Request

• Write a letter or email outlining your request, explaining how your mental health is affected and why the accommodation is needed.
• Include supporting documentation from a healthcare provider if you feel comfortable (for example, a doctor stating you require a support animal or specific changes).
• Be as specific as possible about what you need, and suggest possible solutions.
• You do not have to disclose your diagnosis—just enough information to explain your request.

Step 2: Use the Official Form if Needed

While you can generally submit your request in writing, the Manitoba Human Rights Commission provides a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form. This form can be used if your landlord asks for it or if you wish to formalize your request:

• Name: Accommodation Request Form (no official code)
• Usage: Tenants complete this form to detail the nature of their accommodation request and provide supporting documents.
• Where to find it: Request Form (PDF) via Manitoba Human Rights Commission
• Example: Maria, who has anxiety and requires a companion animal, fills out the form and attaches a letter from her therapist.

Step 3: Submit to Your Landlord

• Send your written request or completed form to your landlord by email, hand-delivery, or regular mail. Keep a copy for your records.
• If you receive a written refusal, or no response after a reasonable time (often 14 days), move to the next step.

Step 4: Filing a Dispute

If your landlord denies a reasonable request without a valid reason, you may:

• Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission to file a complaint alleging discrimination.
• Apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for support if the situation involves other tenancy rights or disputes.
• Document all communications with your landlord as evidence.

For issues that overlap with maintenance or health concerns, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Your Obligations as a Tenant

While landlords must consider your accommodation request, tenants remain responsible for paying rent, caring for the unit, and following reasonable rules. Both parties have rights and responsibilities under Manitoba’s laws—learn more at Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

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FAQ: Requesting Accommodations in Manitoba Rentals

1. Can my landlord ask for medical details about my disability?
   Landlords can ask for enough information to understand your need for accommodation but cannot demand a specific diagnosis or confidential medical records. A simple note from a care provider stating you need the accommodation is usually enough.
2. What if my landlord refuses my request?
   If your landlord refuses without valid reason or does not respond, you may file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or seek help from the Residential Tenancies Branch.
3. Can I make changes to my unit for accessibility?
   You can ask for permission to make modifications at your own expense, such as install grab bars or visual alarms. Landlords must allow reasonable alterations provided the unit is restored at move-out (except where prohibited by law or building safety codes).
4. Does a request for accommodation protect me from eviction?
   Requesting accommodation does not prevent lawful eviction if you break the lease for reasons unrelated to your disability. However, landlords cannot evict solely because you requested an accommodation.
5. Do I have to use the official accommodation request form?
   No, you may request in writing via email or letter, but using the form provided by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission can make your case clearer and more formal.

Key Takeaways

• Manitoba tenants have the right to request reasonable accommodations for mental health needs under both provincial tenancy law and human rights legislation.
• Requests should be in writing, with supporting medical info if available. Use the official accommodation request form to keep things clear and formal.
• If denied, contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or Residential Tenancies Branch for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB): For tenancy rights, disputes, and complaint forms. Phone: 1-800-782-8403
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Inquiries and complaints regarding discrimination or failure to accommodate. Phone: 1-888-884-8681
• Manitoba Housing: Public housing and housing support for low-income tenants
• For more about your provincial protections, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

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

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