Many tenants in Manitoba rely on personal support workers (PSWs) for daily care, but visits can raise questions about privacy, landlord entry, and tenant responsibilities. This guide explains what renters and tenants should expect when a PSW comes to a rental home, including permission, notice rules, documentation, and how to address concerns with a landlord or the Residential Tenancies Branch. It covers practical steps for keeping records, requesting reasonable accommodations, and using official forms if disputes arise. The language is plain and focused on Manitoba tenants who want to protect their health, safety, and privacy while receiving essential supports at home.
What Manitoba law says
Manitoba residential tenancy matters are handled by the Residential Tenancies Branch, which administers rules about entry, privacy, and dispute resolution for tenants and landlords[1]. The province's Residential Tenancies Act sets out when landlords can enter a rental unit and when a tenant's consent or reasonable accommodation applies[2]. If an agreement cannot be reached, tenants can use official RTB processes and forms to resolve disputes[3]. For general health and habitability considerations, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
When PSWs can visit
Personal support workers who provide care to a tenant generally visit at the tenant's invitation. Visits arranged by the tenant do not usually count as a landlord's entry, but there are related issues tenants should consider.
- PSW visits arranged by the tenant are allowed with the tenant's consent and do not require separate landlord permission.
- Landlords may still need to follow notice rules for inspections or repairs; these are separate from tenant-arranged care visits.
- PSWs commonly carry agency identification; tenants may choose what information to share while ensuring the PSW can provide safe care.
Privacy, documentation and reasonable accommodations
Tenants who need regular PSW visits can ask for reasonable accommodations under tenancy rules. Put requests in writing, explain the support needed, and keep copies of all communications. If a landlord raises concerns about liability, ask for specifics and document the response. For broader rights and local guidance, check Tenant's Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.
What to do if something goes wrong
- Document issues: keep messages, photos, and a dated log of visits, incidents, or changes requested by the landlord.
- Talk with the PSW agency and your landlord first and try to resolve concerns in writing so there is a record.
- If informal attempts fail, file an application for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch; attach your documentation and any correspondence.
FAQ
- Can my landlord refuse a personal support worker?
- Generally, a landlord should not prevent a tenant from receiving essential care provided by a PSW; if there is a specific safety or lease-based reason, discuss it and use the Residential Tenancies Branch to resolve disputes.
- Does a PSW need landlord permission to enter a rental unit?
- No—if the tenant invites a PSW, landlord permission is not usually required, though landlord entry for inspections or repairs still follows legal notice rules.
- How do I file a complaint about a PSW visit or landlord interference?
- Document the problem, try to resolve it with your landlord and PSW agency, and if that fails file an application for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch using the official forms.
How-To
- Talk with your PSW and landlord to agree on visit times, privacy expectations, and any building access needs.
- Keep a written log of visits, names of workers, and any incidents or communications related to the visits.
- If you cannot resolve the issue, complete the RTB application for dispute resolution and attach your documentation.
