Support Services for Manitoba Tenants with Mental Health Needs

Finding and maintaining stable housing can be particularly challenging for tenants living with mental health needs. In Manitoba, a variety of support services, legal rights, and advocacy resources exist to help you secure safe, affordable housing and navigate the challenges that can arise during your tenancy.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant with Mental Health Needs

If you are renting a home in Manitoba and live with a mental health condition, you are protected under provincial tenancy laws and human rights legislation. Discrimination based on mental health is not allowed. Landlords should provide reasonable accommodations to support your well-being, such as allowing support animals or flexibility with some rules, whenever possible.

For a comprehensive overview of your legal protections and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

The Official Tenancy Tribunal and Legislation

Residential tenancy issues in Manitoba are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). The RTB enforces the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba), which covers tenant and landlord responsibilities, maintenance, rent payments, and dispute resolution. If you face issues related to mental health and housing—such as accommodation requests or disputes—you may contact the RTB for guidance or to file a complaint.^[1]

Key Support Services for Tenants with Mental Health Needs

Many organizations in Manitoba offer practical assistance, housing supports, and advocacy for tenants living with mental health challenges. Here are the most important resources:

• Canadian Mental Health Association (Manitoba and Winnipeg) – Provides housing support programs, advocacy, and peer navigation for people living with mental health concerns. Learn about CMHA housing services.
• Manitoba Housing – Offers subsidized, supported, and social housing options. Tenants can apply for accessible housing and receive support with maintenance and tenant relations.
• Community Mental Health Workers – Can provide referrals to housing resources and support services, and help with tenant–landlord communication.
• Tenant Advocacy Organizations – Groups like the Right to Housing Coalition work to defend the rights of tenants and offer guidance around evictions, rental disputes, and discrimination.

Accessible Housing and Accommodations

If your mental health affects your daily living or ability to meet certain tenancy obligations, you can request reasonable accommodations from your landlord. Common accommodation requests include:

• Permission for a support animal even in "no pets" buildings
• Additional locks or modifications for safety and peace of mind
• Flexibility with apartment access or noise rules during treatment periods

Important Official Forms: When and How to Use Them

• Request for an Order of Possession (Form 8): If you are facing eviction due to behaviour linked to your mental health and want to dispute or delay the process, you can file this form.
  Example: A tenant faces eviction notices after behaviour linked to a mental health crisis. They submit Form 8 with details and supporting documents to request a hearing with RTB. Get Form 8 from the Residential Tenancies Branch.
• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 2): Use this if you believe your landlord has not met their duties, such as ignoring necessary repairs that compromise your mental health, or refusing legitimate accommodation requests.
  Example: A tenant’s request for a support animal is denied; Form 2 allows them to start formal resolution. Access Form 2 on the RTB forms page.

Tips for Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Home

Living with a mental health challenge can make routine maintenance, communication, and self-advocacy harder—but Manitoba law ensures you have the right to a safe, well-maintained home.

• If you have concerns about heating, mold, pests, or other health and safety issues, document your concerns and report them to your landlord. There are specific ways tenants can Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting to ensure your home is safe.
• If urgent repairs are not handled, you may also apply to the RTB for help. Support workers can help advocate on your behalf.

For tips on maintaining open communication with your landlord and understanding mutual obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Finding the Right Home for Your Needs

Manitoba has social and supported housing, but waiting lists can be long. Consider checking mainstream rental listings as well—Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to see what’s available in your area, or expand your search if you need special features like accessible building layouts or pet policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me because of my mental health diagnosis?
   No. Landlords cannot evict you simply because of a diagnosis. They may only pursue eviction for specific reasons as outlined in Manitoba law, and you are entitled to reasonable accommodations.
2. Where can I get help if I feel discriminated against as a tenant?
   You can contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or tenant advocacy organizations for support. You may also formally apply to the RTB if you believe your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act have been violated.
3. How do I request an accommodation for my mental health?
   Put your request in writing. Explain what accommodation you need and provide supporting documentation from a doctor or mental health professional. Keep records of all communications.
4. What should I do if repairs in my unit are affecting my mental well-being?
   Notify your landlord in writing and give them a reasonable amount of time to fix the issue. If repairs are not made, you can apply to the RTB for resolution using Form 2.
5. What support exists if I am at risk of losing my home because of a mental health crisis?
   Reach out immediately to your community mental health worker or organizations like CMHA Manitoba. They can help with crisis intervention and potentially connect you with housing supports or emergency shelters.

Key Takeaways

• Manitoba law protects tenants with mental health conditions from discrimination and ensures access to support services and accommodations.
• Official forms and the Residential Tenancies Branch provide structured ways to resolve disputes or request accommodations.
• Don’t hesitate to use tenant advocacy resources and provincial programs when you need support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Information, forms, and dispute resolution services
• Canadian Mental Health Association (Manitoba and Winnipeg) Housing Services
• Manitoba Housing
• Manitoba Human Rights Commission – For discrimination concerns
• Right to Housing Coalition

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1. Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba) and the Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)

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