Tenant Protection from Immigration Status Discrimination in Manitoba

If you are a tenant or looking for a roommate situation in Manitoba, understanding your rights around immigration status is essential to protect yourself from unfair treatment. Discrimination based on immigration status is a real concern, especially in shared housing or rental markets with high competition. This article will help you identify and respond to such discrimination, and guide you through your options under Manitoba law.

What Is Immigration Status Discrimination in Housing?

Discrimination based on immigration status happens when a landlord or potential roommate treats you unfairly because you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This may include:

• Denying you the opportunity to rent a room or apartment because of your visa type or newcomer status
• Requesting extra deposits or rent in advance due to your immigration status
• Imposing different rules or less favourable terms on you compared to other tenants

In Manitoba, discrimination is prohibited under The Human Rights Code and supported by rules set in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1].

Your Rights as a Tenant in Manitoba

All tenants in Manitoba—including those in shared living or roommate situations—are entitled to equal treatment. The Manitoba Human Rights Code protects against discrimination in rental applications, leases, and during tenancy, including on the basis of nationality, citizenship, and source of income. Landlords and roommates cannot ask for information about your immigration status unless it’s necessary to verify your right to occupy the rental for the agreed term.

You can learn more about provincial rules, rights, and protections in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Types of Discrimination in Shared Housing

• Refusing to rent or sublet a room because you are an international student or temporary worker
• Charging higher rent or deposits to newcomers
• Insisting you provide documents not required from other tenants (e.g., work permits, visitor visas)

What Can You Do If You Experience Discrimination?

If you believe you have been discriminated against in a roommate situation because of your immigration status, you have options:

• Document the incident: Keep emails, messages, or notes of conversations
• Contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission to file a complaint (MHRC official website)
• Report issues related to your tenancy agreement or landlord conduct to the Residential Tenancies Branch (official site)

The Manitoba Human Rights Commission investigates discrimination complaints and can order remedies if discrimination is found. The Residential Tenancies Branch resolves rental disputes and upholds tenant rights.

Key Manitoba Government Forms

• Human Rights Complaint Form (Form C-2): Use when filing a discrimination complaint. Download and submit the complaint online or by mail. For example, if a roommate ad refuses "non-citizens" and you are turned away, you could submit this form.
• Application for Resolution of Issues Form (Residential Tenancies Branch): When there’s a rental dispute related to unfair treatment, visit the official forms page to file a request for an investigation or dispute resolution.

Be sure to include as much detail as possible. For step-by-step instructions, see below.

Roommates, Subletting, and Rental Agreements: What to Watch For

Even in shared housing, your rights are protected under the law. If you are part of a rental agreement or subletting arrangement, all tenants must be treated fairly. Landlords and existing roommates cannot single you out due to your immigration status. For more on your rights and responsibilities throughout your tenancy, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Understanding your legal relationship can also help if things go wrong—for example, if you’re unfairly asked to move out. Always keep a copy of your lease or roommate agreement for your records.

Extra Tips for Newcomers and International Tenants

• Never pay extra deposits or higher rent based only on your immigration status
• If a landlord or roommate threatens eviction or unequal terms, document the issue and seek help
• You have the right to safe, fair housing like all tenants in Manitoba
• Browse apartments for rent in Canada to compare fair market rates and avoid scams

FAQ: Discrimination and Tenant Rights in Manitoba

1. Can a landlord or roommate refuse to rent to me because I’m not a permanent resident?
   No. It is illegal for landlords or roommates to reject you based solely on your immigration status or nationality under the Manitoba Human Rights Code.
2. What do I need to include when filing a discrimination complaint?
   You should include proof of the discrimination (like emails or texts), your contact details, and a detailed description of what happened. Use the Human Rights Complaint Form from the Manitoba Human Rights Commission’s website.
3. Where do I report discrimination by a potential roommate or landlord?
   File your complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or, in tenancy matters, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch.
4. Are landlords allowed to ask for extra deposits from immigrants?
   No. Landlords cannot require higher deposits or rent from you based on your immigration or citizenship status. Deposits must follow legal guidelines set out under the Residential Tenancies Act.
5. How can I learn more about my rental rights in Manitoba?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for a provincial overview.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Discrimination based on immigration status is illegal in Manitoba, even in roommate situations
• There are clear government bodies and complaint forms to protect your rights
• Document any incidents and reach out for help if you feel you have been treated unfairly
• Stay informed by reading guides like Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Human Rights Commission (MHRC): File discrimination complaints and get advice
• Residential Tenancies Branch: Resolve disputes and understand tenancy rights
• Manitoba Tenants’ Rights Phone Line: 1-800-782-8403
• Settlement services for newcomers (for support in multiple languages)
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings – browse or search apartments safely
• For all provincial tenant rights info, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba

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1. The Human Rights Code: Full text
2. Residential Tenancies Act (RTA): View official legislation
3. Residential Tenancies Branch: Tribunal and resources
4. Manitoba Human Rights Commission: Submit a complaint or learn more

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