Top 50 Questions on Discrimination & Accessibility for Manitoba Tenants

Discrimination & Accessibility Manitoba published June 26, 2025 Flag of Manitoba
What counts as discrimination in Manitoba rental housing?
Discrimination is treating someone unfairly based on protected characteristics like race, gender, disability, religion, or family status.
Which Manitoba law protects against housing discrimination?
The Manitoba Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination based on certain characteristics.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my race or ethnicity?
No, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because of your race, ethnic origin, or nationality.
Can landlords discriminate based on family status, like having children?
No, it is illegal for landlords to refuse tenants because they have children or for being pregnant.
What should I do if I face discrimination when applying for a rental?
You can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Can a landlord ask about my religion or religious practices?
No, landlords cannot ask about your religion or make decisions based on your beliefs.
What can I do if my landlord harasses me because of my disability?
You can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission and may also contact the Residential Tenancies Branch.
Do landlords have to make accessible changes to my unit for a disability?
Yes, landlords must reasonably accommodate disabilities unless it causes undue hardship.
What is "undue hardship" for a landlord when making accessibility changes?
Undue hardship means the accommodation is extremely difficult or expensive for the landlord to provide.
Can a landlord charge me for accessibility changes?
Usually, landlords must cover costs for accessibility modifications needed for reasonable accommodation.
What steps should I take to request an accommodation due to disability?
Make your request in writing, explain your needs, and provide medical documentation if asked.
Do I have to tell my landlord about my disability?
You only need to share enough information to support your accommodation request, not your diagnosis.
Who handles rental discrimination complaints in Manitoba?
The Manitoba Human Rights Commission handles discrimination complaints.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me for being on social assistance?
No, refusing to rent based on your source of income is prohibited under the Code.
Where can I get the Human Rights Complaint Form for Manitoba?
Download the "Discrimination Complaint Form" from the commission's website.
How do I submit a Human Rights complaint in Manitoba?
Fill out and submit the form online, or mail/fax it to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
You have one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint.
What does the Residential Tenancies Branch handle?
The Residential Tenancies Branch handles rent, repairs, deposits, and landlord-tenant disputes not related to discrimination.
Can a landlord evict me for asking for an accessibility accommodation?
No, it is illegal to retaliate against tenants for asserting their rights, including requests for accommodation.
Can a landlord ban service animals?
No, service and support animals are an accommodation for disabilities and cannot be banned.
What if rental ads say "no children" or "adults only"?
Such ads are a form of family status discrimination and are not allowed in Manitoba.
Can a landlord require a higher damage deposit because I have a disability?
No, landlords cannot charge more or impose special terms due to your disability.
Does the Manitoba Human Rights Code apply to all landlords?
Yes, all landlords in Manitoba must follow the Human Rights Code, with few exceptions.
What information can landlords ask about my disability?
They can ask for information about your accommodation needs but not your specific diagnosis.
Are emotional support animals protected in Manitoba rentals?
Emotional support animals are protected if needed for a disability; documentation may be required.
What if a landlord won't let me put in a ramp or grab bars?
Refusing reasonable accessibility modifications may be discrimination; file a complaint if needed.
Can a landlord deny my application because I am a newcomer or not a Canadian citizen?
No, this is protected under ancestry, national origin, and citizenship.
Can I be refused a rental because of my marital status, like being single or divorced?
No, marital and family status are protected grounds under the Code.
Is sexual orientation or gender identity protected in Manitoba housing?
Yes, both are protected under Manitoba’s Human Rights Code.
Can my landlord ask for a medical note for an accessibility request?
Yes, but only to confirm your need and type of accommodation, not your full medical history.
What if I feel unsafe because of tenant harassment related to discrimination?
Contact the Human Rights Commission and, if urgent, report to police or local authorities.
Can a landlord advertise or rent only to certain races or religions?
No, landlords must not limit rentals by race, religion, or other protected group.
If I win a discrimination case, what remedies could be ordered?
You may get compensation and/or require the landlord to provide accommodations or other orders.
Am I protected if the building is managed by a private owner or company?
Yes, Manitoba’s Human Rights Code applies to both private and public housing providers.
What if my landlord ignores my accommodation request?
Follow up in writing, and if there’s no response, contact the Human Rights Commission.
Does Manitoba rental law allow "adult only" buildings?
"Adult only" ads or policies are not permitted as they discriminate by family status.
Is the Residential Tenancies Branch involved in discrimination complaints?
They do not handle discrimination; contact the Human Rights Commission for those issues.
How can I prove discrimination by a landlord?
Gather evidence such as messages, ads, witnesses, and a timeline of events.
Are there exceptions to discrimination laws in Manitoba rentals?
Exemptions are rare and strictly defined in the law, e.g., buildings where the owner resides and shares accommodations.
Do I need a lawyer to file a human rights complaint?
No, you do not need a lawyer, but you may seek legal help if you wish.
Can a landlord restrict personal care aides or support workers?
No, that could be considered discrimination based on disability.
If repairs affect my accessibility, do I have rights?
Yes, landlords must maintain accessibility and accommodate while doing repairs.
What is the Manitoba law for rental rights and responsibilities?
The Residential Tenancies Act covers landlord and tenant rights, but discrimination falls under the Human Rights Code.
Can I be evicted for a disability-related reason?
No, landlords cannot evict you for reasons related to a protected ground like disability.
Do new buildings have to follow accessibility standards?
Yes, new constructions must meet current building code accessibility standards.
Can a landlord refuse air conditioning for medical reasons?
If medically required, you may request reasonable accommodation for ventilation or air conditioning.
Are LGBTQ2S+ persons protected in Manitoba rental housing?
Yes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are protected.
Can a landlord limit how many people live in a unit based on family composition?
Limits must be reasonable for safety but cannot discriminate by family status.
Where can I find official rental dispute forms in Manitoba?
Forms are available from the Residential Tenancies Branch.
What if the landlord denies requests for cultural or religious accommodations?
Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for religion; you can file a complaint if denied unreasonably.
Should I keep records if I experience discrimination?
Yes, document all incidents, correspondence, and supporting evidence.
Can my landlord limit visitors based on their identity?
No, limiting visitors by race, gender, disability, or other protected ground is not allowed.
Can a landlord refuse Indigenous tenants?
No, discrimination based on Indigenous ancestry or status is illegal in Manitoba.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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