Every renter in Alberta deserves safe and secure housing—both physically and mentally. Facing challenges like rent increases, eviction notices, or unaddressed repairs can affect your mental well-being. Knowing where to find community mental-health resources and understanding your rights as a tenant can make a major difference in your life and housing stability.

Mental Health Support Services Available to Alberta Renters

Alberta offers many free or low-cost mental-health services for renters in need of support. These resources can help you address stress, anxiety, or crisis situations related to your rental housing. Support is available whether you need someone to talk to, in-person counseling, or guidance during emergencies.

• Alberta Health Services (AHS) Mental Health Helpline: 24/7 confidential support; call 1‑877‑303‑2642 or visit AHS Mental Health Helpline.
• Distress Line—Edmonton and Northern Alberta: 24/7 emotional support at 780‑482‑HELP (4357). Learn more here.
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Alberta: Offers individual and group support, workshops, and housing resources. Find your local branch.
• 211 Alberta: Call or text 211 or visit 211 Alberta to access an up-to-date database of mental-health and housing support agencies.

These supports can guide you in managing stress from housing issues or connect you with specialized services if your mental health is impacting your tenancy.

How Mental Health and Tenancy Often Intersect

Mental wellness is closely linked to your housing situation. High stress, anxiety, or depression can be caused or made worse by uncertain housing, lack of repairs, or disputes with landlords. Similarly, untreated mental-health issues can make it challenging to pay rent or communicate with your landlord, sometimes putting your tenancy at risk. Alberta law protects your rights to safe and healthy housing, regardless of mental-health challenges.

For an overview of common issues and solutions, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Legal Rights and Protections for Tenants Facing Mental-Health Challenges

Under Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act, all renters are entitled to:

• A safe and habitable home
• Reasonable notice before eviction (except for emergencies)
• The right to express concerns about repairs or safety without fear of retaliation

It is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against you due to mental-health issues. Alberta Human Rights laws offer additional protections—if you believe you are facing discrimination, consider contacting the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

When to Contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

If your landlord is not addressing urgent repairs that affect your mental or physical well-being, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). The RTDRS can help resolve disputes quickly and informally outside the court system.

• Form to Use: Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 1)
• When to Use: If your landlord ignores repair requests, tries to evict you unfairly, or fails to provide proper notice, especially when it impacts your mental health or safety
• How to Submit: Download and fill out Form 1 – Application for Dispute Resolution and file it online, by mail, or in person via the RTDRS. Complete instructions are on the RTDRS official website

If safety or health is at risk (e.g., lack of heat in winter), you can also contact Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health at AHS Environmental Public Health.

Practical Steps for Tenants Experiencing Mental-Health Struggles in their Rental

If you are struggling, here are steps you can take:

• Talk to your landlord in writing as soon as possible about health/safety issues or needed repairs
• Document all interactions (emails, letters, texts) and take photos of any unsafe conditions
• Contact a mental-health support agency (see above) if you need help communicating or advocating for yourself
• Apply to the RTDRS if your basic health or safety needs aren’t being addressed
• Consider reaching out to legal clinics or tenant advocacy organizations in Alberta
• If immediate safety is threatened, contact emergency services at 911

Addressing concerns early helps protect both your mental health and your tenancy rights.

Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Home

Your landlord is legally required to provide a home that is safe, clean, and meets health standards. For a full guide on what issues could affect your well-being—such as mold, pests, or unsafe heating—see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. Never be afraid to raise safety or mental-health related concerns—your well-being is protected by Alberta law.

Need to find a new rental that better supports your well-being? Browse apartments for rent in Canada—including options for affordability or quiet living environments.

For a summary of rental rules and rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What mental-health resources are available for renters in Alberta?
   Alberta Health Services, CMHA Alberta, 211 Alberta, and regional crisis lines offer confidential and free or low-cost mental-health supports for renters throughout the province.
2. Can mental-health issues be a legal reason for eviction?
   No. Landlords cannot evict you solely due to mental-health conditions; doing so may be discrimination. Eviction must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act and proper procedures.
3. What should I do if my rental’s condition is affecting my mental health?
   First, request repairs in writing from your landlord. If nothing changes, contact Alberta Health Services or apply to the RTDRS using Form 1.
4. Are there organizations that help tenants access both housing and mental-health support?
   Yes. CMHA and 211 Alberta can connect you with combined rental and wellness supports, including help navigating applications or communicating with landlords.
5. Where can I get legal advice specific to tenancy and mental health?
   Contact a local legal clinic, Alberta’s RTDRS, or the Alberta Human Rights Commission for free guidance, depending on your situation.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Renters

• Free, confidential mental-health services are available to all Alberta tenants
• Your right to safe, livable housing is protected under Alberta law—regardless of mental-health status
• Support is available for both resolving rental problems and addressing personal mental wellness

Addressing concerns early and knowing your rights can help you maintain stable housing and peace of mind.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Fast dispute resolution between tenants and landlords
• Alberta Health Services and the Mental Health Helpline
• Canadian Mental Health Association — Alberta Division
• 211 Alberta: Housing, mental health, and social services
• Free legal clinics and tenant advice: Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA)

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1. For tenancy rights and disputes, see the Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
2. Dispute forms and procedures provided by the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
3. Mental-health service references: Alberta Health Services and Canadian Mental Health Association – Alberta
4. Anti-discrimination and human rights law: Alberta Human Rights Commission

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