If you’re a tenant in Alberta and have mental health needs, knowing your rights and your landlord’s obligations can help ensure a supportive housing experience. Both tenants and landlords are protected and guided by Alberta’s laws, which include provisions for accommodating disabilities—including those related to mental health. This article explains what you can expect, how to request help, and where to find resources for additional support.

Understanding Landlords’ Legal Responsibilities

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) and Alberta’s human rights legislation, landlords must not discriminate against tenants based on mental health disabilities. This includes:

• Providing reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including mental health conditions
• Addressing maintenance and safety issues promptly, since these can impact mental well-being
• Respecting tenant privacy and ensuring confidentiality regarding any disclosed conditions

Landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or treat tenants unfairly because of a tenant’s mental health needs. The Alberta Human Rights Act makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate in renting or when handling tenant concerns.^[1]

What Are Reasonable Accommodations?

Reasonable accommodations are changes or adjustments that help people with disabilities—including mental health disabilities—fully access and enjoy their housing. Some examples include:

• Allowing a support person or service animal (even if pets are otherwise not allowed)
• Flexible payment schedules if mental health affects income flow (with proper documentation)
• Permitting minor modifications like safety devices without penalty

To request an accommodation, tenants should clearly communicate what they need—ideally in writing—and may need to provide supporting documentation from a medical professional. Landlords must consider all requests fairly, but can refuse changes that would cause “undue hardship,” such as major structural renovations that are not feasible.^[2]

Addressing Health and Safety Concerns

Mental health conditions sometimes require specific living conditions, like improved air quality, pest-free environments, or secure doors. If your unit has health or safety problems, your landlord must address them promptly. For further details on these legal requirements, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Official Forms: Requesting Accommodation

While Alberta does not provide a specific "Reasonable Accommodation Request" form for residential tenancies, you can:

• Write a clear request in a letter or email to your landlord, stating your needs and including medical documentation if required
• If you feel your request is denied unfairly, you may contact the Alberta Human Rights Commission or apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

If a dispute arises, tenants or landlords may apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) to resolve the issue.^[3]

Keeping Your Rental and Lease Secure

Tenants with mental health needs sometimes worry about losing their home due to misunderstandings or illness-related situations. Both tenants and landlords must follow the rules of the tenancy agreement as well as Alberta law. Learn more about rights and mutual obligations with Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Finding the Right Rental for Your Needs

Looking to find a rental better suited to your needs or searching for accessibility features? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—use filters for pet-friendly units, accessible features, and more.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta provide a comprehensive overview of provincial protections, including for those with mental health concerns.

FAQ: Landlord Obligations for Tenants with Mental Health Needs in Alberta

1. Do I have to tell my landlord about my mental health condition?
   No, disclosure is your choice. However, if you need reasonable accommodations, you may have to provide enough information to support your request. Your information should be kept confidential by the landlord.
2. Can a landlord evict me because of my mental health disability?
   No, under the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act, it is illegal to evict (or treat unfairly) someone due to a mental health disability. The landlord must follow legal procedures for any eviction.^[1][2]
3. What if my landlord refuses a requested accommodation?
   If your landlord unreasonably denies your request for accommodation, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission or apply to the RTDRS to resolve the issue.
4. What counts as a reasonable accommodation?
   Reasonable accommodations can include service animals, modification requests, or payment plan adjustments. Landlords must consider requests unless it causes "undue hardship."
5. Where can I get support or file a complaint?
   You can contact tenant advocacy services, legal clinics, the Alberta Human Rights Commission, or apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Alberta must accommodate tenants with mental health needs unless it creates undue hardship.
• Tenants can request reasonable accommodation by clearly communicating their needs and providing documentation if required.
• Support and dispute resolution are available through the RTDRS and Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Understanding your rights helps you advocate for a safe and supportive home environment.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission – For discrimination complaints and resources
• RTDRS (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service) – Fast, affordable dispute resolution on tenancy matters
• Consumer Tips for Tenants (Service Alberta) – Alberta government info for tenants
• Local tenant advocacy organizations – e.g., Edmonton or Calgary legal clinics
• Mental health support via Mental Health Commission of Canada

---

1. Alberta Human Rights Act
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
3. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) - Government of Alberta

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy