Accessible Housing and Disability Rights in New Brunswick

Renters with disabilities in New Brunswick have specific rights to accessible housing and reasonable accommodation under provincial and human rights laws. This guide explains what tenants can reasonably ask for, how to request modifications or supports, and what steps to take if a landlord refuses or delays. You’ll learn how to document requests, which official forms and tribunals to use, and practical tips for safety and habitability concerns. It also explains timelines, evidence to collect, and when to contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission or the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Use this information to protect your housing stability and to approach accommodation conversations with clear, supported requests.

Rights and legal framework

Human rights and the duty to accommodate

Under New Brunswick law, people with disabilities are protected from discrimination and landlords have a duty to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship. A reasonable accommodation might include installing grab bars, allowing a support animal, or adjusting a lease clause to permit in-home care. When asking for changes, describe the disability-related need, the specific change requested, and how it helps you use the rental safely and independently. For help with discrimination or accommodation claims, contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission New Brunswick Human Rights Commission^[1].

Residential tenancy rules and the Tribunal

Housing standards and dispute resolution for most private rentals in New Brunswick are handled through provincial tenancy rules and a tribunal process for disagreements about eviction, repairs, or habitability. If a landlord will not negotiate or an agreement cannot be reached, tenants can file an application with the tribunal. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal provides hearings and orders to resolve tenancy disputes and enforce rights in residential tenancies Residential Tenancies Tribunal^[2].

Making an accommodation request

Make accommodation requests in writing so you have a record. Be concise and factual: identify the disability-related barrier, the accommodation you are requesting, and whether you can pay for modifications or need the landlord to do so. Offer to discuss reasonable alternatives and include supporting documentation if available.

• Write a dated, signed accommodation request and keep a copy.
• Attach any medical or support letters that explain functional limitations if you are comfortable sharing them.
• Follow up by phone and then confirm any verbal conversation in writing.
• If the accommodation requires modification, discuss who will complete and pay for the work.

When a landlord says no

If a landlord refuses an accommodation, ask them to provide reasons in writing. Consider proposing less intrusive alternatives. If the refusal appears discriminatory or unreasonable, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal depending on the issue.

• Note any timelines the landlord gives and keep copies of dates and correspondence.
• Keep photos or receipts if the dispute involves repairs or modifications.
• If needed, file with the tribunal to request an order for repairs or a negotiated solution.

Accommodations that commonly come up

Common accommodation requests include permission for a support animal, changes to unit entry or layout to improve accessibility, grab bars, ramps, accessible parking, or allowing additional home-care visits. Landlords may lawfully require documentation in some cases, but they cannot demand unnecessary medical details.

• Support animals: explain the disability-related need and provide supporting documentation where appropriate.
• Entry and privacy adjustments: arrange mutually acceptable times for assessments or work to protect privacy.
• Physical modifications: discuss permits, who will perform the work, and restoration expectations.

FAQ

What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change to rules, policies, practices or the built environment that allows a person with a disability to access and use the rental unit; it must be reasonable and not cause undue hardship.

Can a landlord require proof of disability?

Landlords can request enough information to establish a disability-related need, such as a letter from a health professional, but they must respect privacy and cannot require unnecessary medical details.

Where do I file if a landlord refuses an accommodation?

You can contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission for discrimination issues or apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for tenancy-related remedies such as repairs or orders.

How-To

1. Draft a clear, dated accommodation request that states the change you need and why.
2. Gather supporting evidence such as a clinician letter, photos of barriers, or quotes for modifications.
3. Send the request to your landlord and keep proof of delivery (email, registered mail receipt, or hand-delivered note).
4. Wait for a reasonable response and note any deadlines; if the landlord does not respond, follow up in writing.
5. If needed, file with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or contact the Human Rights Commission for discrimination complaints.

Key Takeaways

• Ask for accommodations in writing and keep dated copies.
• Collect evidence and document every conversation and decision.
• Use the Human Rights Commission or Residential Tenancies Tribunal if negotiations fail.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal
• Contact: New Brunswick Human Rights Commission
• Residential Tenancies legislation and government legal resources

1. [1] New Brunswick Human Rights Commission
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal
3. [3] New Brunswick statutes and regulations