Community Mental‑Health Resources for Renters in New Brunswick

Living in a rental home and maintaining good mental health can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you're facing housing stress, repairs, or uncertainty. In New Brunswick, tenants are protected both under the law and through a range of community mental-health resources. Accessing these services can help you maintain your personal wellness and navigate your rights as a renter.

Mental Health and Housing: Why Supports Matter for Tenants

Safe, affordable housing is closely connected to our well-being. Tenants worried about rent increases, landlord disputes, or uncertain living conditions may experience increased stress or anxiety. Community mental-health support can help address these challenges while empowering tenants to advocate for safe and healthy homes.

Key Community Mental‑Health Resources for Renters in New Brunswick

Several local and provincial programs offer support for mental health, housing security, or both. These services are confidential and free or low-cost for most residents.

• Canadian Mental Health Association New Brunswick (CMHA-NB): Offers peer support, housing outreach, education, and crisis intervention. Visit CMHA-NB
• Chimo Helpline: A 24/7 crisis line available to all New Brunswickers at 1-800-667-5005. Provides direct access to trained counselors for both mental health and housing crises. Learn more about Chimo Helpline
• Regional Health Authorities (Horizon & Vitalité): Each region has Mental Health Centres providing intake, counseling, and referrals. Contact details can be found on the NB Health website.
• Social Development – Housing Services: Helps with applications for rent supplements, affordable housing, and emergency accommodation. Access NB Housing Services

These programs can help you manage stress, connect with supports, and address housing challenges.

Understanding Your Rights: Tenant Protection and Mental Health

Tenants in New Brunswick have legal protections that are especially important if you are seeking accommodation for a mental-health condition. The Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick guarantees every renter the right to a safe, healthy home and outlines what your landlord can and cannot do.

• If your mental-health needs require changes to your living space, you can request a "reasonable accommodation" from your landlord. This could include things like installing safety features or allowing a support animal.
• If you experience discrimination or a landlord refuses needed changes, you may contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission for help.
• Tenants also have the right to live free from harassment or unsafe conditions. Mental-health impacts from poor housing (like mold or pests) are included in your right to a healthy rental.

For a full overview of what tenants and landlords must do, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Access Mental Health Supports as a Tenant

If you feel housing stress is impacting your mental health, reach out to one of the community mental-health resources listed above. A caseworker or peer support worker can connect you with counseling, tenancy advocacy, or emergency housing options in your area.

Tenants who are struggling don't have to do it alone—support services can help with both wellness and rental issues, including guidance on communicating with your landlord.

Dealing with Housing-Related Mental Health Issues

Concerns about repairs, safety, or harassment can worsen mental health. If you feel your living conditions are unsafe or negatively affecting your health, take these steps:

• Document problems (photos, written notes, copies of communications)
• Notify your landlord in writing about repairs needed or unsafe conditions
• If the situation is not fixed, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for intervention
• Access counseling or peer support if housing stress is impacting your well-being

You can learn more about your rights and common issues at Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Filing a Complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick handles complaints and disputes between tenants and landlords. The Tribunal also administers official forms used to report problems, request repairs, or resolve tenancy concerns.

• Form 6 – Tenant's Application for Assistance: Use this form if you need the Tribunal to resolve a dispute, such as lack of repairs or unsafe conditions affecting your mental health. Available on the NB Tribunal site.
• Form 9 – Notice of Termination: If you must end your tenancy early due to health reasons, use Form 9 and submit it with medical documentation if needed. Download from the official source.

The Tribunal’s role is to ensure fairness and legal protections for both sides in disputes, with free access for tenants.

Key Legislation for Tenants' Mental Health & Housing

Legal protections for renters are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick. This law covers your rights to safe housing, privacy, timely repairs, and freedom from discrimination^[1].

To learn more about these protections, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick page.

Rental Listings and Finding a Better Fit

If your current living situation negatively impacts your mental health, searching for a more suitable home can be a positive step. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find apartments, condos, and homes across New Brunswick and the rest of Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health and Tenancy in New Brunswick

1. Can I ask my landlord for changes to my apartment because of my mental health?
   Yes. You have the right to seek reasonable accommodations from your landlord, like special safety features or a support animal, if you have a mental health condition.
2. Where can I find free mental health support as a tenant?
   CMHA-NB, Chimo Helpline, and local health centres all offer free or confidential support to New Brunswick renters.
3. What should I do if my rental is affecting my mental health?
   Speak to your landlord in writing about your concerns. If unresolved, contact local supports and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to report issues affecting your health and safety.
4. If I have to leave my rental early for health reasons, what do I do?
   Use Form 9 (Notice of Termination) and include medical documentation. Submit the form to your landlord and the Tribunal.
5. Will asking for a mental health accommodation affect my tenancy rights?
   No. Landlords are required by law to accommodate tenants up to the point of undue hardship, and you cannot be evicted for making a legitimate request.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Tenants in New Brunswick are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act and human rights law.
• Free resources are available to support your mental health and help solve rental issues.
• Know your rights—support is available from local organizations, the Tribunal, and housing services.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Dispute resolution and rental rights info. Visit the Tribunal
• Canadian Mental Health Association NB: Peer support, advocacy, and programs. Contact CMHA-NB
• Chimo Helpline: 24/7 mental health and housing crisis support. 1-800-667-5005
• NB Housing Services – Social Development: Help with rent, repairs, and emergency housing. Get housing help

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^[1] Read the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick

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