Mental-Health Support Options for Evicted Tenants in New Brunswick

Facing eviction can be deeply distressing—especially when you’re unsure where to turn for emotional support and practical help. In New Brunswick, recently evicted tenants have access to services and resources designed to help protect their mental health while rebuilding from the disruption. This article explores available support, relevant legal info, and practical action steps to guide you through this challenging time.

Why Mental Health Support Matters After Eviction

Eviction can trigger significant anxiety, stress, and feelings of uncertainty. It’s common for tenants to experience:

• Loss of stability and security
• Difficulty finding new housing quickly
• Anxiety about finances, belongings, and future plans
• Worry about personal safety or health, particularly if at risk of homelessness

If you feel overwhelmed after eviction, reaching out for mental-health support can help you regain a sense of control and cope with stress more effectively.

Important: Know Your Tenant Rights and Provincial Housing Resources

Understanding your rights and accessing trustworthy information can reduce anxiety. In New Brunswick, all residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The official authority that manages landlord-tenant relationships—including evictions—is the New Brunswick Office of the Rentalsman.¹

Relevant Form: Application for Review (Form 6)

• Name/Number: Application for Review of Order of Possession (Form 6)
• When Used: If you believe the eviction (Order of Possession) was not justified, submit this form to request a review
• How to Submit: Complete and file with the Office of the Rentalsman within 7 days of receiving the Order
• Download Form 6 (official site)

This process can pause enforcement of the eviction while your case is reviewed. If you’re concerned about how eviction affects your mental health and need extra time, this form may help delay displacement.

Emotional Wellness Strategies After Losing Your Home

While practical steps like finding housing or storing possessions are urgent, caring for your emotional health is equally important. Tenants often face these common challenges after eviction:

• Sleeping difficulties
• Feelings of shame, failure, or isolation
• Trouble focusing on tasks or decision-making
• Concerns about children or dependents

Small, practical actions can be helpful:

• Reach out to a supportive friend or family member—just talking can help
• Contact a provincial mental-health helpline (see below)
• Maintain daily routines where possible (regular meals, exercise, restful activities)
• Write down steps and priorities if feeling overwhelmed
• Keep records of your communications and paperwork with landlords or the Rentalsman

Professional Mental-Health and Community Services in New Brunswick

Several free and confidential services support individuals facing a sudden housing crisis:

• Chimo Helpline (1-800-667-5005): 24/7 phone support for distress, crisis, or mental-health concerns. Visit Chimo Helpline.
• Community Mental Health Centres: Free counselling and assessment services. Find your local centre by region.
• 211 New Brunswick: Call 2-1-1 or visit 211nb.ca for local supports (housing, food, legal help, mental health, crisis shelters).
• Canadian Mental Health Association – New Brunswick: Peer support, group programs, crisis help, and community referrals. CMHA New Brunswick site.

If the eviction has left you without a place to stay or in danger, emergency shelters can also connect you directly with social workers and mental-health crisis teams.

Legal and Practical Next Steps for Evicted Tenants

Finding new housing quickly—even temporary—can lower long-term stress. In addition to provincial resources, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings or local listings to locate safe, affordable options in your area.

Remember, your tenancy rights continue after an eviction regarding notice periods, reimbursed deposits, and property retrieval. Review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for a full overview of your rights. If you’re planning a move, Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit provides useful strategies on handling final steps and reducing stress.

Summary: Support Is Available

Being recently evicted is a traumatic experience, but you’re not alone. Community, government, and professional services are available throughout New Brunswick to support your mental wellbeing and help you get back on your feet. Take one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What mental-health helplines are available after eviction in New Brunswick?
   Chimo Helpline (1-800-667-5005) operates 24/7 for anyone in distress. You can also contact 211 New Brunswick for local mental-health and social services referrals.
2. Can I dispute my eviction if I think it’s unfair?
   Yes. File an Application for Review (Form 6) with the Office of the Rentalsman within 7 days of the Order of Possession to pause or overturn the eviction.
3. Are there free emotional support services for tenants facing homelessness?
   Yes—Community Mental Health Centres and the Canadian Mental Health Association (NB branch) offer free counselling and group support for housing-insecure tenants.
4. How can I find housing quickly after being evicted?
   Use local listings, call 211 New Brunswick, contact housing services, or Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.
5. What government body handles tenancy disputes in New Brunswick?
   The Office of the Rentalsman oversees tenant-landlord matters, including evictions, in New Brunswick.

Key Takeaways

• Mental-health support is available through helplines, counselling services, and community programs in New Brunswick.
• You can challenge an eviction notice using official forms and legal processes.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out for emotional support—it’s normal to need help during this transition.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rentalsman: Official site for rental disputes, forms, and tenant-landlord rights
• Chimo Helpline: 1-800-667-5005 | chimohelpline.ca
• 211 New Brunswick: Find urgent housing, food, and wellness supports at nb.211.ca or call 2-1-1
• Canadian Mental Health Association (NB): cmhanb.ca
• Read more about your rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick): Full text of the Act
2. Office of the Rentalsman: Provincial tenancy board information

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