Tenants often worry about what medical details a landlord can ask for and how to protect privacy while securing or keeping housing. In New Brunswick, renters may be asked for health or disability-related information when requesting an accommodation, seeking permission for a support animal, or when a landlord evaluates safety or tenancy decisions. This plain-language guide explains when a landlord can reasonably request medical information, which provincial privacy rules apply, practical steps tenants can take to respond, and how to file with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you believe your privacy was violated. It points to official forms and government resources so renters can act confidently and protect their rights in New Brunswick.
What landlords can ask — and what they should not
Landlords do have some right to verify facts related to tenancy, but collecting personal health information is strictly limited. Health information should only be requested when it is directly relevant to a tenancy decision or a needed accommodation.
- When you request a disability-related accommodation, a landlord may ask for limited information to verify that an accommodation is needed.
- When a support or service animal is requested, a landlord may ask for documentation that explains the need without asking for full medical records.
- When pursuing eviction for safety or illegal activity, landlords may collect evidence, but medical records unrelated to the safety issue are usually off limits.
What laws protect your medical information in New Brunswick
New Brunswick protects personal health information through provincial health privacy legislation and tenants can also use residential tenancies processes when a landlord misuses private information. If a landlord requests medical details, tenants can refer to the privacy rules and file complaints with the appropriate bodies or seek resolution through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal[1].
Practical steps for tenants when asked for medical records
- Ask what specific information the landlord needs and why, and request that they accept a limited verification letter from a health professional instead of full records.
- Provide the minimum documentation required for the accommodation (for example, a short letter confirming a diagnosis or functional limitation) rather than full medical files.
- Keep a dated record of all requests and communications with the landlord in case you need to file with the tribunal or a privacy office.
What to do if a landlord keeps or shares your medical information improperly
If you believe your health information was improperly obtained, kept, or disclosed, start by asking the landlord to delete or return unnecessary records and to confirm how they stored and used the information. If that does not resolve things, you can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for tenant remedies or pursue a privacy complaint under provincial health privacy rules[2].
How to prepare evidence before filing
- Collect dated copies of letters, emails, texts and any documentation the landlord requested or saved.
- Get a concise verification letter from your health provider if a landlord requires proof for an accommodation.
- Note witnesses and events (dates, times, what was said) to support your claim to the tribunal.
FAQ
- Can a landlord demand full medical records before renting?
- No. Landlords should not demand full medical records; they may request limited verification only when it is directly relevant to an accommodation or tenancy safety concern.
- What if I refuse to give medical details?
- You can offer a limited verification letter instead. If a landlord refuses tenancy solely because you wont provide full records, you may have grounds for filing with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
- Where do I file a complaint about misuse of health information?
- You can file with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for tenancy-related remedies and follow provincial health privacy complaint processes for personal health information issues[2].
How-To
- Document the request: save any message, email or written demand from the landlord.
- Respond in writing asking what specific information is needed and propose a limited verification letter from your health provider.
- If the landlord insists or discloses information, contact the tribunal or the provincial privacy office for next steps.
- If you pursue a tribunal application, prepare evidence and file the official Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (see resources below)[1].
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick)
- Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act (New Brunswick)
- Request access to personal health information (official form)
