If you are a tenant in New Brunswick living with a mental health condition or disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations in your rental home. These adjustments can help you live safely and comfortably, supporting your health and well-being. Understanding your rights as a tenant—and knowing how to take practical steps to get the accommodations you need—will set you up for success and help prevent disputes with your landlord.
What Are Reasonable Housing Accommodations?
Reasonable accommodations are changes to your living environment or rental policies that allow people with disabilities or mental health conditions to fully use and enjoy their home. These might include:
- Permission to keep a service animal, even if the building has a no-pet policy
- Allowing a support person to regularly visit
- Minor modifications to your unit (such as grab bars or smoke detector alarms for hearing impairment)
- Flexibility with certain rules, if they impact your ability to manage your health
New Brunswick’s law prohibits discrimination in housing due to mental or physical disability. As a tenant, you are protected by the Human Rights Act of New Brunswick and the Residential Tenancies Act.[1][2]
Who Can Request an Accommodation?
Any tenant who has a disability—this includes conditions affecting your mental health—can make a formal request. You do not need to disclose your entire diagnosis, but you may be asked to provide medical documentation showing (1) that you have a disability, and (2) the accommodation requested is related to your needs.
How to Request an Accommodation: Steps for Tenants
Making a request doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by being clear about your needs and communicating politely with your landlord. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Step 1: Identify your needs—What change would help you fully enjoy your home?
- Step 2: Prepare supporting documentation—A note or letter from a licensed medical professional explaining why the accommodation is necessary (they do not need to state your diagnosis unless you wish).
- Step 3: Make your request in writing—Include the facts, your specific request, and any attached medical documentation. Keep a copy for your records in case you need to show that you made the request later.
- Step 4: Allow your landlord reasonable time to respond—Landlords are required to accommodate unless it causes them "undue hardship" (such as major cost or serious safety problems).
- Step 5: If denied, contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission or Residential Tenancies Tribunal (see resources below).
Official Forms and Where to Find Them
While there is no specific government form for requesting accommodation in New Brunswick, you can make a written request by letter or by using the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission’s Complaint Form if you believe you have been denied your rights. This form is used to file a complaint if your landlord refuses to provide a required accommodation.
- Name: New Brunswick Human Rights Commission Complaint Form
- When to use: If your landlord refuses an accommodation, refuses to engage in discussion, or retaliates against you
- How to use: Fill out, attach documentation, and submit by mail or online as directed on the form
- Official link: Download the Complaint Form
What Landlords Can and Cannot Do
Landlords in New Brunswick cannot deny housing or evict you because of your mental health or disability. They cannot refuse your reasonable accommodation request unless it would cause them significant hardship ("undue hardship"). Common reasons for refusal include major costs or health and safety issues that cannot reasonably be resolved.
If an accommodation has an impact on health or safety for others, reasonable alternatives should be discussed. Your landlord may ask for more information, but cannot ask for information that is too private or unrelated to your accommodation.
If your accommodation involves a health or safety concern, you may also wish to read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for tips on maintaining safe rental housing.
What to Do If Problems Arise
If your landlord refuses your request, ignores it, or if you face retaliation (like eviction notices or harassment), you have options:
- Document all communication
- Seek advice from tenant support organizations (see resources below)
- File a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission or contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance
For more about overall tenant rights in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
It is also important for tenants to understand their ongoing responsibilities. You have the same obligations as other tenants regarding cleanliness, payment of rent, and respect for other tenants. For a refresher, you can review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Browse apartments for rent in Canada or Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need a new start with a different landlord or building.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my landlord ask for details about my disability?
They may ask for information to confirm that you have a disability or mental health condition, and how your request relates to it—but not your specific diagnosis or very private medical details. - Do I have to pay for modifications for accessibility?
Tenants often pay for minor modifications (like a grab bar) unless the landlord is required by law to provide them. Discuss costs and who is responsible with your landlord. - What if my landlord refuses to accommodate me?
You can file a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission or contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for dispute resolution. - Is my accommodation request confidential?
Yes. Information you provide should be kept confidential by your landlord. - Does my landlord have to allow a service or emotional support animal?
Generally, yes, even if there is a "no pets" policy, unless it causes undue hardship for the landlord or other tenants.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants in New Brunswick with mental health or disability-related needs have the right to reasonable accommodation in housing.
- Requests should be made in writing and supported by documentation if available.
- Official complaints can be filed if a landlord refuses without justification.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – Information and complaint process
- New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Application forms and dispute resolution
- Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick – Free support and guides for tenants
[1] New Brunswick Human Rights Act, S.N.B. 2011, c. 171
[2] Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick, R.S.N.B. 1973, c. R-10
