Supporting Roommates with Mental Health Needs in New Brunswick

Living with roommates in New Brunswick can be rewarding, but it may present unique challenges if a roommate is facing mental health difficulties. Understanding your responsibilities, rights, and the best ways to offer support can help promote a safe and respectful home environment for everyone. This guide provides actionable advice grounded in provincial tenancy law and current health best practices.

Understanding Mental Health and Tenancy in New Brunswick

Mental health problems can affect anyone—and sometimes, a roommate may show signs of anxiety, depression, or other challenges that impact living arrangements. New Brunswick tenants are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act[1]. This legislation covers your rights and obligations, including how health and safety concerns must be addressed in rental properties.

If you're living with roommates and notice worrisome behaviour, it's important to act compassionately and responsibly, while also protecting your own well-being and respecting everyone’s rights under the law.

Keep communication open and non-judgmental. Privacy is important—never share mental health information about your roommate without their consent unless someone is at immediate risk.

Common Challenges Tenants Face

Mental health issues may sometimes lead to conflicts about:

  • Noise, cleanliness, or use of shared spaces
  • Payment of rent and bills
  • Emergency or crisis situations

For practical tips and solutions for these situations, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords in New Brunswick have legal duties to maintain safe living environments. If mental health issues lead to behaviour that threatens health or safety, there may be grounds for action—such as raising the concern with your landlord or with Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick resources.

  • Treat all roommates with dignity; discrimination due to mental health is not permitted under Canadian human rights law.
  • Tenants must still meet the terms of the lease, including paying rent and maintaining the premises.
  • If your safety is at risk, contact local emergency services immediately.

Forms and Procedures: Managing Rental Problems

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick (Residential Tenancies Tribunal) handles all residential tenancy disputes in the province.

  • Application for Assistance (RTI Form A)
    • Use: If you and your landlord (or co-tenants) cannot resolve a dispute related to tenancy, including health, safety, or conduct issues.
    • How to File: Download the form from the official government site, describe the issue, and submit it to the Tribunal with any supporting documents.
  • Notice of Termination (RTI Form 6)
    • Use: When ending a tenancy due to serious problems, such as threats to health or safety, either as a landlord or a tenant. Filing this form can help if an issue cannot be resolved amicably within the household.
    • How to File: Access the form via the official government link and follow the steps outlined based on your situation.

Understanding when—to use these forms can make addressing tenancy conflicts smoother and more effective. The Tribunal provides advice and support for both landlords and tenants facing complex issues.

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Best Practices for Supporting a Roommate with Mental Health Challenges

Supporting your roommate while maintaining a peaceful tenancy means balancing compassion with practical steps. Here are a few recommended practices:

  • Have private, respectful conversations to share concerns.
  • Offer to connect your roommate with community mental health supports; see NB Addictions & Mental Health Services.
  • Establish clear boundaries for shared responsibilities (e.g., chores, bill payment).
  • Keep documentation if problems impact your tenancy (for example, notes about late rent payments or disruptive incidents).

If you encounter serious issues related to habitability or personal safety, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for guidance on steps to protect yourself.

If you feel uncomfortable or threatened in your home and cannot resolve the issue directly, it may be time to formally notify the landlord, seek help from the Tribunal, or consider ending your part of the lease using official forms.

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FAQ: Roommates and Mental Health for New Brunswick Tenants

  1. What can I do if my roommate's mental health is affecting my living situation?
    If open communication does not resolve the problem and it impacts your right to safe housing, document specific issues and speak with your landlord. If needed, file an Application for Assistance with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
  2. Can a landlord evict us if a roommate is struggling with mental health?
    A landlord cannot evict tenants simply because a roommate has a mental health problem. However, if a roommate’s actions breach the lease or endanger others, the landlord might issue a Notice of Termination. Both parties can apply to the Tribunal for fair review.
  3. How do I end my part of the lease or tenancy in New Brunswick?
    You can serve a Notice of Termination (RTI Form 6) and follow the Tribunal’s process. For step-by-step help, visit the Tribunal’s official forms page or seek advice from local tenant services.
  4. Where can I find support for my or my roommate's mental health?
    The New Brunswick government provides confidential mental health services. Start here: Addictions & Mental Health Services.
  5. What are my rights as a tenant in New Brunswick?
    Your rights include a safe living environment, freedom from discrimination, and the right to due process in tenancy matters. See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for a comprehensive overview.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • Communicate openly and respectfully if mental health concerns arise in your rental home.
  • Use Tribunal forms and resources to formally address unresolved or serious issues.
  • Your right to safety and fair treatment is protected by New Brunswick law and human rights rules.

Act with care and knowledge—this creates safer shared tenancies for everyone involved.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants


  1. New Brunswick. Residential Tenancies Act (S.N.B. 2018, c. 36)
  2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick
  3. Government of New Brunswick: Addictions & Mental Health Services
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.