Many tenants in New Brunswick need to share disability documentation to request accommodation, but it's common to worry about privacy and unnecessary disclosure. This article explains when a landlord can reasonably ask for medical or disability information, how much proof they can require, and steps tenants can take to protect personal health information. It covers practical approaches such as providing a summary letter from a health professional, using redacted documents, and asking landlords to limit who sees the information. You will also find practical steps for filing complaints with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, tips on record-keeping, and guidance for requesting reasonable accommodations without oversharing.
What landlords can ask and when
In New Brunswick, landlords may request information to verify that a tenant needs a disability-related accommodation, but requests must be reasonable and limited to what is necessary. Where legislation or tribunal decisions apply, tenants have protections that balance privacy and the landlord's need to assess requests[1]. For discrimination or accommodation disputes, the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission can provide guidance and has jurisdiction over disability discrimination[2].
Types of documentation commonly accepted
- A brief note or letter from a health professional confirming functional limitations and recommended accommodation (no full diagnosis needed).
- Official accommodation plans from health or social services that describe barriers and necessary supports.
- Receipts or records showing you use a medical device or service relevant to the accommodation (where appropriate).
When providing documents, ask whether the landlord needs the full document or only a confirmation of need; often a summary suffices.
How to limit disclosure and protect privacy
- Provide a concise letter that confirms functional limitations and recommended supports rather than a full medical history.
- Redact unnecessary details (e.g., diagnosis specifics) before sharing documents, keeping only the information needed to assess the accommodation.
- Ask the landlord in writing who will have access to the information and request limited circulation and secure storage.
- Keep copies and a record of what you provided and when; date-stamped photos or scanned copies help if there is a later dispute.
When to refuse or challenge requests
If a landlord asks for highly detailed medical records, a full diagnosis, or unrelated information, you can challenge the request as excessive. Explain your concerns in writing and offer a limited form of documentation (for example, a confirmation letter from a health professional). If the landlord insists or threatens eviction for refusing to provide excessive information, document the communication and consider filing a complaint.
Filing complaints and official forms
If informal resolution fails, tenants in New Brunswick can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for disputes about tenancy issues including retaliation or improper processing of accommodation requests. Common forms and resources include an application to the tribunal and information pages explaining the process. Examples:
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used when a tenant files a claim about a landlord's actions (submit with a clear description and copies of any supporting documents).
- Supporting evidence checklist or cover letter — used to explain redactions and why the documentation provided is sufficient (attach examples and a brief summary).
For practical help on resolving complaints and next steps, read How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and the provincial tenancy facts for your region at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. You can also search listings if you need to move: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Can my landlord ask for my medical diagnosis?
- No. Landlords generally should not require a full medical diagnosis; they can ask for information that confirms the need for a specific accommodation, such as a brief letter from a health professional.
- What if I don’t want to share documents electronically?
- You can offer to provide documents in person, provide redacted copies, or bring a summary letter and request that the landlord keep the originals confidential and securely stored.
- Who enforces privacy or discrimination complaints in New Brunswick?
- The Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles tenancy disputes while the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission deals with discrimination related to disability; both can be contacted for help.
How-To
- Gather a concise summary letter from a health professional that explains functional impacts and recommended accommodations.
- Redact any sensitive or irrelevant details from documents before sharing, keeping only what is necessary to support the request.
- Send the request and documentation in writing, asking the landlord to confirm who will have access and how it will be stored.
- If the landlord refuses or asks for excessive information, document the exchange and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or the Human Rights Commission for next steps.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Human Rights Commission
- Service New Brunswick - Housing and Tenancy Information
