Community Mental-Health Support for Renters in Newfoundland

Mental Health & Tenancy Newfoundland and Labrador published: June 19, 2025 Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador

Many renters in Newfoundland and Labrador face mental-health challenges that can affect their housing stability. Accessing support can make a big difference, especially when dealing with stressful situations like rent increases, maintenance issues, or concerns about eviction. This article outlines the mental-health resources available to tenants, explains your rights under provincial law, and connects you to practical support and rental information.

Mental Health and Housing: Why Support Matters for Tenants

Good mental health is essential to safe, secure housing. Renters may find their mental well-being impacted by financial stress, landlord-tenant disputes, or unsafe living conditions. Access to community mental-health supports can help tenants cope with these pressures, advocate for themselves, and maintain their housing.

Where Renters Can Find Mental-Health Resources in Newfoundland and Labrador

There are several organizations and government services offering mental-health help across the province:

Support is available in major cities and rural areas. Many services offer free or sliding-scale counselling and are confidential.

Your Rights as a Renter and Connections to Mental Health

Feeling safe and respected in your home impacts mental well-being. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018[1]. This legislation covers issues including privacy, repairs, and protection from harassment or illegal eviction.

Common tenancy problems, like delayed repairs or health and safety concerns (e.g., mold, pests), can be especially stressful. Reviewing Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting can help you recognize when your rental affects your well-being—and what steps to take.

Ad

Action Steps for Tenants Facing Mental Health and Housing Challenges

  • Reach out to a mental-health service if stress affects your housing or daily life.
  • Document any concerns with your rental unit (such as unsafe conditions or landlord harassment).
  • Know that you have privacy rights—landlords must give proper notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies).
  • If your situation escalates (such as risk of eviction or unsafe living conditions), seek help from a local mental-health advocate and contact the Residential Tenancies Office for advice.
  • You can apply for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Office when your rights are at risk. This government body oversees tenant-landlord issues across Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you are moving or searching for a new place that suits your well-being, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a range of options.

How to Get Support: Forms and Who to Contact

The Residential Tenancies Office is your provincial resource for disputes and legal information. You can file complaints, request repairs, or apply for dispute resolution. Common forms include:

  • Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12): Use this form if you have a dispute with your landlord (for example, over repairs, eviction notices, or return of your deposit). Download Form 12 from the official Residential Tenancies Office. To use it, complete the application with details of your issue and submit it to the nearest Residential Tenancies Office location.
  • Tenant's Notice to Terminate (Form 6): If you need to end your tenancy because your rental is affecting your mental health or is unsafe, you can use Form 6 (with appropriate notice periods according to law). Get Form 6 and related instructions here. For example, if your doctor recommends a move for health reasons, include a letter with your notice.

For step-by-step guidance, see the section below.

Practical Example: Filing a Dispute for Inadequate Repairs

Suppose your rental unit is causing severe stress due to unresolved mold. After notifying your landlord with no results, you may complete Form 12, attach evidence (like photos and medical notes), and submit to the Residential Tenancies Office for a hearing.

If you need accommodation due to a mental health disability (such as early lease termination or specific repairs), include a letter from your healthcare provider with your application forms.

FAQ for Tenants: Mental Health and Rental Housing

  1. What if my rental unit's conditions are worsening my mental health?
    Contact your landlord in writing about the issue. If unresolved, seek support through provincial health resources and consider contacting the Residential Tenancies Office for advice or to file a complaint. Your health and safety are legal priorities.
  2. Can my landlord evict me because of my mental health?
    No. Mental-health conditions are protected under human rights law. Evictions must follow the rules in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 and cannot be based on health status or disability.
  3. How do I apply for emergency help as a tenant in crisis?
    Call 8-1-1 or a crisis line immediately for mental-health support. For urgent tenancy situations (like unsafe living conditions), contact the Residential Tenancies Office or a local tenant advocacy group for next steps.
  4. I want to move for my health. What notice do I give?
    Use the Tenant's Notice to Terminate (Form 6), providing at least one month's notice, and consider including a doctor's letter if your move is health-related. Confirm requirements with the Residential Tenancies Office.
  5. How can tenants stay informed about their rights?
    Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for up-to-date legal protections and practical tips.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • Mental-health resources are accessible to all renters in Newfoundland and Labrador, both in-person and by phone.
  • Your rights as a tenant are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
  • Provincial forms and the Residential Tenancies Office can help address housing issues affecting mental well-being.
  • Knowing your rights and advocacy options can help you maintain safe and healthy housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. [1] See the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL) for legal details on housing rights and rules for tenants and landlords.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy
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 renters everywhere.

Related Articles