Support Services for Tenants with Mental Health Needs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Navigating rental housing can sometimes bring unique challenges for tenants living with mental health needs. In Newfoundland and Labrador, several support services, legal protections, and community resources can help create a safe, healthy, and respectful home environment. This guide will help you understand your rights, the support available, and how to connect with assistance if you need it.

Your Rights as a Tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador

If you are dealing with mental health concerns, you are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (RTA). This law sets the groundwork for tenant and landlord relationships, ensuring you have the right to a safe living environment and freedom from discrimination due to disability, including mental health conditions^[1]. For an overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Obligations of Landlords and Tenants

Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities to maintain safe and healthy living spaces. These include the duty to respect each other's privacy and ensure rental units are habitable. If you ever have trouble with maintenance, repairs, or living conditions impacting your well-being, understanding your roles in the tenancy relationship can be helpful. For a detailed explanation, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Support Services and Advocacy for Tenants with Mental Health Needs

Support can make a big difference when facing challenges as a tenant with mental health needs. Here are some key organizations and services in Newfoundland and Labrador:

• CHANNAL (Consumers' Health Awareness Network Newfoundland and Labrador): Offers peer support, advocacy, and mental health resources for tenants experiencing difficulties. Visit CHANNAL
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC): Provides subsidized and supportive housing. Programs are available for people experiencing mental health issues, and NLHC can connect you with community outreach services. Learn about NLHC programs
• 211 Newfoundland and Labrador: A confidential helpline connecting you to mental health support, housing advocacy, and crisis services. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211 online
• Legal Aid NL: Offers free or low-cost legal advice on housing issues, including mental health discrimination and eviction. Legal Aid NL
• Mental Health and Addictions Systems Navigator: Helps tenants connect to the mental health support network. Call 1-877-999-7589 or see mental health navigation

Summary: Provincial and community organizations can provide advocacy, legal supports, and peer connections to help with mental health and housing issues.

What To Do If Your Mental Health Affects Your Tenancy

If you are worried that your mental health may impact your ability to pay rent, maintain your unit, or communicate with your landlord, it’s important to reach out early for support. Most landlords want to resolve issues and prevent conflict.

• Contact mental health advocacy or support services listed above for guidance.
• If hospitalization or a crisis means you’ll miss a rent payment or deadline, notify your landlord in writing as soon as you can.
• If you require reasonable accommodation for your mental health (such as a support person or a special arrangement), you may request it in writing. Landlords must make accommodations unless it causes undue hardship and discrimination is prohibited under the Human Rights Act, 2010.

If you believe you’re being discriminated against due to mental health needs, you can contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission for support or to file a complaint.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Health Concerns

Living in a safe, well-maintained home is especially important for tenants with health needs. If you notice issues like mould, poor heating, or pest infestations, report these promptly. If repairs aren’t done, you may file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Board. Read more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Summary: Being proactive and informed about repairs and your accommodation rights helps ensure a safe and healthy place to live.

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Help with the Residential Tenancies Board

The Residential Tenancies Board of Newfoundland and Labrador handles all disputes between tenants and landlords, including discrimination, eviction, and maintenance issues.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Application Form – Dispute Resolution (Form RTDR): If your landlord has not provided accommodation for your mental health, refused to make repairs, or you’re facing eviction, you can file this form to have the Board hear your case.
  Example: If your landlord gives you a notice to vacate due to behaviors linked to your mental health, you can use this application to request a hearing.
  View and download the Application for Dispute Resolution (PDF)
• Notice to Appeal (Form RTDR-AP): If you disagree with a decision made by the Board, you may appeal within 10 days using this form. View Notice to Appeal (PDF)

To use these forms:

• Download and complete the form from the official Residential Tenancies Board website.
• Submit the form by email, mail, or drop-off as instructed on the form instructions.
• You may request a support person or advocate to help fill out the forms.

Finding Safe and Supportive Housing in Newfoundland and Labrador

If you are searching for a rental that supports your mental health, it can help to start with accessible housing programs or platforms designed to meet your needs. For a wide selection of apartments, including affordable and accessible units, Browse apartments for rent in Canada using Houseme’s user-friendly tools and filters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords allowed to ask about my mental health?
   Landlords can only ask questions related to your suitability as a tenant (such as financial references). They must not ask about your disability or mental health unless you request accommodation, in which case you may be asked for documentation to support your request.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to accommodate my mental health needs?
   You have the right to reasonable accommodation under the law. If your landlord refuses, you can file a discrimination complaint with the Human Rights Commission or an application with the Residential Tenancies Board.
3. Who can help me if I’m at risk of eviction due to mental health issues?
   Contact CHANNAL, Legal Aid NL, or 211 NL for advocacy and support. You may also request a Board hearing to dispute the eviction, especially if the issues are related to your disability.
4. Are there programs that help tenants with mental health needs find housing?
   Yes, organizations like NLHC and several community agencies provide supportive housing and can connect you with available rentals offering mental health supports.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants with mental health needs are protected from discrimination and have the right to safe and healthy housing in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Provincial organizations, legal services, and advocacy groups are available to help and support tenants facing challenges in their rental housing.
• Reaching out early and knowing your rights can help you maintain a stable and supportive home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Board of Newfoundland and Labrador – official resource for disputes, tenant rights, forms, and support.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) – housing programs and support for vulnerable tenants.
• CHANNAL – peer and advocacy support for tenants with mental health needs.
• Legal Aid NL – legal advice for tenants.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission – for rights protection and discrimination complaints.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL)
2. Human Rights Act, 2010 (NL)

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