Top 50 Questions: Mental Health & Tenancy in Newfoundland and Labrador

Mental Health & Tenancy Newfoundland and Labrador published June 26, 2025 Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador
Can I be evicted for mental health reasons?
No, landlords cannot evict you solely because of a mental health condition under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
Do I have to tell my landlord about my mental health?
No, you are not required to disclose your mental health diagnosis to your landlord.
Can I request accommodations for my mental health?
Yes, you can request reasonable accommodations. Your landlord must consider them under human rights laws.
What are examples of mental health accommodations?
Examples include permission for a support animal or changes to communication methods with the landlord.
How do I ask for an accommodation?
Make your request to your landlord in writing, explaining your needs and why it helps your mental health.
Can my landlord ask for medical proof?
Yes, they may request reasonable medical confirmation of your need for an accommodation, but not your diagnosis.
Who enforces my right to mental health accommodation?
The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission protects your accommodation rights for mental health.
What if my landlord refuses my accommodation request?
You can file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. File a complaint.
Can my landlord evict me for disruptive behaviour caused by my mental illness?
Only if the behaviour seriously interferes with others. Landlords must consider accommodations before seeking eviction.
What tribunal deals with tenancy disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL handles all landlord-tenant matters. More info.
What law protects tenant rights in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 outlines tenant protections, rights, and responsibilities.
Can I get out of a lease due to mental health issues?
Only in rare cases with landlord agreement or by applying to the tribunal for early termination based on hardship.
What form do I use to end my tenancy early due to health issues?
Use Form F - Application by Tenant. Explain your situation and request early termination. See forms.
How do I fill out Form F?
Fill in your personal information, reason (health-related hardship), and attach supporting documents if available. Submit to Service NL.
Where do I submit tenancy forms?
Submit forms to a Service NL Residential Tenancies office in-person, by email, or by mail. Contact info
What is considered discrimination based on mental health?
Refusing to rent, evicting, or treating you unfairly because of mental health is discrimination and not allowed.
Is my information about mental health confidential?
Yes, any information about your health that you share is confidential and must not be shared by your landlord.
What should I do if I’m harassed due to my mental health?
Document every incident. Report harassment to your landlord, and if unresolved, contact the Human Rights Commission.
Can support animals be refused?
Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for support animals, even if there is a "no pets" policy.
What proof is needed for a support animal?
A note from a healthcare professional stating the animal is necessary for your health can be required.
Who do I talk to for tenant legal advice?
Contact Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PLIAN) for free information. PLIAN
Can my landlord enter my unit without permission during a mental health crisis?
Landlords must give 24 hours' written notice, except in an emergency that threatens safety.
Are rent increases allowed because of mental health accommodations?
No, rent cannot be raised because you have requested or received an accommodation.
Can I be evicted if police are called due to my mental health crisis?
Not for the crisis itself. Eviction could happen if repeated disturbances seriously affect others, but you have rights.
How do I challenge an eviction I think is discriminatory?
File an application with Residential Tenancies and, if needed, a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
What happens at a Residential Tenancies hearing?
Both you and your landlord present your case and evidence. An adjudicator decides the outcome.
Can my landlord refuse to renew my lease because of mental health?
No, ending or refusing to renew a lease due to mental health is discrimination and not permitted.
If my mental health affects my ability to pay rent, what should I do?
Talk to your landlord, apply for income support, or seek a payment plan. Consider Form F if you need to end tenancy early.
Can I have a roommate to assist with my mental health?
Yes, but check your lease terms and notify your landlord as required.
What if I need a quieter apartment for my mental health?
Request a transfer or accommodation from your landlord, in writing, explaining your needs.
Is hoarding a mental health issue protected from eviction?
Hoarding linked to a disability is protected, but landlords can seek remedies if it creates serious safety issues.
Can I be denied because I have a history of hospitalization?
No, denying you tenancy due to your mental health or hospitalization is discrimination.
What if my tenancy application was rejected due to mental health?
You can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission if you believe you were discriminated against.
If I need medical equipment at home, can my landlord say no?
No, landlords must allow reasonable medical equipment as an accommodation unless it creates an undue hardship.
What if my landlord retaliates after my accommodation request?
Retaliation for asserting your rights is prohibited. This can be reported to the Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies.
Will my rent subsidy be impacted if I disclose a mental health issue?
No, rent subsidies are not affected by your disclosure of a mental health condition.
Who can represent me at a Residential Tenancies hearing?
You may represent yourself, have a lawyer, advocate, or trusted support person represent you.
I need modifications (ramps, etc.) for mental or physical disability—who pays?
Usually, the tenant pays unless funding is available. Landlords must allow reasonable modifications unless undue hardship is shown.
Can I ask for a communication method that supports my mental health?
Yes, you may ask for alternate communication methods (e.g., written instead of verbal) as an accommodation.
Can I sublet my apartment if I need to leave for treatment?
Only if your lease and landlord allow subletting. Check lease terms and request permission.
What happens if I stop paying rent due to hospitalization?
You risk eviction for unpaid rent. Notify your landlord, seek support programs, or file Form F for hardship relief.
Does the landlord have to help in a medical emergency?
No, but must allow emergency responders to enter if there’s a direct threat to health or safety.
Are there local mental health supports for tenants?
Yes, call 811 Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine or visit 811healthline.ca for resources.
Can I apply for social housing due to mental health needs?
Yes, you can apply for social housing or request priority status based on your health needs.
What does “undue hardship” mean for my landlord?
If an accommodation is too expensive or disrupts the building substantially, it may be considered undue hardship.
Can the landlord ask other tenants about my mental health?
No, landlords must keep your health information private and cannot share it with others.
What is a "reasonable accommodation"?
It’s a change to rules, services, or physical space to help you access or keep housing equally.
My landlord is threatening eviction because of my mental health—what can I do?
Seek legal help, gather evidence, and respond through the Residential Tenancies process. You have rights under the law.
I need urgent repairs but have anxiety about calling. What are my options?
You can submit request in writing or by email. You do not have to call if it affects your mental health.
What government forms are relevant for mental health tenancy issues?
Form F (Application by Tenant) is most common for hardship. All forms
How long does a complaint or application take?
Residential Tenancies usually schedules a hearing within a few weeks, but timing can vary.
Can I record conversations with my landlord?
Newfoundland and Labrador allows you to record conversations you are part of, but using recordings as evidence will be up to the tribunal.
Can my rent agreement limit my mental health rights?
No, your rights under law override anything stated in your rental agreement.

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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.

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