Top 50 Questions about Mental Health & Tenancy in Ontario

Mental Health & Tenancy Ontario published June 26, 2025 Flag of Ontario
What protections exist for tenants with mental health challenges in Ontario?
Tenants are protected from discrimination under Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Can my landlord evict me because of my mental health condition?
No, landlords cannot evict you for a mental health condition. Eviction must follow legal reasons under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Where can I file a complaint about discrimination based on mental health?
File complaints with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).
What is the Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario?
The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) resolves disputes between tenants and landlords.
Can my landlord refuse to rent to me due to my mental health history?
No, this is discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code and is illegal.
How do I request an accommodation for my mental health?
Make a written request to your landlord explaining your needs, you may need a letter from a healthcare provider.
What is a reasonable accommodation in tenancy?
It’s a change or adjustment to rules or services to allow equal access for tenants with disabilities.
Is my landlord required to accommodate my mental health needs?
Yes, as long as the accommodation does not cause the landlord undue hardship.
Do I need to disclose my mental health condition to my landlord?
Only if you are requesting an accommodation. Otherwise, you do not need to disclose.
Can my landlord ask for medical documentation?
Landlords can request enough information to understand the need for accommodation, but not your diagnosis.
What if my landlord refuses my accommodation request?
You can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario if reasonable accommodation is denied.
Can a landlord evict me for behaviour related to my mental health?
No, unless the behaviour seriously affects others or the property, and reasonable accommodation has been considered.
What is Form N5 and how is it used?
Form N5: Notice to End your Tenancy For Interfering with Others, Damage, or Overcrowding. It's given if a tenant’s actions cause serious problems. Tenants can remedy the issue or dispute at the LTB.
If I receive an eviction notice due to behaviour, what should I do?
Respond to the notice and request reasonable accommodation if your behaviour is linked to your mental health.
Can a landlord demand I move to another unit due to my condition?
Only in very rare circumstances and only if it is a reasonable accommodation after dialogue with you.
Is hoarding considered a mental health issue in tenancy law?
Yes, hoarding can be a disability. Landlords must consider accommodation but also balance safety and property standards.
What if my rent is late due to a mental health crisis?
Inform your landlord immediately. You may have grounds for accommodation or payment arrangement.
Can a service animal live with me even if my building has a "no pets" rule?
Yes, landlords must allow service animals as a form of accommodation for disabilities, including mental health.
What do I do if my landlord won't allow my support person into the building?
Landlords must allow a support person as accommodation under the law.
What is considered "undue hardship" for a landlord?
Significant health, safety, or cost concerns so great they make accommodation impossible.
Can my landlord share my mental health information with others?
No. Your personal information is private unless you give written consent or as legally required.
Does the Residential Tenancies Act mention mental health directly?
It does not mention it specifically, but protections are provided under "disabilities" and human rights law.
Can a landlord refuse air conditioning needed for mental health reasons?
If medically required for your mental health, this can be part of a reasonable accommodation request.
What forms do I use to file a human rights complaint about discrimination?
Use the HRTO's Application Form to file a complaint about discrimination.
Can I be asked to leave during a mental health hospitalization?
No, landlords cannot end your tenancy just because you are hospitalized.
Is there emergency housing for tenants with urgent mental health needs?
Yes, you can contact local shelters or community mental health services for emergency housing support.
Can I break my lease if my mental health requires relocation?
You must discuss with your landlord, but medical needs can be a factor in negotiating an early lease termination.
What is Form N11 and when is it used?
Form N11: Agreement to End the Tenancy. Use when both tenant and landlord agree to end tenancy early; complete and sign the form together.
Do community mental health supports help with landlord disputes?
Yes, many services can help advocate, mediate or provide support in tenancy disagreements.
Does my landlord have to provide written reasons for a denied accommodation?
It is recommended landlords give written reasons if refusing accommodation, explaining undue hardship if relevant.
Does the LTB consider mental health in eviction cases?
Yes, the Landlord and Tenant Board looks at all relevant circumstances, including disability, when making decisions.
How quickly do I need to respond if I get a Form N5?
Within 7 days, you can fix the problem or file a dispute to the LTB before eviction proceeds.
What is Form T2 and how is it used?
Form T2: Application about Tenant Rights. Tenants use it to file complaints about landlord behaviour, including discrimination.
Who can help me fill out LTB forms?
Tenant support organizations, legal clinics, and some mental health agencies can assist with forms.
Can I request a hearing by phone or video due to anxiety?
Yes, the LTB can provide remote hearing options as an accommodation for mental health.
How do I let the LTB know I need an accommodation for my hearing?
Contact the LTB in writing as soon as possible outlining your needs and reasons.
Can maintenance issues impact my mental health rights as a tenant?
Yes, ongoing disrepair affecting your mental health can be considered in requests for accommodation.
Where can I find the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006?
The law is available on the Government of Ontario’s site: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
What is Form T6 and when is it used?
Form T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance. Use if your landlord fails to repair or maintain your rental, affecting health or safety.
If my mental health team says my rental is unsafe, can I move early?
You can try to negotiate an early end with your landlord, especially with supporting documentation.
Does the law treat mental and physical disabilities equally in housing?
Yes, housing law and human rights protections apply to all disabilities equally.
Can a landlord call police or mental health crisis teams without my consent?
If there is an immediate risk to safety or property, landlords may contact authorities.
Can I make modifications to my unit for mental health needs?
With landlord consent and at your own expense, you may make modifications as a reasonable accommodation.
Who pays for accommodations required for mental health?
Generally, landlords cover reasonable costs unless it is considered an undue hardship.
Can I request quiet hours as an accommodation for a mental health condition?
You may request changes to policies, but landlords must balance this with other tenants' rights.
If I can't communicate in writing due to my disability, can I get help from the LTB?
Yes, the LTB can provide communication accommodations such as support with forms.
Can a landlord increase my rent if I request accommodation?
No, requesting accommodation is not a valid reason for a rent increase.
Where can I get tenant advocacy or legal aid for mental health?
Legal Aid Ontario and local tenant clinics offer free advice and advocacy for mental health-related tenancy issues.
What if my landlord enters my unit repeatedly, affecting my mental health?
This may be harassment or a violation of your rights; you can file a T2 application at the LTB.
Can I get mediation before going to a tribunal?
Yes, the LTB offers mediation to resolve issues without a formal hearing.
Are noise complaints tied to mental health treated differently?
If linked to a mental health disability, accommodation may be required but noise must not disturb others excessively.
Where can I get more information about mental health and tenancy law?
Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board or Government of Ontario for resources.

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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 renters everywhere.

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