Accessibility Rights for Tenants with Disabilities in Nova Scotia

Tenants in Nova Scotia have specific accessibility rights under provincial law, ensuring that people with disabilities can live comfortably and with dignity in rental housing. This guide explains your legal protections, when and how to request accommodations, responsibilities of both tenants and landlords, and where to get help if your needs aren’t being met.

Your Right to Accessible Rental Housing in Nova Scotia

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act require landlords to make 'reasonable accommodations' for tenants with disabilities, as long as it doesn't cause them undue hardship. This means you have the right to request changes or modifications so your home is accessible to you.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

Reasonable accommodations may include:

• Allowing service animals, even if a 'no pets' policy exists
• Installing grab bars, ramps, or other accessibility features (at your or the landlord's expense, depending on circumstances)
• Changing rules or practices to support disability-related needs

Landlords must consider each request on a case-by-case basis, and can't refuse just because an accommodation adds some cost or inconvenience. However, they aren't required to make significant changes that would cause them serious financial or structural hardship.

Accessibility and Shared Housing Arrangements

For tenants in rooming houses or shared accommodations, your rights to accessibility are still protected. If you’re living with roommates or in common areas, landlords and other tenants should work collaboratively to ensure reasonable measures for accessibility, without discrimination.

Applying for an Accessibility Modification: How to Proceed

To request a change or addition (like a ramp or wider doorway), start by making a written request to your landlord explaining your needs and how the accommodation helps you. Be specific about what you’re asking for. The landlord may ask for documentation confirming your disability and the necessity of the requested change, but they should not ask for details about your condition beyond what’s required for the request.

Sometimes, disagreements arise over what is 'reasonable.' If you cannot resolve the matter directly with your landlord, you can seek help from the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program or file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Forms and How to Use Them for Accessibility Issues

If your landlord refuses to make a necessary modification or takes action against you because of a disability-related request, you may need to use an official Residential Tenancy form to begin a dispute or request resolution. Common situations and the forms used include:

• Form K – Application to Director (formerly Form J): Use this to ask the Director of Residential Tenancies to make a decision about disagreements (such as refusal to accommodate). Apply with Form K online.
  Example: If your landlord denies permission to install a grab bar, you would use Form K to apply for a decision.
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Complaint Form: If you experience discrimination, file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission using their online complaint form.

For details on your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Nova Scotia?

The Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program (part of Service Nova Scotia) is responsible for resolving most landlord-tenant disputes, including those related to accessibility and accommodation.

What Are Your Landlord’s Responsibilities?

Landlords are legally required to provide safe, habitable, and accessible housing, within the limits of reasonable accommodation. This includes:

• Responding to accessibility requests in a timely manner
• Not retaliating or discriminating against tenants requesting accommodations
• Following all relevant sections of the Residential Tenancies Act

To learn more about general tenant rights and duties in Nova Scotia, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Health, Safety, and Accessibility

Landlords must also ensure the premises meet health and safety requirements, which includes providing safe access for people with disabilities. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more on this obligation.

If you’re looking for accessible or pet-friendly rentals across Canada, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view and explore features that matter to you.

FAQ: Accessibility, Disability, and Rental Housing in Nova Scotia

1. Can my landlord refuse to let me install accessibility features?
   Landlords must allow reasonable accessibility modifications unless they cause undue hardship. They can't refuse simply to avoid inconvenience.
2. Do I have to pay for accessibility changes?
   It depends. Small modifications may be the landlord’s responsibility, while major ones may require negotiation about cost. Always clarify in writing who pays.
3. How do I file a complaint if I face discrimination?
   You can file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission or apply to the Residential Tenancy Program with Form K.
4. Are service animals protected even in no-pet rentals?
   Yes. Under both the Human Rights Act and RTA, landlords must permit service animals for tenants with disabilities, regardless of a pet policy.
5. What if my request is ignored or denied?
   Follow up with your landlord in writing, keep records, and take your case to the Residential Tenancy Program or Human Rights Commission if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – File forms, resolve disputes, get tenant information
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – File discrimination complaints
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act (PDF)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia
• For rental options, including accessible homes, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, Nova Scotia. View the official legislation.
2. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Legal text on CanLII.
3. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program. Government Services.
4. Human Rights Complaints Procedure. Official guide.

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