Adding Someone to Your Lease in Nova Scotia: A Tenant’s Guide

Life changes quickly—maybe you’ve started a relationship, need a roommate for financial support, or want a family member to move in. If you’re renting in Nova Scotia and want to officially add someone to your lease, there are key steps and legal requirements you should understand first. This guide explains how the process works, which forms you need, and how to protect your rights as a tenant under Nova Scotia law.

Who Can Be Added to Your Lease?

Adding another occupant (such as a partner, roommate, or family member) to your lease agreement isn’t automatic in Nova Scotia. Usually, this process involves asking your landlord for consent in writing. The new person can be added as a co-tenant (with equal responsibility), or as a permitted occupant (without legal obligations for the lease).

• Co-tenant: Legally responsible for all terms of the lease, including rent and damage.
• Permitted occupant: Can live in the unit but doesn’t share equal responsibility for lease conditions.

Your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse to add a new co-tenant, especially if their criteria (like references or background checks) are met.

Essential Steps to Add a Person to Your Lease in Nova Scotia

Before making changes to your living arrangements, remember that the process is regulated for both tenant and landlord protection. Here’s a summary before a detailed breakdown:

• Talk to your landlord and request written consent
• Submit the right notice or application forms
• Wait for landlord approval; if refused, file a complaint if necessary

Step 1: Talk to Your Landlord

Contact your landlord (preferably in writing) and explain who you wish to add and why. Be clear about whether you want them to become a joint tenant or just an authorized occupant. It’s important to get your landlord’s approval in writing.

Step 2: Complete the Required Forms

Nova Scotia doesn’t have a standardized government form solely for adding a tenant to an existing lease. Instead, both parties usually sign a new or amended Residential Tenancy Agreement that includes the new tenant’s name. This agreement can be created by editing your original lease to add the new person or by writing an addendum. Both the landlord and all tenants (current and new) must sign it.

• Practical Tip: Use Form P – Standard Form of Lease for residential tenancies in Nova Scotia. Download the current Standard Form of Lease (Form P) from Service Nova Scotia. For an amendment, create and sign a short document stating the name(s) of the new tenant(s) and the effective date of the change.

If the landlord refuses without a valid reason, you may apply to the provincial tribunal for a review.

Step 3: Submit to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program

The Residential Tenancy Program manages rental disputes and tenant applications in Nova Scotia. If necessary (for example, if there’s disagreement over adding a new tenant), you can file an application for dispute resolution.

• Application to Director: Application to Director (Form RTA5) is used to settle disputes, including disagreements about adding someone to a lease. Complete the form with your details, sign, and send it to the Residential Tenancy Office. They will review and mediate as needed.

Your Rights and What Changes After Amending the Lease

Once a new co-tenant is added, they share equal legal responsibility for rent, damages, and upholding lease terms. Make sure everyone understands their rights and obligations. For more on this, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

It’s also recommended to read about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for a comprehensive view of local laws and protections.

Potential Impacts: Rent, Deposits, and More

Your rent usually remains the same, unless the landlord has reason to believe the occupancy change significantly increases costs or wear and tear. Adding new people doesn’t automatically mean a new security deposit, but the terms could be renegotiated with any significant lease changes.

If you’re moving into a new location or making a substantial amendment, you may want to review Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know before signing the revised agreement.

Common Issues When Adding a Roommate or Family Member

Practical issues can arise when living with new people or sharing responsibilities. Clarify how bills, cleaning, and rent payments will be managed. Open conversations avoid misunderstandings later.

For more advice after amending your lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Looking for a place to start a shared lease or find a roommate? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings for diverse options in your city or across the country.

FAQs about Adding Someone to Your Lease in Nova Scotia

1. Do I always need my landlord’s permission to add someone?
   Yes, in Nova Scotia, adding a new tenant requires landlord consent. It’s best to get approval in writing to avoid disputes.
2. What if my landlord refuses to add my roommate?
   If your landlord refuses without a solid reason, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program for dispute resolution using Form RTA5.
3. Will adding a person change my rent or deposit?
   Not necessarily. Your rent usually doesn’t change unless the landlord proves costs or wear and tear will increase significantly. Deposits are typically not recalculated unless a new lease is issued.
4. What’s the difference between a co-tenant and an occupant?
   A co-tenant has legal responsibility for the lease; an occupant does not and can be asked to leave if the main tenant leaves or there’s a tenancy dispute.
5. Where can I find official forms for this process?
   All forms, including Form P (Standard Lease) and Form RTA5, are available from Service Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancy Program.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

Here are the key points to remember when adding someone to your lease in Nova Scotia:

• Always get written landlord consent and update your tenancy agreement.
• Use the official forms—like the Standard Form of Lease and Application to Director—for a smooth change.
• If you face difficulties, the Residential Tenancy Program can help mediate or resolve disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – for forms, information, and dispute resolution
• Service Nova Scotia Inquiries: 1-800-670-4357 (toll-free) or 1-902-424-5200 (Halifax Regional Municipality)
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia: www.legalinfo.org for free tenant resources
• Review key laws: Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act (PDF)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia – get a full picture of local rental rights

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1. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act – review the full Act here
2. Form P: Standard Form of Lease – download from Service Nova Scotia
3. Form RTA5: Application to Director – download from Service Nova Scotia
4. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – official information & contact

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