Can a Landlord Refuse Tenants with Children in Nova Scotia?

Looking for a place to rent in Nova Scotia often means balancing your needs and your family’s requirements. One question that comes up for many is, can a landlord reject your application just because you have children? Understanding your rights as a tenant—and knowing what landlords can and can’t do—will help you secure safe and fair housing for your family.

Your Rights: Can Landlords Discriminate Against Families?

In Nova Scotia, landlords are not legally allowed to refuse to rent to someone because they have children. This is considered discrimination based on family status, which is protected under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act.¹ Family status includes parents, children, and other dependent relationships. This applies to all rental situations, including apartments, houses, and most forms of shared housing.

Exceptions: Shared Housing with the Landlord

There is a narrow exception: if you are renting a room in a home where the landlord also lives (such as in a roommate or boarding arrangement), some protections may be different. However, in most rental scenarios—including traditional roommate situations where the landlord does not live on-site—discrimination based on children is not allowed.

• What about age restrictions? Buildings or units that are specified as seniors-only housing may be able to limit rentals by age, but such restrictions are strictly regulated and must comply with the law.

Relevant Laws and Housing Tribunal

Your protection as a tenant in Nova Scotia comes from two legal frameworks:

• Residential Tenancies Act (RTA): Governs most tenant-landlord relationships. See the act at Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia).²
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Act: Protects against discrimination based on family status.

The government body handling most rental disputes is the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program.

If You Experience Discrimination: What to Do

If you believe a landlord has rejected you or your application because you have children, you can take the following steps:

• Contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to file a complaint. They handle reports of discrimination based on family status.
• The Residential Tenancies Program can help with certain disputes if tenancy has already begun.

Filing a Complaint: Forms and Process

• Human Rights Complaint Form:
  Submit the complaint online via the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Practical example: If you email a landlord and they reply stating "no kids allowed," you should fill out this form, explain your experience, and attach any written proof.
• Application to Director (Form J):
  Used to address disputes once you are a tenant. Download the form from the official Nova Scotia government site. Example: If you believe you are being evicted or treated unfairly because of your children during the tenancy, submit this form to the Residential Tenancies Program.³

Filing a complaint does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it ensures your voice is heard and may help prevent future discrimination.

Roommates, Shared Housing, and Family Status

Renting with roommates is common in Nova Scotia, and your right to housing with children remains protected. However, unique dynamics can arise in shared accommodations—make sure any agreement with roommates is clear about common space use, noise, schedules, and other important matters. For more about your responsibilities and rights as a tenant, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Before moving into a new rental, it's wise to understand potential Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them, such as maintenance or interpersonal challenges with roommates or landlords.

Need more listings or want a variety of family-friendly rentals? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find your best fit for shared or private housing options.

For a full overview of tenant and landlord law in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

FAQ: Renting with Children in Nova Scotia

1. Can a landlord ask about my children or family size during application?
   Landlords should not ask questions in a way that results in discrimination. However, it’s common to ask about the number of occupants for fire and safety reasons, as long as it does not lead to rejection based on family status.
2. Are there housing types where children are not allowed?
   Except for licensed seniors-only housing and very specific shared living arrangements with the landlord, most rental housing cannot exclude children.
3. What proof do I need if I want to file a discrimination complaint?
   Keep any emails, messages, or written communication in which a landlord references your children as a reason for rejecting your application. These are helpful when filing a complaint.
4. Where can I get help if my landlord retaliates because I complained?
   If you are a current tenant, contact the Residential Tenancies Program for advice and support.
5. What if I’ve already signed a lease and the landlord tries to evict me due to my family?
   This is likely prohibited. File an Application to Director (Form J) and contact the Human Rights Commission for further support.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords generally cannot refuse you housing due to having children in Nova Scotia.
• You are protected by human rights and tenancy laws.
• Discrimination complaints should be filed with the Human Rights Commission; rental disputes with the Residential Tenancies Program.

Staying informed and gathering documentation if issues arise gives you strong protection in your rental journey.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program: Resolve landlord and tenant disputes - Phone: 1-800-670-4357
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission: Report discrimination and find help
• Dalhousie Legal Aid Service: Free legal support for tenants - Details
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia: Tenant resources and info

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1. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act: Read the Human Rights Act
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia): Read the full Act
3. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program - Forms: Form J: Application to Director

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