Can Nova Scotia Landlords Restrict a Tenant’s Visitors?

As a tenant in Nova Scotia, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to having visitors in your rental home. Questions about guest restrictions commonly arise—especially if your landlord voices concerns or tries to limit how often friends or family visit. This guide explains what the law says, what your landlord can and cannot do, and the steps to take if you believe your rights are being violated.

Visitor Rights in Nova Scotia Rentals

Nova Scotia’s residential tenancy law recognizes a tenant’s right to receive guests in their rental home. Generally, landlords cannot unreasonably restrict or limit your ability to have visitors.

• There are no set legal limits on frequency or duration of visitors, unless your guests begin to live in the unit (which may change their status to an occupant or tenant).
• Your rental agreement cannot override this basic right. Any clause that tries to ban visitors altogether is not enforceable.

This right is outlined in Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancies Act ^[1].

What Can a Landlord Limit?

• Your landlord can object if your visitor stays so often that it seems they've moved in, or if you add a roommate without permission (if your lease requires disclosure).
• If your guests break house rules, disturb other tenants, or damage the property, your landlord can enforce the lease terms—against you, not the visitor directly.
• Reasonable restrictions on visitor parking or security may be in force, provided they apply to all tenants equally.

In some circumstances, landlords may set reasonable rules regarding security, safety, and the peaceful enjoyment of others, but these cannot be used to unreasonably prohibit guests.

When Does a Guest Become a Tenant or Occupant?

If a guest begins living with you long-term, they could be considered an occupant or additional tenant. This may require their information to be added to the lease, depending on the original agreement.

If you receive pushback about long-term guests, review your rental agreement and discuss the issue respectfully with your landlord. Check whether the agreement outlines rules about adding residents, and note if it aligns with the law. For a clear explanation of your ongoing obligations, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Reasons for Visitor-Related Disputes

Disputes around visitors often stem from misunderstandings or concerns about property care.

• Visitors causing disturbances or noise complaints
• Suspected illegal activity involving guests
• Property damage during a guest's stay
• Parking or overuse of common areas

Your landlord’s right is to ensure everyone’s safety and peaceful enjoyment, but they cannot restrict visitors simply out of preference or for discriminatory reasons.

What to Do if Your Landlord Is Restricting Your Visitors

If your landlord tells you that you cannot have visitors, or tries to impose unreasonable restrictions, you have options:

• Politely remind your landlord of your right to reasonable visitors, referencing the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Request the concern in writing for documentation.
• Keep records of all communications and incidents with dates and details.
• If the situation escalates, consider filing a formal application with the Residential Tenancies Program for dispute resolution.

Filing a Complaint: Nova Scotia Forms

If your landlord continues with unreasonable restrictions, you can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Program. The most common form is:

• Form J: Application to Director
  When and how to use it: Use this form to ask the Director to resolve a tenancy dispute, including disputes about visitor restrictions. For example, if your landlord tries to evict you for having guests, you can challenge this action.
  Download Form J: Application to Director (PDF)

Complete the form, attach evidence, then submit it to your nearest Access Nova Scotia office. You will be assigned a hearing, where both sides can give evidence.^[2]

Visitor questions are just one part of understanding your lease and living arrangements. For a full overview of your rights and what happens after you've signed your agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Relevant Legislation and Tribunal Contacts

• Nova Scotia’s governing law: Residential Tenancies Act
• Disputes are heard by the Residential Tenancies Program, part of Access Nova Scotia.

For a summary of general Nova Scotia tenant and landlord rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Looking to move, or want to compare other rental options? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme quickly and easily online.

FAQs About Visitor Rights in Nova Scotia Rentals

1. Can my landlord ban all overnight guests?
   No, your landlord cannot forbid you from having overnight guests unless such visitors are causing problems or violating the lease.
2. Is there a limit to how often my friends can visit?
   The law does not set any specific limit. However, a long-term visitor may be considered an occupant or tenant, depending on how often they stay.
3. Can my landlord charge more for having guests?
   Landlords cannot increase your rent for short-term guests unless your lease specifically allows for it. Any rent increase must follow legal requirements.
4. What if my guest causes damage or disturbances?
   You, as the tenant, are responsible for your guests’ behavior. If a guest causes damage or disturbance, the landlord may hold you accountable.
5. How do I file a dispute about visitor restrictions?
   Use Form J: Application to Director via the Residential Tenancies Program to ask for a decision about your rights if informal discussion does not resolve the dispute.

Key Takeaways on Visitors and Your Rights

• Landlords in Nova Scotia cannot unreasonably restrict tenants’ right to have visitors.
• Your right to have guests is protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, but you are responsible for their conduct.
• For unresolved disputes, the Residential Tenancies Program offers formal resolution options, often starting with Form J.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program (Nova Scotia) – information, forms, and dispute resolution contacts
• Phone: 1-800-670-4357 (toll-free)
• Local tenant support and legal aid: Nova Scotia Legal Aid
• Email: residentialtenancies@novascotia.ca

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1. See: Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, sections related to occupancy and landlord/tenant obligations.
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program official forms and guidance: Access Nova Scotia – Residential Tenancies

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