Early Lease Termination for Domestic Violence Survivors in Nova Scotia

If you’re a tenant in Nova Scotia experiencing domestic violence, you have important rights and protections under provincial law. Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act provides a legal pathway for tenants facing family violence to end their lease early, without penalty, to protect themselves or their children. This guide explains these protections, outlines the process step-by-step, and connects you to resources and support services available in the province.

Your Right to Leave a Rental Due to Domestic Violence

Nova Scotia recognizes that personal safety is essential. As a tenant, you have the legal right to terminate your lease early if staying in the rental puts you or a child at risk due to domestic violence.

• You must provide official notice and supporting documents to your landlord.
• The process is confidential, and landlords must not discriminate against you for exercising this right.

Who Is Protected Under Nova Scotia Law?

The law covers tenants who are victims of domestic violence or whose children are at risk. Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or financial abuse from an intimate partner or family member.

How to End Your Lease Early for Domestic Violence

Nova Scotia’s tenancy law provides a clear process if you need to end your lease because of domestic violence. This applies to both fixed-term and month-to-month leases.

Required Steps and Forms

• Obtain a Certificate: You must apply for a Domestic Violence Certificate from Victim Services, Nova Scotia Department of Justice.
• Notice to Quit: Serve a written notice to your landlord, along with the certificate, giving at least 28 days’ notice to end your tenancy.

Official Forms and Documents

• Application for Domestic Violence Certificate (no official form number)
• What it is: A confidential application provided by Nova Scotia Victim Services.
• When to use: When you need proof for early lease termination and have experienced domestic violence.
• How it works: Contact Victim Services to apply directly (in person or by phone). A support worker helps guide you through the process.
• Where to find: Victim Services, Nova Scotia Department of Justice
• Notice to Quit Due to Domestic Violence (no official form number)
• What it is: A written notice provided to your landlord with at least 28 days’ notice, accompanied by your Domestic Violence Certificate.
• How to deliver: Deliver personally or by registered mail. Keep a copy for your records.

What Happens After You Give Notice?

Once you’ve delivered written notice and a valid certificate:

• Your lease will end 28 days after your landlord receives your notice.
• Your landlord cannot charge extra rent or fees for ending the tenancy early due to domestic violence.
• If you are unable to leave on the exact day, communicate with your landlord or seek additional support from Victim Services.

For a full overview of your provincial rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

What About Your Deposit?

If your home is left in good condition and all keys are returned, you should be entitled to a return of your security deposit, subject to the usual rules. For more on this, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Other Tenant Rights After Giving Notice

You still have the right to a clean, safe, and healthy rental until the end of your notice period. Learn about standards by reviewing Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you need to search for your next safe rental, view available rentals coast to coast for a wide selection across Canada.

FAQs: Early Lease Termination and Domestic Violence Protections

1. What qualifies as domestic violence for early lease termination in Nova Scotia?
   Domestic violence includes any abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, or financial—by a partner or family member. Proof is needed in the form of a Domestic Violence Certificate from Victim Services.
2. How much notice must I give my landlord if I am ending my tenancy due to domestic violence?
   You must give at least 28 days’ written notice, delivered with your Domestic Violence Certificate.
3. Will my landlord know the specific details of my situation?
   Your personal information and certificate are handled confidentially. Landlords cannot share the details with anyone else.
4. Do I need to pay a penalty for ending my lease early because of domestic violence?
   No. The law specifically protects survivors of domestic violence, allowing lease termination without financial penalty.
5. Where can I get help applying for a Domestic Violence Certificate?
   Contact Nova Scotia Victim Services. Support workers can guide you through the process and supply all necessary documentation.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Nova Scotia

• You can end your lease early if you or your children face domestic violence, using a certificate from Victim Services.
• Landlords must respect your confidentiality and cannot penalize you for leaving under these circumstances.
• Seek support—legal, housing, or emotional—through provincial resources and tenant organizations.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Victim Services: Support, guidance, and application for Domestic Violence Certificate
• Service Nova Scotia – Residential Tenancies: Tenancy board responsible for disputes, questions, and tenant applications
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) (PDF): Official legislation detailing rights for tenants and landlords
• For support finding a safe new home, view available rentals coast to coast.

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1. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act: read the legislation
2. Nova Scotia Victim Services: contact and information about supports and applications
3. Service Nova Scotia – Residential Tenancies: provincial tribunal/board for rental issues

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