Nova Scotia Emergency Rental Repairs: What Landlords Must Do

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Nova Scotia, ensuring urgent repairs are handled quickly isn’t just a comfort—it's your right under provincial law. Emergencies like burst pipes, broken heaters in winter, or dangerous electrical faults can make your home unsafe or unlivable. This guide explains which emergency repairs your landlord is responsible for immediately, what legal steps you can take, and how to get help.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair in Nova Scotia?

Emergency repairs are urgent issues that threaten your health, safety, or the basic security of your home. According to Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are legally required to maintain your rental unit in a good state of repair and fit for living.^[1]

• No heat in winter or no safe water supply
• Burst or leaking pipes, severe plumbing blockages
• Unsafe electrical systems (sparking, loss of power)
• Fatal hazards like gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure
• Broken doors, locks, or windows that threaten your security
• Flooding, major roof leaks, or sewer backups

These issues must be addressed immediately by your landlord. Temporary fixes are sometimes acceptable until a permanent repair can be scheduled.

Your Rights and Your Landlord’s Duties

Landlords are required by law to ensure rental properties meet minimum safety and maintenance standards. Delaying emergency repairs or refusing to fix hazards isn’t just poor practice—it’s against Nova Scotia legislation.

• Your landlord must start emergency repairs as soon as possible after being notified.
• If they can’t be reached, you may (in certain cases) arrange for repairs and seek reimbursement.
• You are not allowed to withhold rent because of delayed repairs—use approved procedures instead.

Both tenants and landlords have clear rights and responsibilities. For a detailed breakdown of these, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained or see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Common Examples of Emergency Scenarios

• Your furnace stops working during a cold snap in January.
• Sewer water backs up into your apartment bathroom.
• A storm breaks your front door lock, leaving your unit unsecured.
• There’s a major leak from a roof or pipe causing flooding.

In each case, contact your landlord or property manager immediately and document your request.

How to Report Emergency Repair Needs

Act quickly and keep written records when reporting urgent issues:

1. Contact your landlord or property manager by phone and in writing (email or text).
2. Describe the problem clearly, including when it started and how it affects safety, security, or habitability.
3. Document any conversations and take photos or videos if safe to do so.

What If My Landlord Doesn’t Respond?

If your landlord fails to act promptly, you have legal options:

• Contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program for advice or to file a dispute. See their Apply for an Order for Repairs (Residential Tenancy Application) (Form P)
• Arrange the necessary emergency repair yourself if it’s safe and essential, but only after making efforts to contact your landlord
• Keep receipts for any repair costs and provide these to your landlord, requesting reimbursement

Form P: Application for Order of Repairs

• Form Name/Number: Application for an Order of Repairs (Form P)
• When/How to Use: Use this form if your landlord refuses or neglects to repair an emergency issue, such as no heat or an unsafe condition. Submit the form to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program with supporting evidence (photos, correspondence, repair invoices).
• Download the Application for Order of Repairs (Form P)

After you apply, a Residential Tenancy Officer will review your case, and—if urgent—the Tribunal can order immediate repairs or even permit you to have repairs made and deduct costs from your rent (with receipts), in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia).^[1]

Emergency Repairs vs. Routine Maintenance

Not every problem qualifies as an emergency. Issues like slow-draining sinks or minor appliance failures usually count as routine repairs. Emergencies are those that make your home unsafe, insecure, or uninhabitable. For more on regular upkeep, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Health and Safety: What Tenants Need to Know

If you suspect a problem with mold, pests, or structural hazards that directly impact your health, emergency steps may apply. For further guidance, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Remember, in all cases, the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program can advise you on your specific situation.

FAQ: Emergency Repairs for Nova Scotia Renters

1. What is considered an emergency repair in Nova Scotia?
   Emergency repairs address immediate threats to your safety, security, or health—such as no heat in winter, major leaks, unsafe wiring, or broken entry locks.
2. What if my landlord does not answer my urgent repair request?
   Document your attempts to contact them, then contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program and consider filing Form P: Application for Order of Repairs. In very urgent cases, you may be able to arrange repairs and seek reimbursement.
3. Can I withhold rent if emergency repairs aren’t done?
   No. Tenants shouldn’t withhold rent for missed repairs; instead, follow the legal complaint process to avoid risking eviction.
4. Will I be reimbursed if I pay for emergency repairs?
   If you acted reasonably after trying to reach your landlord, you may be entitled to reimbursement. Keep all receipts and proof of communication.
5. Who enforces rental repair laws in Nova Scotia?
   The Residential Tenancies Program manages disputes between landlords and tenants, including emergency repair complaints.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Nova Scotia must act immediately on emergency repairs affecting safety or habitability.
• Document all repair requests and use the proper channels—like contacting the Residential Tenancies Program—if needed.
• Act within the law—never withhold rent or make unauthorized repairs unless permitted, and always seek receipts for any work.

If you ever feel unsafe or unsure, get advice from official sources or tenant support services.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – file complaints, download forms, ask for tribunal help.
• Toll-Free Info: 1-800-670-4357 (Service Nova Scotia Tenancies Info Line)
• Tenants Rights Nova Scotia (tenant advocacy, plain language support)
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings: Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program (Official)
3. Residential Tenancy Application for Order of Repairs (Form P)

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