What should I do if my apartment’s only fire escape is blocked?

Notify your landlord in writing with evidence. If the issue isn't resolved promptly, file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program using Form C.

Are landlords required to install window bars or safety grilles on ground-floor apartments?

No. Fire escape windows must be accessible and easy to open from the inside, so permanent window bars are generally not allowed.

How often should smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors be tested in my rental?

Landlords should test alarms at the start of tenancy and at least annually. Tenants should check alarms regularly and report problems.

Is there a minimum width required for hallways or stairs used as fire escapes?

Yes, building codes specify minimum widths for escape routes. Hallways and stairs must allow rapid, unobstructed evacuation.

What happens if my landlord ignores my written safety complaints?

If unresolved, you can submit an application to the Residential Tenancies Program for official intervention. Keep records of all communications.

Fire Escape Requirements for Nova Scotia Tenants

Safety & Security Nova Scotia published: June 20, 2025

As a tenant in Nova Scotia, knowing your rights and responsibilities regarding fire escape routes and emergency preparedness is essential for your safety. Fire escape rules are set by provincial legislation to ensure tenants have safe, clear exits in case of emergency. This guide breaks down what’s required by law, explains your landlord’s obligations, and shows you how to protect yourself and your household.

Fire Escape Requirements in Nova Scotia Rentals

Nova Scotia’s laws require residential rental buildings to have specific fire safety features. Landlords must maintain these systems and tenants must keep escape routes accessible. The fire regulations apply to apartment buildings, duplexes, houses with basement suites, and other types of rental units.

Common Fire Escape Features

At least two safe exits: Every apartment or rented home must have a primary and a secondary means of exit, such as doors, stairwells, or windows that meet safety codes.
Clear escape routes: Halls, stairways, and exits must be free from obstructions—storage, garbage, or furniture should never block these paths.
Working fire alarms and smoke detectors: Landlords must install working alarms and test them regularly. Tenants should promptly report any problems.
Accessible windows: Windows intended as fire escapes must open easily and not be sealed shut or barred in a way that prevents quick exit.
Emergency lighting and signage: In larger buildings, illuminated exit signs and emergency lights help guide tenants during a fire or power outage.

If a landlord fails to maintain clear fire escapes or functioning alarms, it’s considered a breach of basic safety standards.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you are entitled to a safe living environment under the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)¹ and the Nova Scotia Fire Safety Act. Your landlord must:

Provide and maintain safe, unobstructed fire escape routes
Ensure all exits, alarms, and fire safety systems are in working order
Provide instructions for safe evacuation during an emergency

As a tenant, your responsibilities include:

Keeping exits clear of belongings
Not tampering with fire doors, alarms, or safety signage
Immediately reporting hazards or repairs needed for escape routes

To understand your broader safety-related rights as a renter, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Reporting Issues or Safety Concerns

If you notice a blocked fire escape, broken alarm, or any other unsafe condition, notify your landlord in writing immediately. If the landlord does not resolve the issue in a reasonable timeframe, you may contact the Residential Tenancies Program (Nova Scotia) for guidance or to file a formal complaint.²

Official Forms and How Tenants Can Take Action

If your safety is threatened by blocked fire escapes or inaction by your landlord, there are official steps you can take:

Form C: Application to Director

When to use: If a landlord does not remedy a safety or maintenance issue after you report it, you can complete Form C – Application to Director to request an official order from the Residential Tenancies Program. For example, if your building’s secondary exit is consistently blocked, submit Form C describing the situation.

How to submit: Complete the form and file it with the nearest Access Nova Scotia office or by mail. Retain copies and proof of your submission for your records.

If you cannot safely exit your rental due to blocked fire escapes, act quickly: document the hazard with photos, notify your landlord in writing, and follow up with the Residential Tenancies Program if unresolved.

Related Safety and Inspection Concerns

Many tenants learn about escape route safety during initial walk-throughs or move-in inspections. For guidance on documenting safety concerns or escape routes when you move in, refer to the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Landlord Obligations Explained

Landlords are required by law to provide a safe, habitable property. They must respond promptly to any reported fire hazards or blocked exits. To better understand what landlords must do and how these responsibilities fit with tenant rights, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained or Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Where to Find Rentals that Meet Safety Standards

If you’re looking for a new place with up-to-date safety features, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—their listings highlight amenities and safety information for renters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Escape Rules for Tenants in Nova Scotia

What should I do if my apartment’s only fire escape is blocked?
If your fire escape is blocked, notify your landlord in writing and include photographs or descriptions as evidence. If the landlord does not resolve the issue promptly, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Program using Form C.
Are landlords required to install window bars or safety grilles on ground-floor apartments?
Window bars that cannot be opened from the inside without special tools are generally not allowed on designated escape windows. All fire escape windows must be accessible and easy to open in an emergency.
How often should smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors be tested in my rental?
Landlords must ensure alarms are working at the start of each tenancy and should test them as per manufacturer advice or annually. Tenants should check regularly and report malfunctions immediately.
Is there a minimum width required for hallways or stairs used as fire escapes?
Building codes set minimum width requirements for escape routes. Most residential hallways and stairs must allow clear passage for rapid evacuation—specific measurements may vary based on building type and local rules.
What happens if my landlord ignores my written safety complaints?
If your landlord does not address written safety complaints, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Program for an order requiring repairs or changes. Keep copies of all correspondence as evidence.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

Your landlord must provide and maintain safe, accessible fire escape routes at all times.
Report any safety issues immediately and keep records of all communications.
If issues are not resolved, protect yourself by submitting an Application to Director (Form C) to Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Program.

Understanding these fire escape rules will help ensure your home is a safe place to live. Stay informed and proactive about fire safety in your rental.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – Government information, complaint forms, contact details
Office of the Fire Marshal (Nova Scotia) – Fire safety tips, inspection information
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia – Tenant support and legal advice
Emergencies: Call 911 for immediate dangers to life or property