Getting Your Rental Deposit Back in Nova Scotia: Tenant Guide

Moving out of your rental home in Nova Scotia? Securing the return of your deposit is a key concern for many tenants. If you follow the right steps, understand your rights under Nova Scotia’s laws, and maintain open communication, you can help ensure you get your deposit back in full.

Your Rights Around Rental Deposits in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the deposit you pay when moving in—known officially as a security deposit—protects the landlord in case of unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear.

The maximum deposit allowed is half a month’s rent, and it must be held in trust by the landlord. By law, your deposit cannot be used for regular cleaning, minor repairs, or normal aging of the home.

For more details on how rental deposits work, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Can a Landlord Deduct?

• Unpaid rent owed when you move out
• Repairs needed due to damage beyond ordinary use (e.g., large holes in walls)

Routine cleaning or small nail holes from picture hanging are considered normal wear and tear and cannot be deducted.

Steps to Increase Your Chances of Getting the Full Deposit Back

Taking these steps can improve your chance of a full refund:

• Give proper notice in writing before leaving (typically one full rental period unless stated otherwise)
• Leave the unit clean and remove all belongings
• Repair any damage you (or your guests) caused beyond normal use
• Ask for a final inspection with your landlord
• Provide your forwarding address in writing

Important Forms for Tenants in Nova Scotia

Notice to Quit (Form C)

Most tenants must give written Notice to Quit (Form C) before moving out. Give this notice at least one rental period in advance. For example, if your rent is due on the 1st, give notice before the end of the previous month.^[1]

Application to Director (Form J)

If your landlord fails to return your deposit, submit an Application to Director (Form J) to the Residential Tenancies Program. This starts the official dispute process.^[2]

How the Deposit Return Process Works

• The landlord has 10 days after you move out to return your deposit or provide a written claim for deductions.
• If you disagree with deductions, you can challenge them via Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Program.
• Interest on your deposit must be paid for the entire time it was held (at rates set by government).

See also How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out for more detail on interest and timelines.

What to Expect from a Final Inspection

A final inspection with your landlord helps settle disagreements and ensure transparency. Take photos and walk through the property together. Make note of any issues and agree in writing if possible.

If you have questions about what to expect during this process, you may find The Final Inspection: What Tenants Need to Know Before Moving Out useful.

Legal Oversight: Where to Get Help

In Nova Scotia, residential tenancy disputes are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Program, part of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services.

The key law governing deposits is the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia).^[3]

For more on your legal rights as a tenant in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

If you’re planning your next move, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada and find housing that fits your needs.

FAQ: Nova Scotia Security Deposit Returns

1. How long does my landlord have to return my deposit in Nova Scotia?
   Your landlord must return your deposit (with interest) or provide a written deduction claim within 10 days of your move-out date.
2. What can a landlord legally deduct from my deposit?
   Deductions can only be made for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear. Cleaning and routine maintenance are not valid deductions.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to give my deposit back?
   You can file an Application to Director (Form J) with the Residential Tenancies Program to resolve the dispute.
4. Can my deposit be used for last month's rent?
   No, your security deposit in Nova Scotia cannot be applied to your rent. It must be returned after you move out or claimed through the proper process.
5. Is interest always paid on deposits in Nova Scotia?
   Yes. Landlords are required to pay interest on deposits at the rate set by the government for each year the deposit was held.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Getting Your Deposit Back

• Give proper written notice, clean the unit, and repair any tenant-caused damages.
• Landlords have 10 days after move-out to return your deposit or outline deductions in writing.
• If there’s a dispute, apply through the Residential Tenancies Program using Form J.

Preparation and open communication are your best tools for a smooth, stress-free deposit return.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program: For applications, forms, and dispute help
• Full Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS): Free tenant support and legal information
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

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1. See: Form C: Notice to Quit, Service Nova Scotia
2. See: Form J: Application to Director, Service Nova Scotia
3. Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)

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