How Nova Scotia Tenants Can Prevent Discrimination in Rentals

Discrimination in Nova Scotia rentals—whether you’re renting a full apartment, a room, or sharing housing with roommates—is prohibited by law. As a tenant, it’s important to understand your rights, know what steps you can take if you believe you’re being treated unfairly, and have practical tools to protect yourself. This guide reviews key protections under Nova Scotia law and outlines what to do if you’re dealing with unfair treatment in the rental housing market.

What Counts as Discrimination in Nova Scotia Rentals?

In Nova Scotia, it’s illegal for landlords or other tenants in shared housing to treat someone unfairly based on personal characteristics or "protected grounds" outlined in Nova Scotia’s Human Rights Act. Common protected grounds include:

• Race or colour
• National or ethnic origin
• Religion or creed
• Age
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Marital or family status
• Disability
• Source of income

This means, for example, that a landlord cannot refuse you as a tenant, increase your rent, evict you, or make you feel unwelcome because of any of these protected reasons.

Recognizing Discrimination in Shared Housing or with Roommates

Discrimination can happen at any point—from applying for a place to live, throughout your tenancy, or when seeking a roommate situation. Some examples might include:

• A landlord refuses your application because of your accent or where you were born.
• A roommate posts an ad specifying that certain groups are not welcome.
• A property owner says they don’t accept tenants who receive income assistance.
• A landlord threatens eviction based on your family status or identity.

If you encounter these kinds of actions, you have legal options to protect yourself.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant

Both the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) and the Human Rights Act protect you against discrimination. This applies whether you rent directly from a landlord or live in shared accommodations. It’s also important to understand the expectations of reasonable behavior for both landlords and tenants.

To learn more about your roles and duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

Knowing what actions to take can help you address unfair treatment promptly and effectively. Here are practical steps for Nova Scotia tenants:

1. Document the Incident

• Write down the names, dates, and details of what happened.
• Save any emails, texts, or written notices from the landlord or roommates.

2. Talk to Your Landlord or Roommate (If Safe)

• Sometimes, issues arise due to misunderstandings. If you feel safe, raise your concern in writing and keep a copy for yourself.

3. File a Complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

• If the discrimination continues, you can file a formal complaint. Use the official Complaint Form provided by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
• How to use: Submit the completed form with documentation of your experience. The Commission will contact you about the process and may try to resolve the problem through negotiation or investigation.

4. Seek Help from Residential Tenancies Program

If the issue relates specifically to your rental agreement (for example, an eviction notice you believe is discriminatory), you can contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program. The Residential Tenancy Program uses application forms for hearings or dispute resolution, such as the Application to Director (Form D).

• Form Name: Application to Director (Form D)
• Use: File this form if you want the Director to resolve a matter related to your tenancy—including discrimination affecting your right to enjoy the unit.
• Source: Official Form D (PDF)

Extra Tips to Prevent Discrimination When Renting

• Avoid responding to ads that seem to exclude certain groups or make requests that are illegal under the Human Rights Act.
• Ask the landlord for clear information about the rental rules, ideally in writing.
• Upon moving in, ensure you understand house rules and that your agreement covers everyone’s rights and responsibilities.

For practical advice on settling in, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

More on Tenancy Law in Nova Scotia

It’s helpful to review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for a full overview of your protections and responsibilities. Each province has its own laws—this guide is specific to Nova Scotia.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a diverse and accessible selection of listings across the country.

1. What if my roommate is discriminating against me?
   Even if you’re not renting from a traditional landlord, discrimination is prohibited in shared housing or roommate situations. Depending on the severity, you may file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Nova Scotia, gather all relevant documentation, and consider discussing the issue directly if you feel safe.
   
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I get income assistance?
   No. Source of income is a protected ground under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. If this happens, you can file a formal complaint through the Human Rights Commission.
   
3. Whom do I contact if I face discrimination in a rental?
   Contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission for discrimination issues, and the Residential Tenancies Program for rental agreement disputes.
   
4. What forms do I need to file a discrimination complaint?
   Use the Human Rights Commission’s Complaint Form for discrimination matters, or the Application to Director (Form D) for tenancy disputes.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Discrimination in rental housing, including shared or roommate situations, is illegal in Nova Scotia.
• Keep detailed records and use the formal complaint process if needed.
• Know your options—both the Human Rights Commission and Tenancies Program provide practical support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – File complaints, access information, or get support: 1-877-269-7699
• Residential Tenancies Program – Resolve tenancy disputes or get information: 1-800-670-4357
• Nova Scotia Legal Aid – Free or low-cost legal help
• Community legal clinics and tenant organizations (check city listings for support near you)

---

1. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act: See official legislation
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia): See full legislation
3. Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission: Official Website
4. Residential Tenancies Program: Official Website

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy