How to Report a Landlord to Public Health in Nova Scotia

Landlord Compliance & Penalties Nova Scotia published June 20, 2025 Flag of Nova Scotia

Tenants in Nova Scotia have the right to live in safe, healthy rental housing. If your landlord is not addressing issues like mould, pests, or unsanitary conditions, you may need to report them to public health authorities. Here's what Nova Scotia tenants should know about the process, their rights, and the best steps to take if their home is not up to health and safety standards.

Recognizing Health and Safety Violations in Your Rental

Health and safety problems in rental housing can include:

  • Mould, persistent dampness, or water damage
  • Unsanitary conditions (sewage backups, garbage accumulation)
  • Pest infestations (bed bugs, rodents, cockroaches)
  • Lack of heat, drinking water, or proper plumbing
  • Unsafe structural elements or fire hazards

If you encounter any of these problems, Nova Scotia law requires that landlords maintain rentals to meet health and safety standards. For more details on common issues, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them and Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Which Authority Handles Rental Health Complaints in Nova Scotia?

Public health complaints about rental housing in Nova Scotia are handled by Environmental Health Officers at Nova Scotia Public Health. They inspect and enforce health standards in rental properties. For tenancy issues related to maintenance and compliance, the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program is the responsible board.

Nova Scotia’s main legislation governing health and safety in rentals is the Residential Tenancies Act and portions of the Health Protection Act.[1][2]

How to Report Health and Safety Problems: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you believe your rental is unsafe or unsanitary, follow these steps to address the issue and, if necessary, report your landlord to public health authorities.

  • Document the issue: Take photos/videos and keep a log of the problems.
  • Notify your landlord in writing with details of the concern. Keep a copy of your request.
  • Allow a reasonable amount of time for your landlord to fix the issue (typically 5–10 days unless urgent).
  • If unresolved, contact Nova Scotia Public Health to report the problem:

Reporting Process

  • Email or call Public Health: Locate your regional Environmental Health office using the Nova Scotia Public Health website and contact them by phone or email.
  • Complete a Health Protection Complaint Form: Some regions provide an online or printable complaint form. Find current forms and instructions for your area here: Nova Scotia Health Protection Complaint Form. Complete the form with your contact information, address, and details of the problem.
  • Allow access for inspection: Public Health may schedule a visit to assess the issue in your unit.
  • Receive follow-up: Public Health will notify your landlord of required repairs or actions. If your landlord continues to ignore orders, additional enforcement or fines may result.

For emergency repairs that threaten health or safety, you may also apply to the Residential Tenancies Program for assistance: Apply for an Order that the Landlord Make Repairs (Form J).

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This process ensures your concerns are documented, communicated, and addressed by the correct authorities.

Key Tenancy Forms for Reporting Health and Safety Issues

  • Health Protection Complaint Form: Used to report violations directly to Public Health. Available here.
  • Application for an Order Directing the Landlord to Make Repairs (Form J): Submit to the Residential Tenancies Program if essential repairs are being ignored. See instructions and download here.
    • Example: If public health orders repairs and your landlord does not comply, you can use Form J to request a legal order requiring repairs.

The Residential Tenancies Program is Nova Scotia’s rental tribunal, handling disputes, repairs, and enforcement. Learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

If you are concerned about possible retaliation (such as eviction or rent escalation) after reporting your landlord, make sure to keep records of all communications and seek guidance from the Residential Tenancies Program or a tenant advocacy organization.

What Happens After You File a Report?

After Public Health investigates, they may issue an order for the landlord to correct health hazards. If the situation is urgent and the landlord does not comply, you may be able to seek further legal remedies through the Residential Tenancies Board.

For more information on addressing rental repairs and handling complaints, visit How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

FAQ: Reporting a Landlord to Public Health in Nova Scotia

  1. What types of issues should I report to public health?
    Unsafe or unsanitary conditions like mould, pest infestations, or no running water should be reported. These directly impact your health and safety as a tenant.
  2. Do I need to tell my landlord before contacting public health?
    Yes, you should notify your landlord in writing and give them a reasonable time to resolve the issue before involving public health, except in emergencies.
  3. Can my landlord retaliate if I make a complaint?
    Nova Scotia law protects tenants from retaliation after reporting health and safety violations. Keep records in case you need to show evidence of this.
  4. What if repairs are not completed after a public health order?
    You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Program for an order directing the landlord to make repairs. This ensures another layer of enforcement.
  5. Where can I find more information or advocacy support?
    See tenant resources below or contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program for assistance.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

  • Document and report health and safety violations to your landlord first.
  • Contact Nova Scotia Public Health if the issue isn’t resolved promptly.
  • Use official forms, keep copies, and seek support if needed.

Taking the right action protects not only your living situation but also your health and legal rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act
  2. Nova Scotia Health Protection Act

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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