How to Respond to Discrimination from Other Tenants in Nova Scotia

If you're experiencing discrimination by other tenants in your Nova Scotia rental housing, it's important to know your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Discrimination can take many forms, from verbal harassment to interference with your peaceful enjoyment of your home. This guide explains how Nova Scotia’s laws protect tenants, outlines your options for addressing discrimination, and provides practical steps for a safe and fair rental experience.

Understanding Tenant Rights and Discrimination Laws in Nova Scotia

All tenants in Nova Scotia are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act^1,2. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, family status, and other protected grounds. This protection applies not only to landlords, but also to situations where fellow tenants discriminate against you.

What Counts as Discrimination?

• Racial, religious, or homophobic comments or harassment
• Deliberate exclusion or bullying from common areas
• Interference with your right to reasonably enjoy your home
• Threats or intimidation based on a personal characteristic

What Steps Should You Take?

Addressing discrimination effectively can help restore a safe and respectful living environment. Here’s a summary before you dive into the details:

• Document what has happened
• Notify your landlord in writing
• Consider making a formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission or Residential Tenancy Program
• Seek outside help if you feel unsafe

1. Document the Discrimination

Record all incidents in detail, including dates, locations, names of those involved, and exactly what happened or was said. Save any written communications (texts, emails) or photographs if relevant.

2. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords have a duty to ensure that tenants are not unlawfully disturbed by others in the building. Contact your landlord in writing (email or letter) to inform them about the situation and ask them to address it. Keep copies of all correspondence.

• Be clear about what you're experiencing
• State how it affects your enjoyment of the home
• Request that they intervene as soon as possible

3. Know Your Landlord's Obligations

Landlords are responsible for taking reasonable steps to stop harassment and discrimination in their rental properties. To learn more about this, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

4. Filing a Complaint

If your landlord fails to act, or if the issue continues, you may:

• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Program (Nova Scotia’s rental tribunal)
• File a human rights complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

Key Forms for Tenants

• Application to Director (Form C): Use this for situations where your landlord fails to address discrimination that disrupts your right to quiet enjoyment. You can request remedies such as an order that the landlord take action, compensation, or permission to terminate your lease.
  Find the form and instructions at Form C - Application to Director (PDF).
  Example: If you repeatedly report a neighbour's discriminatory harassment and the landlord ignores you, Form C allows you to bring the issue before the tribunal.
• Human Rights Complaint Form: File this with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission if the discrimination is based on a protected characteristic.
  Access the process and online complaint form at NS Human Rights - How to Make a Complaint.
  Example: If fellow tenants harass you due to your ethnicity or religion, you may pursue a human rights complaint.

Your Rights: Practical Protections and What to Expect

If the discrimination is severe, you may have the right to:

• Apply to terminate your lease early under the Residential Tenancies Act
• Request that your landlord move you to another unit (if available)
• Receive compensation if your peaceful enjoyment was disrupted

Tribunal processes are meant to be accessible for tenants. You do not need a lawyer, but can seek legal support or advocacy if needed.

Tips to Stay Safe and Supported

• If you feel threatened or unsafe, do not hesitate to contact local police (call 911 in emergencies)
• Document all interactions and outcomes
• Reach out to local tenant advocacy groups for support

Further Reading

See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for a full overview of your rights and responsibilities.

For a broader perspective and to compare your situation, the page on Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them may also be helpful.

Want to explore new rental options? Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to find your next home easily and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tenant Discrimination in Nova Scotia

1. What should I do if another tenant is harassing me based on my background?
   You should document each incident, notify your landlord in writing, and if the behaviour continues, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancy Program or the Human Rights Commission.
2. Can my landlord be held responsible if another tenant discriminates against me?
   If your landlord is made aware of the discrimination and does nothing, they may be in breach of their duty under the Residential Tenancies Act and could face penalties or orders from the tribunal.
3. Is there a form I can use to make an official complaint about discrimination?
   Yes, Form C—Application to Director—is used to file complaints with Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancy Program. Human rights complaints use a separate, online form.
4. What happens if I feel too unsafe to continue living in my unit?
   If the discrimination is serious and ongoing, you may have grounds to request an early termination of your lease through the Residential Tenancy Program.
5. Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination complaint?
   No. The Residential Tenancy Program and Human Rights Commission processes are designed for self-represented tenants, but legal support is available if you want guidance.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

• You have strong legal protections against discrimination by other tenants in Nova Scotia.
• Document, report to your landlord, and use official complaint forms if needed.
• Support and free resources are available if you need advice or urgent help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Program (Nova Scotia): Information and applications related to rental disputes.
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission: To file or learn more about discrimination complaints.
• 211 Nova Scotia: Find community legal clinics, tenant organizations, and support services.
• Read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more on your landlord’s role.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia
2. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act

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