Human Rights for Tenants in Nova Scotia Rental Housing

In Nova Scotia, tenants—including those in roommate or shared housing situations—are protected from discrimination by provincial human rights legislation. Understanding these protections helps ensure that your housing remains safe and fair, and that everyone is treated equally, regardless of background or personal circumstances. Below, we explain your rights under the law, common scenarios, and what to do if an issue arises.

How the Human Rights Code Applies in Nova Scotia Rental Housing

Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act^[1] makes it illegal for landlords or other tenants to discriminate against you based on protected characteristics, such as:

• Race, colour, or ethnic background
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Physical or mental disability
• Age
• Marital or family status
• Source of income (such as being on assistance)

This law covers most aspects of renting, from applying for a unit to your experience while living in it, including shared housing and roommate relationships.

What Does Discrimination Look Like?

In practice, discrimination might include:

• A landlord refusing to rent to you because of your religion or gender identity
• A roommate trying to evict you after learning about your disability
• Rules that unfairly restrict visitors based on your race or ethnicity

Even subtle actions—such as different treatment or harassment—can violate your rights. Both landlords and tenants in a shared household must comply with the Human Rights Act.

Your Rights in Shared Housing and with Roommates

As a tenant or subtenant, you are entitled to the same protections as other renters, whether you rent directly from a landlord or share with others. If you experience problems with living conditions, urgent repairs, or unfair demands, your legal protections still apply. For a broad overview of your rights and responsibilities as a Nova Scotia tenant, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Important Actions and Forms for Nova Scotia Tenants

The Residential Tenancies Program (run by Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services) oversees rental disputes. If you believe your rights have been violated, here are key forms and when to use them:

• Form J: Application to Director – Used to complain about discrimination by a landlord or a roommate in a shared rental.
  How to use: For example, if you are being denied reasonable accommodation for a disability, you can use this form to request intervention. Download Form J here.
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Complaint Form – When the issue involves discrimination under the Human Rights Act, you may file directly with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
  How to use: If a landlord refuses to rent to you due to your family status, you may file a formal complaint. File a complaint online.

Before taking action, consider gathering evidence like emails, texts, or notes about what happened.

Health, Safety, and Other Tenant Protections

Your landlord must still provide a safe and healthy living environment free of hazards, even in shared spaces. Chronic issues like pests, mold, or lack of repairs may also intersect with human rights if they disproportionately affect you or result from discrimination.

Learn more about your rights on health and safety by visiting Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe you are facing discrimination in your rental or with roommates, take these steps:

• Document what happened, including dates, times, and specifics
• Try to resolve the issue informally with your landlord or roommates, if safe
• Submit the appropriate form to the Residential Tenancies Program or the Human Rights Commission

This process protects your rights and can help resolve disputes fairly. The Residential Tenancies Program is the Nova Scotia tribunal overseeing rental issues.

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FAQ: Tenant Rights and the Human Rights Code in Nova Scotia

1. What protected characteristics are covered by the Human Rights Act in Nova Scotia?
   The Act prohibits discrimination in rental housing based on race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, family status, and source of income.
2. What should I do if my roommate is harassing me?
   Document each incident, speak with your landlord if you feel safe, and consider filing Form J with the Residential Tenancies Program or a complaint with the Human Rights Commission if it's related to a protected ground.
3. Can a landlord refuse me because I'm on income assistance?
   No, "source of income" is a protected ground under Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act. Such a refusal is illegal.
4. Does the Human Rights Act protect me in subletting or roommate situations?
   Yes, these protections apply even if you are a subtenant or sharing with others.
5. Where can I learn more about repairs and tenant safety?
   See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more details.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

• You are protected from discrimination in all rental and shared housing situations.
• Use the correct forms to report issues, whether to the Residential Tenancies Program or Human Rights Commission.
• For broader rental rules, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Understanding your rights helps keep your living situation respectful and secure.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program, Service Nova Scotia – For resolving disputes, accessing forms, and advice
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – Human rights resources and complaint process
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) – The main legislation covering rental housing
• For a summary of your general rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

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1. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act: Full text of the Act
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia): Full text of the Act
3. Residential Tenancies Program (Service Nova Scotia): Official government site
4. Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission: Official government site

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