Illegal Rental Screening Practices: Tenants’ Guide for Nova Scotia

For renters in Nova Scotia, finding the perfect home can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when landlords ask questions that seem too personal or unfair. Understanding what landlords can and can’t ask during rental screening is crucial for protecting your rights and avoiding discrimination under provincial laws.

Your Rights as a Tenant During Rental Screening in Nova Scotia

Rental screening helps landlords choose suitable tenants, but not every question or request is legal. In Nova Scotia, screening must comply with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). It’s illegal for landlords to discriminate based on:

• Race, colour, or ethnic background
• Religion or creed
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Age (with some exceptions)
• Marital or family status
• Physical or mental disability
• Source of income
• Other protected characteristics under the Human Rights Act

If you’re facing rental screening in Nova Scotia, it helps to know the rules. For a broad overview of tenant and landlord laws here, check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Examples: What Are Illegal Rental Screening Questions?

• Are you planning to have children?
• What is your religion?
• What country are you from?
• Questions about a disability not related to your ability to pay rent or fulfill lease terms
• Requests for more than one month’s rent as a deposit (see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for details on legal deposit limits)

If a landlord asks these or similar questions, they may be violating your rights.

Acceptable Screening Practices and Your Privacy

Landlords are allowed to perform certain checks, such as confirming your employment, income, and tenant history. However, they must:

• Request only relevant information
• Treat all applicants fairly and equally
• Not demand excessive personal or financial details
• Protect your personal information per privacy laws

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) should not be required for basic screening, though some landlords may ask for it for credit checks. Remember, providing it is optional. Always ask why information is needed, and only give what is necessary.

What to Do if You Face Discrimination or an Illegal Screening Question

If you believe you’ve faced discrimination or an illegal screening tactic, you have options:

• Tell the landlord you are uncomfortable answering and explain your rights under the Human Rights Act.
• Keep records of all communications and applications.
• File a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

How to File a Human Rights Complaint

Nova Scotia tenants can file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission if they experience discrimination in rental screening.

• Form Name: Human Rights Complaint Form
• When to Use: If you think a landlord has discriminated against you (e.g., rejected your application due to disability or family status)
• Where to Find: Official Complaint Form (PDF)

Once submitted, the Commission will review your complaint and may help mediate or investigate further.

What Happens Next?

• Your complaint is reviewed and you may be contacted for more information.
• A resolution process may occur, including settlement discussions or investigation.
• If discrimination occurred, you could receive remedies such as compensation or a change in the rental process.

For broader issues that may arise after you rent, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Legislation and Tenancy Board Details

The main law covering rental relationships in Nova Scotia is the Residential Tenancies Act. Residential tenancy disputes (e.g., unfair denial after rental screening, application problems) are handled by the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program. For discrimination, use the Human Rights Commission, as mentioned above.

If you are searching for housing in Nova Scotia or across the country, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada using trusted nationwide platforms.

FAQ: Illegal Rental Screening and Tenant Rights

1. What types of questions are landlords not allowed to ask me?
   Landlords in Nova Scotia may not ask about your race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, family status, or other protected categories. These questions violate human rights laws.
2. What can I do if a landlord rejects my application for a discriminatory reason?
   You can file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission using their official form. Document all your interactions as evidence.
3. Can a landlord require my Social Insurance Number (SIN) on an application?
   Landlords can request your SIN for credit checks, but you are not required by law to provide it. There are other ways to verify your identity.
4. Can landlords check my credit or ask for a large deposit?
   Landlords may perform a credit check with your consent. In Nova Scotia, security deposits are limited to one half-month’s rent.
5. If I suspect unfair treatment, what steps should I take?
   Clearly express your concern in writing, keep records, and contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission or a tenant support group for guidance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

• Landlords must follow the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act when screening tenants and cannot ask discriminatory questions.
• If you experience illegal screening, document everything and know how to file a formal complaint.
• Understand your rights and use resources like the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Program for support.

Stay proactive and informed to make your rental search safer and more equitable.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – Handles rental disputes and tenancy information
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – For discrimination complaints and guidance
• Nova Scotia Legal Aid Tenant Rights – Free legal information for tenants

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1. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/human%20rights.pdf
2. Residential Tenancies Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/residential%20tenancies.pdf
3. Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – Filing a Complaint: https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/complaints-process/make-complaint
4. Residential Tenancies Program – Contact: https://beta.novascotia.ca/contact-residential-tenancies-program

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