Tenants living in rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing in Nova Scotia have the right to safe, healthy and reasonably maintained homes. This guide explains common landlord duties you can expect in RGI units, how to request repairs, what notices you should receive, and when to use provincial supports if problems continue. It is written for renters and tenants who may be facing maintenance delays, privacy concerns, or unclear communications from housing providers, and it highlights the official provincial resources and forms that can help you resolve issues without legal jargon.
What landlords must provide in RGI units
Landlords and housing providers who manage rent-geared-to-income units must meet basic habitability and safety standards, follow privacy and entry rules, and provide required notices about tenancy terms. Below are the typical duties that affect tenants directly.
- Keep the unit in a good state of repair and address urgent safety issues such as heating, plumbing, and water leaks.
- Maintain common areas, entrances, stairwells and exterior walkways so they remain safe and accessible.
- Provide clear contact information for reporting repairs and emergency maintenance.
- Serve written notices for changes to tenancy terms or for lawful reasons to end a tenancy when required.
- Keep records of repairs, inspections, and communications relating to the tenancy.
Repairs, requests and reasonable timelines
If something in your unit is unsafe or unfit for use, tell your landlord or housing provider right away, preferably in writing. Describe the problem, when it began, and request a timeline for repair. Keep copies of messages, photos and any receipts related to the issue.
- Make a written repair request that includes the date, description of the issue, and your contact details.
- Keep evidence: photos, videos, or dated messages showing the problem and any steps taken.
- Follow up by phone or email if you do not get a response within a reasonable time and record the attempts to contact.
- If the landlord does not act and the condition affects health or safety, you may be able to report the issue to provincial services or the Residential Tenancies Program[1].
Entry, privacy and inspections
Landlords must follow rules about entering an occupied RGI unit. In most cases a landlord should give advance notice, state the reason for entry, and only enter at reasonable times unless it is an emergency. If you believe entry was improper, raise the concern in writing and keep records of any unwanted or repeated entries.
Forms and official steps tenants can use
Nova Scotia provides official pages and forms to help tenants raise issues formally. Typical forms and resources include an application or complaint to the Residential Tenancies Program and written notice templates for repairs or habitability complaints. Use the official pages to access correct forms and submission instructions.
- Application or complaint to the Residential Tenancies Program — used when informal requests have failed; file this to ask the program to review your dispute or order repairs. See the official program for filing details.[1]
- Written repair request or notice to landlord — there is no special number for this standard written request; it is a tenant-created document that begins the record of your concern.
- Evidence bundle — photos and logs of dates and conversations to include with any application to the program or tribunal.
FAQ
- Who enforces landlord duties for RGI units in Nova Scotia?
- The Residential Tenancies Program administered by Service Nova Scotia enforces tenancy rules and handles disputes related to repairs, notices and tenancy endings.[1]
- What should I do first if my unit needs urgent repair?
- Notify your landlord or housing provider immediately in writing, include photos, and request a clear timeline. If unsafe conditions persist, consider filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Program following the official guidance.[1]
- Can my landlord increase my RGI rent or change my eligibility?
- Changes to rent-geared-to-income eligibility or subsidy rules are handled by the housing provider and provincial programs; ask your housing worker for written reasons and consult the Residential Tenancies Program or your subsidy administrator for clarification.
How-To
- Write a clear repair request describing the problem, the date it started, and the harm or risk it causes.
- Collect evidence: photos, dated messages, and a short log of calls or visits related to the issue.
- Follow up with the landlord by phone or email and request a response deadline, then save that correspondence.
- If the landlord does not act, file the official application or complaint with the Residential Tenancies Program using the province’s instructions.[1]
- If the program schedules a hearing, bring your evidence bundle and any witnesses to present the problem clearly.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must keep RGI units safe and address urgent repairs promptly.
- Make repair requests in writing and keep dated evidence to support your case.
- Use the Residential Tenancies Program if informal steps do not resolve the issue.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Program - Service Nova Scotia
- Residential Tenancies Act - Nova Scotia Legislature
