Can a landlord reject my application based on a credit check?

Yes, but the landlord must have your permission to run a credit check and cannot discriminate based on other personal characteristics.

Do I have to provide my Social Insurance Number on a Nova Scotia rental application?

No. You are not legally required to give your SIN. You may offer other ID or consent for a credit check.

What information is a Nova Scotia landlord not allowed to request?

A landlord cannot require your SIN, ask about your race, religion, sexual orientation, or demand unrelated medical or financial details.

How much can a landlord request as a security deposit in Nova Scotia?

Only up to half of one month’s rent can be collected as a security deposit.

Landlord Rental Application Requirements in Nova Scotia

Privacy & Entry by Landlord Nova Scotia published June 14, 2025

Before signing a lease in Nova Scotia, landlords often ask prospective tenants to fill out a rental application. Knowing which details you must provide—and which you legally can decline—is a key part of protecting your privacy rights. This guide explains what information landlords are allowed to request on a rental application under Nova Scotia law, what they cannot ask for, and how to ensure your sensitive data stays secure when searching for a new home.

What Can a Landlord Legally Ask You for on a Rental Application?

In Nova Scotia, landlords want to assess if a tenant will be responsible and able to pay rent. However, their ability to ask for personal information is regulated by both provincial tenancy laws and privacy legislation. Here’s what landlords commonly request and are permitted to ask for:

Full name and contact information (address, phone number, email)
Current and previous rental history (addresses, landlord contacts, duration of tenancy)
Employment details (employer name, occupation, length of employment, supervisor contact)
References (personal and professional contacts, previous landlords)
Consent for a credit check
Number of occupants who will be living in the unit

Some landlords may ask for additional information, but they must comply with Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act¹ and federal privacy laws.

Information a Landlord Cannot Request

Landlords in Nova Scotia do not have the right to request every detail about your life. They:

Can never require your Social Insurance Number (SIN). They may request it for credit checks, but you may decline and offer alternative identification.
Cannot ask about your race, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation.
Cannot demand medical information, unless it directly relates to accommodation under human rights law (such as accessibility needs, with your consent).
Should not require a photograph, unless identification is needed for a security reason after acceptance.
Must not ask about marital status, family status, age (except to ensure the applicant is of legal age), or plans for having children.

Always be alert when providing sensitive data—if you believe a question oversteps, you can politely decline to answer or ask why the information is necessary.

Rental Deposits and What You May Be Asked for Upfront

Nova Scotia law allows landlords to request certain deposits, but the rules are strict. Landlords can only ask for a security deposit (sometimes called a damage or rental deposit) that does not exceed half a month’s rent.
To read more about what’s allowed and your rights regarding security and other deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Official Forms You May Encounter

While not always mandatory, landlords may use a standard “Rental Application Form” to collect information. Such forms are available through the Nova Scotia government and usually include authorization to request a credit check.

Name: Nova Scotia Standard Rental Application Form
When and why to use: Landlords may ask prospective tenants to fill this out before offering a lease. Ensure you read carefully before providing consent, especially for credit checks.
Access the official form on the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program website.

After approval, you may be asked to sign the Standard Form of Lease, which finalizes your tenancy agreement.

Your Privacy Rights Under Nova Scotia Law

Your personal and financial information is protected by the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act and the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).² Landlords must:

Only collect information necessary for assessing your application
Store it securely and not share it beyond what the law allows
Use it solely for making a rental decision

If you feel your information is being misused, contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia.

About the Residential Tenancies Program

Residential tenancy issues in Nova Scotia are managed by the Residential Tenancies Program, a branch of Service Nova Scotia. This is where you can file complaints or seek dispute resolution if you feel your rights have been violated during the rental application process.

Tip: Never pay cash or provide personal information on unofficial forms. Use only verified rental listings, and always verify the identity of the landlord or property manager before sharing sensitive details.

When searching for a new place, try Canada's best rental listings platform for safe and up-to-date housing options.

Tenants and landlords have unique rights and responsibilities in each province. For a full overview of local protections, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

FAQ: Tenant Questions About Rental Applications in Nova Scotia

Can a landlord reject my application based on a credit check?
Yes, landlords can consider your credit history, but they must ask for your permission to check your credit report. They cannot discriminate based on factors like income source or family status.
Is it legal for a landlord to ask for my Social Insurance Number?
No. While landlords often request a SIN for credit checks, you are not legally required to provide it. Offer other identification or written permission for a credit check instead.
What should I do if a landlord asks for information not allowed by law?
You should politely decline to provide unnecessary details. If the landlord insists or you feel uncomfortable, contact the Residential Tenancies Program or a tenant support agency for help.
How much can a landlord ask for as a deposit in Nova Scotia?
Landlords can only require a security deposit of no more than half a month’s rent. For more details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

Landlords can request basic information (identification, rental history, references, employment) and a consented credit check
You never have to provide your Social Insurance Number or personal data unrelated to your ability to pay rent
Security deposits are strictly regulated and cannot exceed half a month’s rent
Reach out to the Residential Tenancies Program if you believe your privacy rights were violated

Understanding these rules can help you protect your privacy and avoid common issues when applying for a rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Program (disputes, complaints, and tenancy guidance in Nova Scotia)
Residential Tenancies Regulations (official rules and forms)
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia (privacy complaints and resources)
Local tenant or housing advocacy groups can be found through Service Nova Scotia’s website