Maintenance & Repairs: 10 Essential Facts for Nova Scotia Renters

Understanding who is responsible for maintaining rental homes is key for renters in Nova Scotia. Whether you’re dealing with leaky faucets or more serious problems like heating system breakdowns, knowing your rights can make a big difference. Here are 10 essential facts about maintenance and repairs for Nova Scotia tenants—and practical steps so you can protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind.

What Are Your Maintenance Rights in Nova Scotia?

In Nova Scotia, the law is clear: landlords are required to keep rental properties in a good state of repair and fit for habitation. This includes meeting health, safety, and housing standards set by local governments and the province.^[1]

Key Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants

• Landlords must ensure things like heat, electricity, plumbing, doors, windows, and the structure of the home are safe and functional.
• Tenants must keep the property reasonably clean and not cause damage, beyond normal wear and tear.

To understand more about your role and your landlord’s obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Repair Issues in Rental Homes

It’s common for tenants to face repairs related to heating, plumbing, appliances, mould, or pests. Most maintenance requests fall into these categories:

• Broken heating systems (especially in winter)
• Leaky roofs or pipes
• Faulty electrical outlets or lights
• Pest infestations
• Broken windows or doors

If there are health or safety risks, repairs must generally be made urgently. For persistent issues you can’t resolve after contacting your landlord, see how to address Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Who Handles Emergency Repairs?

Emergencies include situations where your health or safety is at risk or if the property is being seriously damaged (e.g., furnace breakdown in winter, burst pipe). In these cases:

• Contact your landlord immediately—in writing if possible.
• If you cannot reach your landlord, and the repair cannot wait, tenants may arrange repairs and seek reimbursement, keeping all receipts and proof of attempts to contact the landlord first.

It’s important to understand your rights and limits—learn more in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What Laws and Tribunals Protect You?

The Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia^[1] lays out the rules for maintenance and repairs. If disputes arise, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program of Service Nova Scotia for help and enforcement.

How Do You Make a Maintenance Request?

Always notify your landlord in writing (email, text, or letter) about repair needs. Be specific, date your message, and keep a copy as proof.

What Official Forms Are Used?

• Form J – Application to Director (Residential Tenancies)
  Use this form if your landlord ignores essential repair requests or if you need the government to resolve a dispute. For example, if your request for heat in January is not fixed, you can file Form J. Access Form J here.
• Form L – Notice to Quit (by Tenant)
  Use this form if repairs affect your health or safety and your landlord doesn’t fix things after you’ve asked, and you need to end your lease. For example, dangerous mould left unaddressed. View Form L (PDF).

What About Pest or Mould Problems?

Major issues like pests or mould are the landlord’s responsibility to resolve. Document problems with photos and written requests. For more, check our advice on Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

When Can You Withhold Rent?

In Nova Scotia, tenants cannot legally withhold rent due to repair issues unless ordered by the Residential Tenancy Program. Always pay full rent and pursue repairs using the official complaint process.

What If Your Belongings Are Damaged?

If the landlord is responsible for maintenance that wasn’t completed and your property is damaged, you may be able to claim compensation. Keep receipts, photos, and communications as evidence. Claims can be brought during your application using Form J.

Entry for Repairs: What Notice Is Required?

Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering for repairs, except in emergencies, as per the Residential Tenancies Act.^[1]

For a full overview of tenant and landlord rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Looking for a New Rental?

If maintenance issues are ongoing, you may consider relocating. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find safe, well-maintained homes across Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   Start by sending a written reminder. If there is still no response, collect records and consider submitting Form J to the Residential Tenancy Program for help.
2. Can I make repairs myself and deduct costs from rent?
   You can only do this for urgent, emergency repairs after trying to reach your landlord, and you must submit proof when claiming reimbursement. You cannot deduct from rent without a tenancy order.
3. Who is responsible for repairs caused by a tenant’s actions?
   If damage goes beyond normal wear and tear and was caused by a tenant or their guest, the tenant is responsible for repair costs.
4. Is my landlord required to fix pest infestations?
   Yes. Landlords must address pest and rodent problems unless the tenant’s conduct caused the issue.
5. Do I have to let my landlord in for repairs?
   Yes, provided you get at least 24-hour written notice. For emergencies, landlords can enter with less notice.

How-To: Steps to Resolve a Repair Dispute in Nova Scotia

1. How do I file a repair complaint if my landlord won’t act?
   Document all requests with dates and details. Fill out Form J with your story and attach proof. Submit it to the Residential Tenancy Program by mail or in person.
2. How do I safely arrange emergency repairs myself?
   Try to reach your landlord. Take photos and keep detailed notes. Hire a licensed repairperson and save receipts. File for reimbursement with the Tenancy Program if needed.
3. How do I give notice to end my lease due to unaddressed safety repairs?
   Complete Form L – Notice to Quit, stating the reasons. Give a copy to your landlord and keep one for your records. Check the minimum notice periods in the Act.
4. How can I apply to the tribunal for damage compensation?
   Include a summary of the damage, proof, and the requested amount on Form J. Submit it according to tribunal instructions.
5. What’s the best way to keep records of repair issues?
   Keep copies of all letters, photos, repair invoices, and a log of communications to show you followed reasonable steps.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep properties safe and in good repair; tenants must notify landlords of problems in writing.
• Use official forms and the Residential Tenancy Program if issues aren’t resolved quickly.
• Tenants should never stop paying rent due to repair issues without a formal order.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Program (Service Nova Scotia): Inquiries & applications, including Form J
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia: Free legal resources
• Nova Scotia Housing: Housing support and tenant grants
• For local health or safety concerns, contact your municipal by-law office or public health unit

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia
2. Tribunal: Residential Tenancy Program (Service Nova Scotia)
3. Key forms: Form J – Application to Director; Form L – Notice to Quit (by Tenant)

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