Mold and Pests in Nova Scotia Rentals: Tenant Rights & Steps

Living in a safe and healthy home is a right for all tenants in Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, issues like mold, pests (such as rodents and bedbugs), and other health hazards can sometimes appear, especially in older or poorly maintained rental units. As a tenant, understanding your legal rights and how to take action if health hazards arise will help you protect your well-being and rental experience. This guide explains the basic steps, relevant forms, and the governing rules for mold, pest infestations, and related issues in Nova Scotia.

What Health Hazards Mean for Tenants

Health hazards in rental units commonly include:

• Mold and moisture problems
• Infestations of insects (e.g., cockroaches, bed bugs, ants)
• Rodents (mice or rats)
• Poor air quality due to dampness, leaks, or lack of ventilation
• Unsafe heating, lead paint, or asbestos (in older buildings)

These issues can impact your health and may violate Nova Scotia's housing standards. Provincial legislation requires landlords to keep rentals in a "good state of repair" and fit for habitation. You don't have to put up with unhealthy conditions.

Your Rights and Landlord Obligations in Nova Scotia

According to the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia), landlords must:

• Ensure the property meets health, safety, and housing standards at all times
• Carry out necessary repairs promptly—including those related to mold, pests, and leaks
• Address tenant complaints about health hazards in a reasonable timeframe

Tenants are responsible for keeping their units reasonably clean and reporting hazards to their landlord as soon as possible. For a full overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Health and Safety Issues

Every rental unit must comply with provincial and municipal standards for cleanliness and safety. If you discover mold in your bathroom, leaks, or growing pest problems, document the issue with photos and let your landlord know in writing as soon as possible. For more details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What to Do if You Find Mold, Pests, or Hazards

The best outcomes happen when tenants take clear, documented steps. Here's how to proceed if your home in Nova Scotia shows signs of mold, pests, or other unsafe conditions:

• Document the issue – Take photos, keep records, and write down dates.
• Notify your landlord in writing– Use email or a signed letter. Be specific and request a repair or treatment within a reasonable period (typically 7-10 days, sooner if urgent).
• Keep copies of all communications.
• Allow reasonable time for landlord response and access to the unit (for inspection or repairs).

If your landlord doesn't address the problem, Nova Scotia provides official steps to escalate your complaint:

Filing a Complaint with the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program

If your landlord fails to fix mold, pests, or similar problems, you can apply to the provincial Residential Tenancies Program (the government tribunal handling rental disputes in Nova Scotia). It's designed to resolve health and repair disputes between tenants and landlords.

• Form to Use: Application to Director (Form C)
• When to Use: If your landlord hasn't addressed your written complaint about a health or safety issue within a reasonable time.
• Example: If you report a mold outbreak or pest infestation, and your landlord ignores or unreasonably delays repairs, you can submit Form C to formally ask the province to order repairs or compensation.

Municipal Health and Safety Enforcement

Some municipalities (like Halifax) also enforce minimum housing standards. If your landlord fails to act, you can:

• Contact your local municipal inspection office. They may send an inspector and order repairs if housing rules are broken.

Always keep written evidence in case you need to prove what happened.

Pest Control: Who’s Responsible?

Pest or rodent problems aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a health concern. In Nova Scotia, landlords are usually responsible for ensuring rental properties are free of pests at the start of a tenancy and taking reasonable steps to address infestations unless your actions caused the problem.

Tenants should:

• Report signs of bed bugs, cockroaches, or mice immediately
• Allow access for inspections and treatment
• Follow instructions during treatment (like laundry or decluttering)

For more on tenant rights and practical solutions for pest problems, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Action Steps for Tenants

• Document all issues thoroughly.
• Submit written repair or service requests to your landlord.
• If unresolved, file Form C (Application to Director) with the Residential Tenancies Program.
• Consider municipal complaint routes if necessary.

Need a new home? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for safe, quality options nationwide.

For more on tenant and landlord laws in your province, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

FAQ: Mold, Pests, and Rental Health Hazards

1. Who is responsible for paying for mold or pest removal?
   Landlords are typically responsible for fixing mold and pest problems unless your actions directly caused them. Check your lease for any unusual clauses.
2. What if my landlord refuses to fix a serious health hazard?
   If the landlord ignores hazards after you report them, submit an Application to the Director (Form C) with the Residential Tenancies Program to request an order for repairs or compensation.
3. Do I have to allow my landlord or pest control into my unit?
   Yes, tenants must allow reasonable access for inspections or repairs after receiving proper notice (usually 24 hours).
4. Can I end my lease if my rental is unsafe?
   In some cases, if conditions are unlivable and not fixed, tenants may apply to terminate their lease early through the Residential Tenancies Program. Seek advice first.
5. What happens if municipal inspectors find housing code violations?
   Inspectors can order your landlord to make repairs or face fines. Let your landlord know if you plan to involve city officials.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep rentals safe, healthy, and pest-free under Nova Scotia law.
• Document and report all hazards in writing to your landlord first.
• If repairs aren’t made, escalate to the Residential Tenancies Program using Form C.

If in doubt, seek help early and always keep written records for your protection.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program: Apply for dispute resolution, get information and access forms.
• Call 1-800-670-4357 or email residentialtenancies@novascotia.ca
• Contact your local municipal housing or health department for inspection services (Halifax: 311 or 902-490-4000)
• Community Legal Information associations, Nova Scotia Legal Aid (for advice if your rights are at risk)
• Full summary of provincial rental laws: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia): See official legislation
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program: Program Details and Forms
3. Application to Director (Form C): Form and Instructions
4. Halifax Minimum Standards By-Law M-200: Municipal Health Rules

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy