Being forced to move after an eviction can be stressful and costly. If you are a tenant in Nova Scotia, there are practical steps and local resources to help cover moving expenses, recover deposits, and find emergency housing. This guide explains how to access provincial tenant supports, the Nova Scotia tribunal and official forms you may need, and emergency financial assistance programs that can reduce truck, storage, and short-term housing costs. You’ll find clear action steps for documenting your situation, applying for help, and negotiating with your landlord or property manager. Read on for checklists, sample forms to use, and where to get free legal or social services in Nova Scotia.
What moving cost help is available in Nova Scotia?
Tenants facing eviction may qualify for a mix of supports: emergency rent or relocation grants from municipal or provincial social services, charity-led moving vouchers, or orders from the Residential Tenancies Program that require a landlord to pay certain costs. To start, contact the Residential Tenancies Program for dispute resolution and guidance on whether the tribunal can order compensation related to an eviction[1]. You can also ask local housing caseworkers about short-term financial help for moving trucks, storage, or first-month rent.
Official tribunal, legislation and common forms
The official body that handles tenancy disputes in Nova Scotia is the Residential Tenancies Program (Service Nova Scotia)[1]. The governing law is the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)[2], which explains tenant and landlord obligations and remedies. Common official forms you may need include an application to the Residential Tenancies Program and landlord or tenant notices; these forms and step-by-step instructions are available on the provincial website[3][4]. Use the application form to ask the Program to resolve a dispute; use a Notice to End Tenancy form only when a party is legally terminating a tenancy.
Typical moving costs tenants face
- Moving truck or a professional mover — hourly or flat rates for transport and labour.
- Storage fees or deposits required for a new unit.
- First and last month’s rent or damage deposits for a new tenancy.
- Costs to replace locked items or secure new keys if required by the move.
Practical steps to reduce and recover moving costs
Document everything: keep receipts for moving services, storage, and emergency housing, and take dated photos of the unit so you can show condition and expenses if you apply for compensation. If the eviction involved a landlord breach (for example, failure to repair heat or water), you may be able to ask the Residential Tenancies Program for reimbursement or an order to cover moving costs. Where possible, negotiate a written agreement with your landlord about who pays what before you move.
Where to find help and free services
Look for local community organizations, municipal emergency funds, and legal clinics that assist tenants with eviction-related moves. For practical moving and re-housing listings you can search options nationwide using an online rental site such as Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings. For packing and move-in tips, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant''s Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit, and for guidance on deposits and getting money back, review How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.
FAQ
- Am I eligible for moving cost help after eviction?
- Eligibility depends on your circumstances; emergency financial assistance, social services, or tribunal orders may provide help. Contact the Residential Tenancies Program or local social services for guidance.
- What forms do I need to file with the Residential Tenancies Program?
- Common forms include the Application to the Residential Tenancies Program and any Notice to End Tenancy; check the program website for PDFs and instructions.
- Can my landlord deduct moving costs from my deposit?
- Landlords may only deduct for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear; moving costs are typically not a lawful deduction unless specified in your lease or ordered by a tribunal.
How-To
- Gather documents and receipts: lease, notices, photos, repair requests, and any invoices.
- Estimate your moving expenses and get written quotes for trucks, movers, storage, and temporary housing.
- Apply to the Residential Tenancies Program with a clear statement of your request and attach evidence.
- Contact municipal social services or community organizations for short-term financial help or moving vouchers.
- Keep all receipts and a simple log of costs to include with any tribunal application or benefit claim.
- Search for a replacement rental and compare listings and applications quickly to reduce downtime between homes.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Program - Service Nova Scotia
- Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
- Nova Scotia Housing - Programs and Supports
