Nova Scotia Pet Rules: Condos vs Apartments Explained

Many Nova Scotia tenants wonder whether they can keep pets if they rent a condo or apartment. Pet rules—and your rights—depend on your lease, condo bylaws, and provincial laws. Knowing how these rules work can help you avoid disputes and make informed housing choices.

Understanding Pets in Condos and Apartments: Nova Scotia Overview

Unlike some provinces, Nova Scotia allows both landlords and condominium corporations to set their own rules about pets. Understanding the key differences between apartments and condos is crucial for tenants with pets.

Pet Rules in Apartments

In rental apartments, the pet policy is usually set by your landlord or property manager. Restrictions might include:

• No pets allowed at all
• Limits on the number, size, or type of pet
• Rules requiring pets to be quiet and non-disruptive

These restrictions must be stated in your written lease or tenancy agreement. If there’s no rule in your lease, your landlord can’t prohibit pets without proper notice or legal reason. Landlords can also not evict you for having a pet unless you’re breaking a clear lease clause or the pet causes damage, harm, or persistent disturbance¹. Learn more about your legal responsibilities in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Pet Rules in Condominium Units

If you rent a condo unit, two sets of rules apply:

• Your lease agreement with the unit owner (landlord)
• The condominium corporation’s bylaws or rules (which apply to all owners and tenants)

Condominium corporations can ban or restrict pets even if your landlord agrees to let you have one. Always ask for a copy of the condo’s pet policy before committing to a unit. If you breach a condo bylaw, the corporation may take legal steps even if your landlord consents to pets.

Key Provincial Law: Residential Tenancies Act

Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act governs rental arrangements for most apartments and rented condos¹. The Act does not guarantee a right to have pets, but it protects tenants against eviction for having a pet unless the lease or building rules clearly prohibit them or there is valid cause (like property damage or harm).

Tenants with documented disabilities may have a right to reasonable accommodation for service animals, provided proper medical documentation is supplied according to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act.

Are "No Pets" Clauses Enforceable?

In Nova Scotia, a "no pets" clause is legally binding if it’s part of a signed agreement. However, landlords cannot apply such rules in a discriminatory way or use them to avoid their legal responsibilities. If you got a pet after the lease without written approval, the landlord may serve a notice to comply or move out.

Common Issues and Disputes Over Pets

Some issues can arise in both apartments and condos when tenants have pets:

• Damage to property
• Allergies of neighbours
• Noise and disturbances
• Unauthorized pets when lease prohibits them

Landlords or condo corporations can apply to the Residential Tenancies Program to seek an order for removal or eviction if pets violate rules or cause problems. Tenants have a right to respond or appeal within set deadlines.

Is There a Pet Deposit in Nova Scotia?

Pet-specific deposits are not permitted. Only a regular security deposit is allowed, and it cannot exceed half a month's rent, even if you have a pet. For more deposit rules, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

If your pet causes damage, you may have to pay the cost or have it deducted from the general security deposit after moving out.

Important Forms and Steps for Tenants

The following forms are key if you have a dispute or concern about pet rules in a rental property:

• Form C (Application to Director): Used when there’s a dispute about your right to have a pet or if you are served a termination notice over a pet. Fill out this form to have the Residential Tenancies Program review and decide your case. Get Form C here and see step-by-step instructions below.
• Form K (Notice to Quit/Special Circumstances): Landlords use this form to end a tenancy for reasons such as non-compliance with a no-pet clause. Tenants can dispute a notice received by following instructions with the form. Download Form K here.

How to Challenge a No-Pets Eviction or Dispute

If you are facing eviction or a dispute related to your pet:

• Review your lease and condo bylaws for pet clauses.
• Talk with your landlord or board to resolve issues if possible.
• If an agreement can’t be reached, apply using Form C to request a hearing from the Residential Tenancies Program.
• Attend any hearings scheduled and present your evidence.

For step-by-step help with rental moves, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Where to Search for Pet-Friendly Rentals

If having a pet is a priority, always clarify pet rules before signing any agreement. Many landlords and condo boards in Nova Scotia allow pets, but rules vary widely. Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca for up-to-date condo and apartment listings across the province.

For more information on tenant and landlord laws in Nova Scotia, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

FAQs: Pets in Nova Scotia Condos and Apartments

1. Can my landlord evict me for having a pet in Nova Scotia?
   Yes, if your lease has a no-pets clause or the pet causes harm, persistent disturbance, or serious damage. But you have the right to respond or appeal.
2. Are condo bylaws about pets stronger than my lease?
   Yes, condo bylaws apply even if your lease is silent. If the condo prohibits pets, you must follow that rule.
3. Can a landlord charge me a separate pet deposit?
   No, only standard security deposits are allowed under Nova Scotia law.
4. How do I dispute a notice to remove my pet or move out?
   File Form C with the Residential Tenancies Program for a hearing and possible resolution.
5. Do service animals count as pets?
   No, service animals have special legal protection for tenants with disabilities, subject to proper documentation.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

• Pet rules can differ a lot between condos and apartments in Nova Scotia.
• Always check both your lease and condo bylaws for pet policies before moving in.
• If issues arise, know your rights, keep communication in writing, and use official forms to protect yourself.

In summary, being proactive and informed will give you the best chance to enjoy housing that fits your needs—including your furry friends.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program: For forms, hearings, and information on tenant rights. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program
• Nova Scotia Tenants Rights Association: Advocacy and support for residential tenants. NSTenantsRights.ca
• Human Rights Complaints: For disability accommodation and service animal claims. Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
• Official Legislation: Read the Residential Tenancies Act

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1. Nova Scotia Legislature. Residential Tenancies Act (RSNS 1989, c.401)
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program. Official Program Website
3. Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Service Animals and Human Rights

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