Nova Scotia Tenant FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility Rights

Facing discrimination or accessibility barriers as a tenant in Nova Scotia can be confusing and stressful. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and where to turn for help is essential for a safe, fair housing experience. This guide answers frequently asked questions about discrimination and accessibility in Nova Scotia, focusing on what every tenant should know—whether you’re searching for a home, living with a disability, or dealing with unfair treatment.

What is considered discrimination in Nova Scotia’s rental housing?

In Nova Scotia, discrimination means being treated unfairly or denied housing based on protected personal characteristics. Under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants or applicants because of:

• Race, colour, or ethnic background
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression
• Physical or mental disability
• Marital or family status (including having children)
• Age or source of income

If you believe you have been denied a rental, evicted, or harassed for these reasons, you may have experienced illegal discrimination.

Your Right to Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodation

Tenants living with a disability have the right to accessible rental housing. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for accessibility needs unless doing so would cause undue hardship (significant structural or financial difficulty). This could include:

• Allowing guide or service animals even in “no pets” buildings
• Permitting installation of grab bars or ramps (at the tenant’s request and expense, unless otherwise agreed)
• Adjustments to policies or lease terms when needed for a disability

Landlords and tenants should work together to find practical solutions benefitting both parties. If a landlord refuses reasonable accommodation without valid cause, this may breach your rights under the Human Rights Act.

Discrimination in Every Step of Renting

Discrimination isn’t just about the application process. It also covers:

• Advertising a rental in a way that discourages or excludes certain groups
• Setting different rules or higher rent because of a tenant’s protected characteristic
• Providing lower-quality repairs or amenities based on who you are

How do I file a discrimination or accessibility complaint in Nova Scotia?

You can file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination or if a landlord has failed to accommodate your accessibility needs. The process involves submitting a complaint form, which can be done online or by contacting their office directly.

Official Form: Nova Scotia Human Rights Complaint Form
Submit a Complaint Online

• When to Use: If you have experienced discrimination based on a protected characteristic while trying to rent or during your tenancy.
• How to Use: Complete the online form or request a paper copy. Clearly explain what happened, provide dates, and include any evidence (like emails or letters).

How does the Residential Tenancies Program fit in?

The Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program handles rental disputes about leases, repairs, and evictions. However, matters of discrimination and accessibility are overseen by the Human Rights Commission. If your complaint is about repairs or landlord obligations (for example, failure to repair an accessibility feature), you may also apply to the Residential Tenancies Program.

Read more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for a full overview of housing protections in the province.

Key Laws Protecting Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) – Governs leases, terminations, landlord duties, and tenant rights¹
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Act – Covers discrimination and ensures equal housing access²

Landlords must follow both acts. You can also explore the Residential Tenancies Program for guidance.

Landlords’ and Tenants’ Responsibilities

Both sides have rights and obligations. For more about rules surrounding repairs, rent payments, and communications, check Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For anyone searching, renting, or experiencing issues in Canada, you can always Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a variety of accessible options and landlord contacts.

FAQ: Discrimination & Accessibility for Nova Scotia Tenants

1. What should I do if a landlord refuses my service animal?
   If you need a service or guide animal (for a disability), landlords must make an exception, even if the building has a "no pets" policy. Provide documentation, and if refused, contact the Human Rights Commission.
2. Can a landlord ask about my disability during an application?
   No, landlords cannot ask about your disability except to arrange reasonable accommodations. They can ask what modifications are needed, not about the diagnosis itself.
3. What is 'reasonable accommodation'?
   It’s a change or adaptation by the landlord (like allowing support animals or minor structural changes) so tenants living with disabilities can enjoy the rental equally, unless it creates undue hardship.
4. Does the law cover rental advertisements?
   Yes. Ads must not exclude or discourage people based on race, sex, family status, or other protected grounds. Discriminatory ads are not allowed in Nova Scotia.
5. If my landlord ignores my accessibility request, what should I do?
   Start with a written request, keep a copy, and if unresolved, file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission—include details and supporting documents.

How To: Take Action on Discrimination or Accessibility Barriers

1. How do I start a discrimination complaint in Nova Scotia?
   Gather your evidence, fill out the Human Rights Complaint Form, and submit it to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission online or by mail.
2. How can I request reasonable accommodation from my landlord?
   Put your request in writing, state your needs (such as a ramp or service animal), and provide relevant medical documentation if possible.
3. Who decides if an accommodation is 'undue hardship'?
   The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission decides if the landlord truly cannot make the change due to serious cost or building limitations.
4. Can I use the Residential Tenancies Program for accessibility disputes?
   If your dispute involves repairs to accessibility features or your landlord’s general obligations, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Program for resolution.

Key Takeaways

• Nova Scotia law protects tenants from discrimination at all stages of renting.
• Landlords must offer reasonable accessibility accommodations unless doing so causes undue hardship.
• Complaints about discrimination go to the Human Rights Commission; general rental disputes go to the Residential Tenancies Program.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – Complaint Form and Service
• Residential Tenancies Program (Nova Scotia) – Rental disputes, forms, and guides
• Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate – Accessibility standards and tenant support
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
2. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act

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