Nova Scotia Tenant Guide to Discrimination & Accessibility

Facing discrimination or accessibility barriers as a tenant in Nova Scotia can be distressing, but you have strong rights and resources to support you. This guide explains your legal protections, steps for addressing problems, and how to ensure your rental home is safe and accessible. By understanding Nova Scotia’s rules, you can confidently secure fair treatment in your housing journey.

Understanding Discrimination in Nova Scotia Rentals

It is illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants or applicants on the basis of protected grounds under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. Discrimination means treating someone unfairly due to personal characteristics such as:

• Race, colour, ancestry, or ethnic origin
• Religion or creed
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
• Age (over 19)
• Physical or mental disability
• Marital or family status
• Source of income

Landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict you, or set different rules because of these reasons.

Examples of Discrimination

• Denying an application because you use income assistance
• Refusing to allow a service animal for a person with a disability
• Charging higher rent due to race or family size

If you suspect discrimination, document what happened with dates, communications, and witnesses.

Accessibility: Your Right to Equal Housing

Accessibility means you have the right to reasonable accommodations in your rental home if you have a physical or mental disability. This could include ramps, grab bars, or allowing a service animal. Landlords must make these changes unless it causes them undue hardship (for example, excessive cost or health/safety risk).

Maintenance and Safety for Tenants with Disabilities

It’s a landlord’s duty to maintain your rental home and common areas in good repair, regardless of your needs. If repairs are needed to ensure accessibility or safe living conditions, be clear in your communication and follow up in writing.

You may find more on this topic in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What To Do If You Experience Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

If you face discrimination or your landlord refuses a reasonable accessibility request, here are important steps:

• Keep notes: Document dates, details, and evidence (emails, texts, photos).
• Communicate clearly: State your request or concern in writing and give your landlord a reasonable chance to respond.
• Seek help: If your issue isn’t resolved, contact the Residential Tenancies Program for advice or assistance.
• Consider a complaint: You can file a formal complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission if you believe your rights under the Human Rights Act have been violated.

For more practical information on issues you might face, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Relevant Official Forms

• Application to Director (Form K): Use this form to ask the Residential Tenancies Program to resolve disputes, such as refused accommodations or discriminatory practices. Download from Residential Tenancies Nova Scotia - Forms. For example, if your landlord refuses to install a ramp for your wheelchair, you can file Form K to have the issue reviewed.
• Complaint Form (Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission): If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, file a complaint directly with the Human Rights Commission via their online system.

The Tribunal That Handles Disputes

In Nova Scotia, the Residential Tenancies Program oversees landlord and tenant disputes, while the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission addresses discrimination complaints. For detailed rental rights and processes, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Unsure about your next steps or need to find accessible rental listings? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings including accessible units across the country.

Preventing Discrimination: Tips for Tenants

• Be familiar with your rights. You can refuse questions about protected characteristics (like family status or religion).
• If required adaptations are needed, make your request in writing and suggest practical options.
• If you encounter pushback, follow up promptly and seek outside help if needed.
• Review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand mutual duties.

A proactive approach can help prevent misunderstandings and enforce your rights.

FAQ: Tenant Concerns About Discrimination & Accessibility

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone with a disability?
   A landlord in Nova Scotia cannot refuse to rent to someone because of a physical or mental disability. This is against the Human Rights Act and the Residential Tenancies Act.
2. What is a reasonable accommodation and how do I request one?
   Reasonable accommodation is a change that allows a person with a disability fair access to rental housing, such as installing a grab bar. Make the request in writing, describe your needs, and keep all correspondence.
3. How do I file a human rights complaint in Nova Scotia?
   Complaints should be submitted to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission using the official complaint form, available online. You’ll need to outline details, dates, and supporting information.
4. What happens if my landlord retaliates after I make a complaint?
   Landlords cannot retaliate if you exercise your legal rights. If you face eviction or harassment after making a complaint, document everything and seek help from the Residential Tenancies Program or Human Rights Commission.
5. Where can I get more information about my tenant rights specific to Nova Scotia?
   Refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for detailed and up-to-date rights information.

How To: Steps to Complain About Discrimination or Accessibility Issues

1. How do I file a discrimination complaint with the Human Rights Commission?
   Gather evidence, visit the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission website, fill out the online Complaint Form, and submit it along with your documentation.
2. How do I apply to the Residential Tenancies Program regarding accessibility?
   Complete Form K (Application to Director), attach supporting documents, and submit it to the nearest Access Nova Scotia Centre.
3. How do I document my landlord's refusal to accommodate?
   Keep written communication, note dates and times, and take photos if relevant. Provide a clear written summary if needed as evidence.
4. How do I respond if my landlord tries to evict me after I make a complaint?
   Do not move out immediately. Contact the Residential Tenancies Program for advice and, if necessary, file a complaint using Form K.
5. How do I ask for a maintenance or repair related to accessibility?
   Send a written request to your landlord with a description of the issue and why it is needed for accessibility. Keep all correspondence for your records.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Nova Scotia must not discriminate or deny reasonable accessibility modifications.
• Document all incidents and requests in writing and seek official help if not resolved.
• The Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Program can provide formal dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program: Information, forms, and dispute resolution
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission: File a human rights complaint
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
• Nova Scotia Housing Authority: Additional support for tenants
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

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

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