Nova Scotia Tenant Maintenance Duties: A Practical Guide

Moving In / Out Nova Scotia published: June 13, 2025 Flag of Nova Scotia

Living in a rental property in Nova Scotia means understanding your maintenance responsibilities under provincial law. Knowing what you’re required to do—and what your landlord must handle—can help avoid disputes, keep your rental in good shape, and protect your rights as a tenant. This guide outlines key maintenance duties, the official rules, and helpful steps if issues arise.

Understanding Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in Nova Scotia

As a tenant, you have specific legal responsibilities to keep your unit reasonably clean, safe, and in good condition. The Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act sets out what is expected from both landlords and tenants.[1] While your landlord handles major repairs, you must take care of day-to-day upkeep and alert the landlord promptly if anything needs fixing.

Typical Tenant Responsibilities

  • Keep the rental clean and free of excessive garbage or clutter
  • Dispose of trash properly using available bins
  • Prevent damage beyond normal wear and tear
  • Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (where applicable)
  • Report required repairs to your landlord right away
  • Not remove, tamper with, or disable safety features
  • Handle minor routine tasks like light bulb or furnace filter replacements (unless lease says otherwise)

If you're unsure about a maintenance task, your lease agreement will often give more details.

Landlord’s Maintenance Duties

Landlords are responsible for structural repairs and ensuring the rental meets local health and safety standards. This includes:

  • Fixing major plumbing or electrical issues
  • Ensuring the building is weatherproof and safe
  • Repairing heating systems
  • Addressing pest infestations (unless caused by tenant action)

For a complete overview of both parties' duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Routine Repairs and How to Request Them

Routine repairs are an important part of keeping your living space comfortable and safe. If you notice something that needs fixing, here's what to do:

  • Notify your landlord in writing as soon as you become aware of the issue.
  • Keep a record of all communication (emails, texts, or written letters).
  • If the landlord doesn’t respond promptly, you have the right to escalate the issue to the provincial tribunal.

Some repairs may be urgent, such as a broken furnace in winter. In these cases, follow up quickly and be clear about the urgency.

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Emergency Repairs and What to Do

Emergency repairs are those that threaten your safety or the integrity of the building. Examples include:

  • No heat in winter
  • Sewer backup or flooding
  • Broken locks or doors
  • Electrical hazards

If you face an emergency and can’t reach your landlord, you may arrange for necessary repairs and try to recover the costs. The process involves strict requirements. See details in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

  • Form J – Application to Director (Repairs or Maintenance)
    Form J (Official Government Link)
    When to use: If your landlord does not make necessary repairs after being notified, use this form to apply to the Residential Tenancies Program for help. For instance, if your heat is not working in the winter, and the landlord ignores your written request, submit Form J to seek intervention.

Keeping Your Unit Healthy and Safe

Nova Scotia law requires that rentals are kept free from health and safety hazards. These can include mold, pests, unsafe wiring, or poor ventilation. Tenants should report concerns right away. Learn more at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you receive a notice from your landlord about cleaning or minor maintenance, act promptly. Keeping documentation of your actions can be very helpful if there’s ever a dispute.

What Happens if You Don’t Meet Your Responsibilities?

If a tenant does not uphold their duties, landlords may serve a written notice outlining the problem and asking for it to be corrected. If unresolved, it could result in a formal dispute or even an application to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program for further action. Always address concerns within the time given and communicate in writing.

For more insights on renting in Nova Scotia, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia. Or, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find your next home.

FAQ: Tenant Maintenance in Nova Scotia

  1. What maintenance am I responsible for as a tenant in Nova Scotia?
    You must keep your unit clean, prevent damage, and report repairs to your landlord. You’re generally responsible for routine, minor tasks unless stated otherwise in your lease.
  2. Can my landlord require me to pay for repairs?
    Only if the damage goes beyond normal wear and tear, or if you or your guests caused it. If it's due to aging or normal use, the landlord covers it.
  3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix something?
    Notify your landlord in writing. If there's still no action, file Form J with the Residential Tenancy Program for assistance.
  4. Are smoke detectors my responsibility?
    Tenants must not tamper with smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and may be responsible for regular maintenance like battery replacement. Landlords must ensure the devices are installed and functioning.
  5. Do I need to professionally clean the unit when I move out?
    You must return the unit in a reasonably clean condition, similar to when you moved in, allowing for normal wear and tear.

Key Takeaways

  • Tenants are expected to keep rental units clean and undamaged, and to report required repairs quickly.
  • Major repairs and safety issues must be handled by landlords.
  • For unresolved issues, tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Program using Form J.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act. Read the Act
  2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program, official forms: Provincial website

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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