Nova Scotia Tenant Maintenance & Repairs: Complete Checklist

Keeping your rental home safe and in good repair is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords in Nova Scotia. Whether you're dealing with a leaky tap, broken heating, or mold, understanding the steps, key forms, and your legal rights will help you stay protected and comfortable. This article guides you, as a Nova Scotia tenant, through maintenance and repairs so you can act with confidence and peace of mind.

Your Rights and Responsibilities for Maintenance in Nova Scotia Rentals

Both tenants and landlords have important duties under Nova Scotia's tenancy laws. Landlords must ensure the property meets health, safety, and repair standards, while tenants must use the home appropriately and report problems promptly.

• Landlord's responsibilities: Keep the property in a good state of repair, including appliances supplied, common areas, and structural elements.
• Tenant's responsibilities: Keep the unit clean, avoid damage (beyond normal wear and tear), and report maintenance issues promptly to the landlord.

To learn more about how these duties apply, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Relevant Nova Scotia Law

All residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia^[1]. This law sets the minimum standards for repairs and outlines what must be done if repairs are not completed.

If you want to know more about your regional rights, check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Maintenance & Repairs Checklist for Tenants

Ensure your rental is healthy, safe, and well-maintained by following this step-by-step checklist:

• On move-in, document the property's condition with photos and a checklist. This helps prevent disputes later on. Learn how with the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.
• Know what repairs you are responsible for (e.g., routine cleaning, changing light bulbs) and what is your landlord's duty (e.g., plumbing, heating, major appliances).
• Report any problems as soon as you notice them. Put your notice in writing and keep a copy for your records. Email is ideal.
• For emergencies (like no heat in winter or active water leaks), contact your landlord immediately and follow up in writing.
• Allow reasonable access for repairs – landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice (except in emergencies).
• If repairs are not completed, consider your options for escalating, including applying to the provincial Residential Tenancy Program.

Common Issues and When to Take Action

• Broken heat or hot water
• Mold, water damage, or leaks
• Pest infestations
• Unsafe wiring or appliances
• Deteriorating windows or doors

Many maintenance concerns – like repeated pest problems – may indicate a health or safety issue. For guidance, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Essential Forms for Maintenance and Repairs in Nova Scotia

Navigating repairs sometimes requires official paperwork. Here are key forms you could use:

• Form J: Application to Director (Maintenance/Repairs Issues)
  Use this if your landlord fails to address serious repair needs. For example, if heating is broken and weeks go by with no fix, complete Form J: Application to the Director and submit it to the Residential Tenancy Program.
  Tip: Clearly describe the issues and include evidence such as photos and copies of all communication.
• Notice to Enter
  Landlords in Nova Scotia must use an official Notice to Enter form (at least 24 hours' notice except in emergencies) before accessing your unit for repairs.

Emergency vs. Routine Repairs

How you approach repairs depends on the level of urgency:

• Emergency repairs: These threaten your health or safety (e.g., fire, no heat in winter, flooding). Act immediately—notify your landlord by any means available, then follow up in writing.
• Routine repairs: Report in writing and give the landlord reasonable time. See more guidance in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

What If Repairs Are Not Completed?

If your landlord does not complete repairs within a reasonable timeframe:

• Step 1: Send a written follow-up (keep proof).
• Step 2: Gather evidence (photos, correspondence).
• Step 3: File Form J: Application to Director for dispute resolution.

The Residential Tenancy Program is the official tribunal handling tenant-landlord disputes in Nova Scotia^[2].

If the issue is a severe pest infestation, check our guide to Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Tips for Avoiding Maintenance Disputes

• Keep a maintenance log (dates, issues, correspondence, outcomes).
• Communicate in writing as much as possible.
• Understand which repairs are "routine" versus "emergency" and act accordingly.
• Perform routine cleaning and minor upkeep as agreed in your lease.

For more support, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings when considering your next move or to review what other rental homes look like in your province.

FAQ: Maintenance & Repairs for Nova Scotia Tenants

1. Who is responsible for fixing appliances in my rental?
   In general, if the appliance was supplied with the rental, the landlord must maintain and repair it—unless your lease says otherwise.
2. What can I do if my landlord ignores repair requests?
   Send written reminders, collect evidence, then submit Form J: Application to Director to the Residential Tenancy Program.
3. Can I refuse to pay rent if repairs are not done?
   No. Always pay rent in full and on time to avoid eviction risk. Unresolved repairs must be handled through the Residential Tenancy Program.
4. What are "emergency repairs"?
   These are repairs needed to protect your health or safety (e.g., loss of heat, water, serious leaks, fire hazards).
5. How do I document maintenance issues effectively?
   Take photos, keep copies of all correspondence, and maintain a written log of issues and responses.

How To: Steps for Tenants When Repairs Aren't Being Done

1. How do I request a repair in Nova Scotia?
   Notify your landlord in writing with details and photos if possible. Retain a copy for your records.
2. How do I escalate unresolved maintenance issues?
   After reasonable waiting, complete Form J: Application to Director and submit it to the Residential Tenancy Program along with supporting evidence.
3. How much notice must my landlord provide to do repairs?
   Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice, unless there is an emergency.
4. How do I contact the Residential Tenancy Program?
   Visit Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy: Maintenance and Repairs for up-to-date forms and contact methods.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Keep written records and photos of all maintenance issues and landlord communications.
• Know the difference between routine and emergency repairs—act swiftly when needed.
• Use official forms and government resources to resolve disputes if your landlord does not act.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – Official dispute resolution and tenant resource
• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act (PDF)
• Nova Scotia Housing – Tenant Guide
• For regional rights and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program

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