If you are a tenant or renter in Nova Scotia and have faced housing denial because of pet ownership, it’s important to know your rights under provincial law. This guide explains key protections, exceptions, and what to do if you believe you’ve been unfairly refused rental housing due to having an animal—especially service or support animals.
Are Pet Owners Protected When Renting in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, landlords generally have the right to set pet policies as part of a rental agreement. This means they can legally refuse to rent to someone who owns a pet, unless the pet is a service animal required because of a disability.
Here’s what Nova Scotia tenants should know:
- Landlords may include “no pets” clauses in leases, and can select tenants based on pet ownership status (for non-service animals).
- Denying rental only on the basis of having a service animal (e.g. guide dog) for a disability recognized by law may be considered discrimination.
Human Rights and Service Animals
Nova Scotia’s Human Rights Act protects people against discrimination based on disability. If your animal is necessary for a recognized disability (e.g., guide dog, emotional support animal with medical documentation), you have a right to request an accommodation from the landlord. Denying you solely for this reason could violate human rights law.
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is responsible for these complaints: Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
What About Pets That Are Not Service Animals?
For ordinary pets like cats, dogs, birds, or reptiles, landlords can legally refuse to rent to people with pets, or include no-pet rules in the rental agreement. Breaking a no-pets rule after signing could lead to eviction.
For more on general tenancy rules in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.
What Should You Do If You’re Denied Housing for Having a Pet?
If your pet is not a service or support animal, usually no action can be taken—landlords can make this decision as part of tenant selection. If your animal is a confirmed service or support animal, however, take these steps:
- Document your situation (emails, texts, ads, or record of conversations).
- Request a written explanation for the denial from the landlord.
- Gather medical or legal documentation confirming your animal is a service or support animal for a disability.
- Contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to file a complaint if you believe you were denied based on disability-related needs.
Understanding Your Lease and Tenancy Rules
Before you sign a lease, carefully read the section about pets. Once signed, you are legally bound by its terms. After the lease begins, changes (such as adopting a pet) without written landlord consent may breach the agreement.
For more on responsibilities after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
If you’re seeking pet-friendly rentals, you can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca, which lets you filter for animal-friendly homes across Canada.
Official Tribunal and Legislation
The official board overseeing residential tenancies in Nova Scotia is the Residential Tenancies Program (Service Nova Scotia & Internal Services).
Nova Scotia’s main rental law is the Residential Tenancies Act.1
Relevant Forms and Processes
- Residential Tenancy Application (Form J): File if you have an ongoing dispute with your landlord (for example, if evicted over an illegal "no service animal" policy).
Download and instructions: Apply for a Residential Tenancy Order - Tenant Complaint Form (Human Rights): Use if you need to file a discrimination claim with the Human Rights Commission.
Details and online submission: Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission Complaint Process
Related Rights and Helpful Guides
If your issue relates to what happens after you move in, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more on your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities.
FAQ: Nova Scotia Tenant and Pet Rights
- Can a landlord legally refuse to rent to someone with pets in Nova Scotia?
Yes, unless the pet is a service animal required for a disability. Standard pets are not protected. - Are no-pets clauses enforceable in Nova Scotia leases?
Yes, these clauses are legal and binding. Breaking them can be grounds for eviction. - Is a landlord allowed to charge extra deposits or fees for having a service animal?
No. Charging extra because of a disability-related service animal may violate human rights law. - Who can help if I was denied for a service animal?
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission investigates discrimination complaints. - Where can I look for pet-friendly rentals?
You can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca for listings across the province and Canada.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Landlords can usually refuse pets, but not service animals legally recognized for disabilities.
- No-pets clauses in leases are enforceable—always check your contract.
- File a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission if denied due to a service animal.
Make sure to understand your rights and review all lease terms before signing. For in-depth answers, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – disputes, forms, advice
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – for discrimination complaints
- Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia – free legal information and support for tenants
