Nova Scotia Tenant Rights: Family Size Discrimination Protection

If you’re a tenant in Nova Scotia and have been told you can’t rent a home because of your family size or the number of children you have, it’s important to know that the law protects you. Discrimination based on family status, including family size, is prohibited throughout Nova Scotia rental housing.

What Is Discrimination Based on Family Size?

Discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent to you, limits your housing options, or treats you unfairly because of your family composition — such as being a single parent, having several children, or caring for dependent relatives.

• Denying your rental application because you have children
• Imposing higher rent or deposits due to family size
• Restricting occupancy for families with children

This type of discrimination is illegal under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act ^[1] and, in the context of rental housing, applies to all private landlords, property management companies, and government-assisted housing.

Legal Rights for Tenants in Nova Scotia

Both the Residential Tenancies Act ^[2] and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act protect tenants from discrimination. Landlords cannot set terms, deny housing, or harass tenants due to family status or number of dependents.

If you’re uncertain about your wider rights as a tenant in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Common Signs of Family Size Discrimination

• Rental ads stating “no children” or “adult-only”
• Being told the unit is unavailable after disclosing you have kids
• Higher deposits or stricter conditions for families

If you experience any of these situations, your rights may have been violated.

How to Respond if You Face Discrimination

If you suspect you’re experiencing discrimination over family size, you have a right to take action. Here's a summary of what you can do:

• Document all communication with landlords or property managers
• Save copies of emails, rental advertisements, and notes from phone conversations
• Note dates, times, and details when discrimination occurs

Gathering evidence early helps if you need to file an official complaint. For a deeper dive into the issues tenants face, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Filing a Human Rights Complaint

To challenge family size discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. The commission will investigate, offer mediation, and, if necessary, hold a formal hearing.

Required Form:
Complaint Form (Download here)
Use this form to describe the discrimination, outline key dates, and provide supporting evidence. Submit it by mail, email, or in person to the commission.

Tenancy Board Support and Other Options

While the main avenue for discrimination disputes is the Human Rights Commission, you can also contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program for guidance on related rental matters. The Board primarily deals with tenancy agreements, repairs, and evictions, but can advise on tenant rights and next steps.

If your situation involves problems with your lease, deposits, or obligations, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for additional context.

What the Law Says

Discrimination over family status is directly addressed by Section 5 of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, which specifically lists “family status” as a protected ground. The Residential Tenancies Act governs rental relationships, ensuring all tenants have equal access and protection from unfair treatment.

For tenants seeking to move, remember you have the right to search rental listings free of discrimination. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with helpful filters and map-based tools.

FAQ: Family Size Discrimination and Tenant Rights in Nova Scotia

1. Is it legal for a landlord to refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, refusal to rent based on family status or the presence of children is illegal, even if the landlord claims it is for reasons like “too many people” or “adult-oriented building.”
2. What should I do if I see a rental ad that says 'no children'?
   Document the ad (take a screenshot or save a copy) and file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. This kind of ad is a clear sign of discrimination.
3. What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
   The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will review your complaint, investigate the circumstances, may offer mediation, and can hold a formal hearing if needed. If discrimination is found, remedies can include compensation or policy changes.
4. Can my landlord set different terms or rent prices just because I have children?
   No. Charging more rent or imposing stricter conditions based solely on family size is a form of discrimination under provincial law.
5. Where can I get help if I'm unsure about my rights?
   You can contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission or the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program for information and support regarding your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Nova Scotia law protects tenants from discrimination over family size or family status.
• If you experience discrimination, document the incident and file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
• Support is available—know your rights and don't hesitate to seek help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – file discrimination complaints and access education material.
• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – advice on tenancy issues, forms, and contact details for dispute resolution.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia – overview of provincial rental law and protections.
• For general housing options, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

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

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