Nova Scotia Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Checklist

Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Nova Scotia is vital for having a safe, stable rental experience. This checklist guides you through everything from moving in, paying rent, requesting repairs, to moving out—ensuring you stay informed and protected throughout your tenancy. Nova Scotia’s tenancy rules are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, and disputes are handled by the province’s Residential Tenancy Program.^[1]

Key Rights for Nova Scotia Tenants

All tenants in Nova Scotia are protected by provincial legislation. Here are your core rights:

• The right to a safe and healthy rental home, free from major hazards
• Protection against unlawful eviction and discrimination
• The right to privacy, including proper notice for landlord entry (usually 24 hours, except emergencies)
• Limits on rent increases—always with official written notice
• Access to dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancy Program if problems arise

For a detailed summary, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

Nova Scotia tenants are expected to:

• Pay rent in full and on time as agreed in the lease
• Keep the rental unit reasonably clean and undamaged (beyond normal wear and tear)
• Report needed repairs or safety issues to the landlord promptly
• Respect neighbours and follow building rules

Working together with your landlord helps create a positive and responsible tenancy, as explained in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Moving In: What to Check First

Before moving in, walk through the rental with your landlord and note any existing damage or repairs needed. This is vital for avoiding disputes later about your security deposit or "damage deposit." Document with photos and, if possible, request an initial inspection using an official checklist.

Signing a written lease protects both tenant and landlord—always request a copy for your records. For a detailed walk-through, consider the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Deposits, Rent, and Required Forms

Security Deposit (Damage Deposit)

• Landlords in Nova Scotia may only charge a security deposit equal to no more than one half of one month’s rent.
• It must be held in trust and returned (with possible deductions for damages) at tenancy end.

Understand what you should expect with Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Paying Rent

• Pay rent in the manner and frequency stated in your lease.
• Landlords cannot require post-dated cheques or give receipts if requested.
• Late or non-payment may lead to a Notice to Quit—prompt communication with your landlord is essential if you fall behind.

Key Official Forms

• Form D – Notice to Quit: Used by landlords or tenants to end a lease legally. For example, if you plan to move out at the end of your fixed-term, you must serve this form with required notice. [Download Form D from the Government of Nova Scotia]
• Application to Director (Form J): Used if you wish to request a hearing for repair orders, return of deposit, disputes over rent, or alleged breaches. Submit this form with supporting documents to the Residential Tenancy Program. [Get Form J and instructions]
• Form K – Change of Landlord/Tenant Information: Used to update the province if the landlord or tenant changes during an active lease. [Find Form K here]

Health, Safety, and Routine Repairs

Landlords must keep rental properties healthy, safe and fit for occupancy—and respond to repair requests promptly:

• Some repairs are urgent (heating, plumbing, large leaks). Others (like broken appliances) are routine.
• Tenants should always report problems in writing and keep a copy of correspondence.
• If your landlord does not act, you may apply to the Residential Tenancy Program for an order.

Learn more about safety concerns with Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Rent Increases and Ending a Tenancy

Landlords must provide written notice before increasing rent. For most leases, the minimum notice is four months before the anniversary of the lease. There are limits on how often rent can be increased (once every 12 months for the same tenant).

• To end a lease or respond to an eviction notice, use Form D (Notice to Quit).
• Disputes (over repairs, deposit return, or eviction) are handled by the Residential Tenancy Program using Form J.

For smooth transitions, see the tips in Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

Where to Get Help

If you can't resolve an issue directly, you may apply for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancy Program. They provide forms, information, and hearings for common tenant problems.

Want to explore rental options or need a new place? Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme.

1. Can a landlord enter my unit without warning?
   Generally, your landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice and state the reason, except in emergencies like fire or a burst pipe.
2. How much can my landlord increase my rent in Nova Scotia?
   Rent can only be increased once in 12 months, and four months' written notice is required. There are currently government-imposed limits depending on your lease; check the latest rules with the province.^[2]
3. When can my landlord keep my security deposit?
   Only for damages beyond normal wear and tear or for unpaid rent. The landlord must provide a written statement of any deductions.
4. What do I do if essential repairs aren’t being done?
   Request repairs in writing, then apply to the Residential Tenancy Program using Form J if there is no timely response.
5. How do I properly end my fixed-term lease?
   Serve a completed Form D (Notice to Quit) with the correct notice period as set out in your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act.

1. How do I dispute an unfair rent increase?
   
   • Step 1: Review the rent increase notice for accuracy (wrong form, improper timing, etc.)
   • Step 2: Respond to your landlord in writing, outlining your concerns.
   • Step 3: Apply to the Residential Tenancy Program with Form J if not resolved.
2. How do I request a repair from my landlord?
   
   • Step 1: Identify the repair and document it (take photos, describe the issue).
   • Step 2: Write a dated letter/email to your landlord.
   • Step 3: If no response, submit Form J to the Residential Tenancy Program with your evidence.
3. How can I make sure I get my security deposit back?
   
   • Step 1: Leave the unit clean and undamaged.
   • Step 2: Request a final inspection and photograph the unit.
   • Step 3: Provide your forwarding address to the landlord in writing.

Key Takeaways

• Always use official Nova Scotia forms and written communication for rent, repairs, or ending a tenancy.
• Your security deposit has legal protections—document your move-in and move-out!
• Start with open communication, but know how to access the Residential Tenancy Program if issues cannot be resolved.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Program (Nova Scotia) – For applications, information, and dispute resolutions.
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) – Official Legislation
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia – Free tenant legal info.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia – Provincial fact sheet.

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1. Residential Tenancy Program (Nova Scotia)
2. Nova Scotia government release: Rent Control Update

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