Nova Scotia Tenant Rights When Moving In and Moving Out

Moving into or out of a rental home in Nova Scotia comes with specific legal rights and responsibilities for tenants. Whether you're starting a new lease or preparing to leave your rental unit, it's important to understand how provincial rules and protections work at each stage. This guide will help you navigate key steps like deposits, inspections, and proper notice requirements, so you can avoid common pitfalls and protect your rights through the entire process.

Understanding Your Rights and Obligations When Moving In

Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act sets out rules designed to ensure both tenants and landlords know their obligations when a tenancy begins. Here are the essentials you should know as a new tenant:

• Read and understand your lease before signing. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any terms you don’t understand.
• Review the amount and conditions of any security deposit requested. Landlords in Nova Scotia cannot ask for more than half a month’s rent as a security deposit.
• Confirm how rent should be paid and any rules around when and how payments must be made.
• Request a copy of your signed lease for your records.

For more on deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Initial Inspection and Move-In Checklist

Before you move your belongings in, carefully inspect the rental unit with your landlord. Document pre-existing damage and the condition of appliances. Taking dated photos and filling out a move-in inspection form can protect you against unfair deductions later.

Get step-by-step guidance from our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Key Official Form: Security Deposit Form (Form D)

• Form name: Security Deposit Form (Form D)
• When to use: Whenever a landlord accepts a security deposit from a tenant at lease signing.
• How it works: Landlords must give tenants a completed Security Deposit Form, outlining where the deposit is held and the amount. This protects both parties and is an official record required by the Residential Tenancies Program.
• Download the Security Deposit Form (Form D)

In addition to checking the lease and deposit, be alert to health and safety issues in your rental. Read more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Tenant Rights and Steps When Moving Out

When your tenancy ends, you have rights and obligations to ensure a smooth transition:

• Provide written notice to your landlord using the right form and correct notice period.
• Arrange for a move-out inspection, preferably with the landlord present.
• Leave the unit clean and in good repair, accounting for normal wear and tear.
• Return all keys and provide a forwarding address so your deposit can be sent back.

Key Official Form: Notice to Quit (Form C)

• Form name: Notice to Quit (Form C)
• When to use: When you want to end your tenancy, whether fixed-term or month-to-month.
• How it works: Complete this form and deliver it to your landlord with the required notice. Typically, tenants must provide three months’ written notice for year-to-year leases or one month's notice for month-to-month tenancies.
• Download the Notice to Quit (Form C)

What Happens at the Final Inspection?

Both you and your landlord should inspect the property together when you move out. This check helps determine if any deductions will be made from your security deposit for damage beyond normal use. Make sure to record the condition with photos and have any conclusions put in writing.

For additional moving-out advice, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

Security Deposit Returns and Interest

Landlords must return your security deposit—with interest—within 10 days after you move out, unless they make a deduction for damages (not normal wear and tear) or unpaid rent. Interest rates are set annually by the province.

What If There Are Disputes?

If you disagree with a landlord’s deposit deduction, or any other issue during move-in or move-out, you can apply for dispute resolution with Nova Scotia’s official residential tenancy authority:

• Tribunal Name: Residential Tenancies Program, Service Nova Scotia
• Visit the Residential Tenancies Program for instructions and forms

The application process is guided by the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act.¹

To learn more about tenant and landlord rules in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia. If you’re looking for a new place to live, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice do I need to give before moving out in Nova Scotia? For most month-to-month leases, you must provide at least one month's written notice using the official Notice to Quit (Form C).
2. Can my landlord keep my security deposit for normal wear and tear? No, landlords cannot withhold your deposit for regular use. Only damage beyond normal wear or unpaid rent can be deducted.
3. What if my landlord won’t return my deposit? You can file a dispute through the Residential Tenancies Program if you believe your deposit is being withheld unfairly.
4. Do I need to be present at the move-out inspection? It is highly recommended to be present, so you can agree on the state of the rental and prevent future disputes.
5. Am I entitled to interest on my security deposit? Yes, Nova Scotia law requires your deposit to be returned with interest, as set each year by the province.

How To: Key Steps for a Smooth Move-In and Move-Out

1. How do I document my rental's condition at move-in? Inspect the property with your landlord, take dated photos, and fill out an inspection report together.
2. How do I officially end my tenancy? Fill out the Notice to Quit (Form C) and give it to your landlord with the correct notice period (often one month for month-to-month tenancies).
3. How do I respond if my deposit isn’t returned? Notify your landlord in writing and, if needed, file a claim with the Residential Tenancies Program using their application form.

Key Takeaways

• Always document the state of your unit with photos and inspection forms when moving in and out.
• Understand your deposit rights and return timelines under provincial law.
• Use official forms and provide proper written notice to protect yourself.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program, Service Nova Scotia: Official Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies resources and application forms
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) – Free legal info for tenants
• Tenants' Rights Association of Nova Scotia – Tenant advocacy and support

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1. Government of Nova Scotia. Residential Tenancies Act.
2. Service Nova Scotia. Residential Tenancies Program.
3. Forms: Official Nova Scotia Tenancy Forms.

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