Requesting Pet Accommodation as a Tenant in Nova Scotia

Living with a pet can greatly enhance quality of life, but Nova Scotia tenants may face challenges when requesting pet accommodation from their landlords. This guide explains how you can legally request pet accommodation in Nova Scotia, what protections and responsibilities apply, and what steps you should take to ensure your rights are respected under current rental law.

Nova Scotia Law on Pets in Rentals: Key Principles

Pet policies in Nova Scotia rental housing are largely governed by the Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. Here are the basics:

• Landlords can include "no pets" clauses in rental agreements, and these clauses are usually enforceable, unless overridden by human rights protections.
• Tenants needing accommodation for a service or support animal due to a disability may have additional protections under Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
• Requests for pet accommodation should be made in writing and supported by documentation if related to a disability.

For more details on your rights as a Nova Scotia renter, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Requesting a Pet Accommodation: Regular Pet vs. Service Animal

Regular Pets

Landlords can refuse requests for regular household pets based solely on their individual pet policy. However, tenants are still entitled to respectful communication and proper notice if a policy changes.

Service or Support Animals

If you have a disability and require a service or support animal, you can request accommodation even if a no-pet policy exists. You may need to provide:

• Medical documentation stating the need for the animal
• Evidence the animal is trained (for service animals)

Landlords are generally required to accommodate unless there is undue hardship (e.g., severe allergies in a small shared home), as guided by the Human Rights Act.

Step-by-Step: How to Request Pet Accommodation in Nova Scotia

• Review your lease to confirm the existing pet policy.
• Draft a written request. Be polite, clear, and include:
• Your address and contact information
• Your request (include details of the pet, or documentation if a service animal)
• The reason for your request
• Submit the request to your landlord by email or another traceable method.
• If the request is denied and relates to a service/support animal, contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to file a complaint.
• If the denial is outside of human rights concerns, you may file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Program (Nova Scotia's tribunal handling tenancy matters).

Relevant Official Forms in Nova Scotia

• Application to Director (Form D): Used to resolve disputes or request an order regarding tenancy matters.
  Example: If your landlord denies a reasonable service animal request, complete and submit Form D to the Residential Tenancies Program, explaining your circumstances. Learn more here.

Key Rights and Responsibilities

• Tenants must ensure pets don't disturb others or damage property.
• Landlords must treat tenants fairly, including considering human rights accommodations.
• Both parties should document communication and agreements.

For a deeper look at obligations for both parties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you're searching for a new place that allows pets, you can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca – they make it easy to filter listings for your furry companion.

FAQ: Pet Accommodation Requests for Tenants in Nova Scotia

1. Can my landlord refuse any type of pet in Nova Scotia?
   Yes, landlords can refuse regular pets and include 'no pet' clauses in leases. However, exceptions may apply for service or support animals as recognized by law.
2. Is my emotional support animal protected under the law?
   If your emotional support animal is connected to a diagnosed disability and supported by medical documentation, you can request accommodation. Protections are decided case by case under human rights law.
3. What should I do if my landlord denies my service animal?
   Start by communicating and providing documentation. If denied, you can apply to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission or file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Program.
4. Is there an official form to submit a dispute about pet accommodation?
   Yes, use the Application to Director (Form D) to seek a decision on tenancy disagreements.
5. Do I have to pay extra deposit or pet rent?
   Landlords cannot charge additional pet deposits in Nova Scotia, but they may require that tenants cover damages caused by pets. For more, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program (Nova Scotia) – Filing disputes, forms, and resolutions
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – Service animal complaints
• Dalhousie Legal Aid Service – Free tenant advocacy and legal help
• Access detailed provincial rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

---

1. ^[1] Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
2. ^[2] Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission: Service Animals

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy