Requesting Reasonable Housing Accommodations in Nova Scotia

If you are a tenant in Nova Scotia living with a mental health condition, you are entitled to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord to support your well-being. Understanding your rights and knowing how to make these requests can help you maintain a safe and stable rental home. This guide explains the process, your rights under Nova Scotia's tenancy laws, and provides links to official forms and resources.

Understanding Reasonable Accommodation for Tenants

Reasonable accommodation means changes to your living environment or to the landlord’s rules to help you use and enjoy your rental home on an equal basis. Under Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancies Act and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, landlords must provide reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities, including mental health conditions, unless it would cause them undue hardship.^[1][2]

• Examples: Allowing an emotional support animal even if there’s a no-pet rule, granting a transfer to a quieter unit, or installing additional locks for security.
• Limits: The accommodation must not place excessive cost or significant difficulty (undue hardship) on the landlord.

For a broader understanding of rights and duties as both tenant and landlord, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Your Rights and Your Landlord’s Duties

Landlords in Nova Scotia are legally required not to discriminate based on disability, which includes mental health. They must consider all accommodation requests fairly. You are not required to disclose the exact nature of your disability—just the functional limitations and the accommodation required.

• You can request accommodations at any time during your tenancy.
• Your landlord may ask for documentation showing the need (for example, a letter from a health care professional).
• Your landlord cannot evict or penalize you for making a request.

When to Use the Request for Accommodation

If you believe a rule, policy, or feature of your rental is making it hard to live safely or comfortably because of your mental health, you have the right to ask for a change. Examples include needing an air conditioner for anxiety, or more time for rent due to a hospitalization, among others.

How to Request Reasonable Accommodation: Step-by-Step

Making a request for accommodation in Nova Scotia involves clear communication and, if needed, use of formal processes. Here’s how to proceed:

• Put your request in writing. Clearly state what you need and how it relates to your health. Use plain, direct language.
• Attach supporting documentation. If possible, include a note from your doctor or mental health professional explaining why the accommodation is needed, but without unnecessary personal health details.
• Keep records. Save copies of correspondence with your landlord, including emails, letters, and any responses you receive.
• Wait for a response. Landlords should respond promptly. If your request is denied, they must explain the reasons in writing.
• If unresolved: If your landlord refuses or ignores your request, you may contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (official website) or initiate a dispute through the Residential Tenancy Program (official application form).

In some cases, requesting accommodations can also involve questions about health and safety in the rental environment. Learn more by checking out Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to Director (Form D): If your accommodation request is not addressed, you can file an "Application to Director" for dispute resolution.
  Access the official "Application to Director" form here.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to permit an emotional support animal, you can use Form D for a hearing at the Residential Tenancy Program. Attach correspondence and supporting documents to your application.
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Complaint Form: For cases involving discrimination, submit a complaint to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
  File a complaint form online here.
  Example: If your landlord refuses your request based solely on your diagnosis, file a complaint through this process.

The tribunal overseeing rental disputes in Nova Scotia is the Residential Tenancy Program.

For details on Nova Scotia-specific rights and processes, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

If the Landlord Says No

Sometimes, a landlord may claim that a request causes undue hardship or is not feasible. If you disagree, you can:

• Ask for clarification and see if a compromise is possible.
• Contact a local tenant support service for advice.
• Bring the dispute to the Residential Tenancy Program by submitting an Application to Director (Form D).

If denied accommodation, act quickly to secure your rights. Document all interactions and seek help if you are unsure.

Protecting Your Tenancy During the Process

While waiting for a response or decision, continue meeting your other tenancy obligations—such as paying rent and following building rules. If you need more advice about post-signing obligations, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Other Tips for Nova Scotia Tenants

• Keep all communication in writing when possible.
• If you feel overwhelmed, consider contacting local tenant advocacy groups.
• Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for accessible and supportive rental options if your situation requires relocation.

Knowing your rights and how to advocate for yourself is key to maintaining secure housing and good mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord ask for medical details about my mental health?
   Landlords cannot ask for your diagnosis, but they may request documentation showing that you need the accommodation due to a disability.
2. What if my landlord ignores my request?
   If your landlord does not respond, you can file an Application to Director (Form D) with the Residential Tenancy Program, or submit a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
3. What are some examples of reasonable accommodations for mental health?
   Examples include allowing an emotional support animal, installing noise-reducing features, or providing flexibility with rent due dates due to medical appointments.
4. Could my landlord evict me for requesting an accommodation?
   No, it is against the law for landlords to evict or punish you for making a reasonable accommodation request related to your health.
5. Where can I find help with my accommodation request?
   You can seek help from the Residential Tenancy Program, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, or tenant advocacy organizations.

Key Takeaways

• You have the right to request reasonable housing accommodations in Nova Scotia for mental health needs.
• Always make requests in writing, keep records, and know how to escalate if needed.
• Seek official support if your landlord is not responsive or denies your request.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Program – File applications, get forms, and dispute support
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – File complaints about discrimination
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia: legalinfo.org – Free confidential legal info
• Emergency or general inquiries: Nova Scotia 211 – Community and social services helpline

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

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