Being harassed by neighbours or a landlord is stressful. If you're renting in Nova Scotia, you have rights and practical steps you can take to protect your safety, privacy, and tenancy. This guide explains what counts as harassment, how to document incidents, when to contact your landlord or property manager, and how to file a formal complaint with the provincial Residential Tenancies Program. It also covers emergency options, landlord obligations, and what to expect at a hearing. Written for tenants and renters, the language is plain and the actions are practical so you can act promptly while preserving evidence and your legal position.
Understanding harassment and legal definitions
Harassment can include repeated verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, damaging property, unwelcome entry, or behaviour that interferes with your reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit. Under Nova Scotia's residential tenancy rules, harassment that affects safety or habitability is not permitted and landlords have a duty to address it when they know or should know about the problem[1].
Practical steps to protect yourself
Start by documenting each incident and communicating in writing whenever possible. Clear records make complaints stronger and help in hearings or police reports. For help with writing a complaint and managing responses, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide, and for background on neighbour and maintenance problems see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
- Document each incident with date, time, photos, messages, and witness names.
- Send a written notice to your landlord or property manager that describes the behaviour and asks for action.
- If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services or the police.
- Keep copies of all communications, receipts, and repair requests related to the situation.
When to involve the Residential Tenancies Program
If the landlord does not act or the harassment comes from the landlord or their agent, you can file a complaint with the provincial Residential Tenancies Program[1]. You may need to use an official form to request a hearing or file an application about harassment, repairs, or illegal entry[3].
What happens at a hearing
Hearings are fact-focused. Bring your evidence (photos, logs, messages, witnesses) and copies of any notices you sent. The adjudicator will assess whether behaviour amounts to harassment and can order remedies such as no-contact directives, repairs, compensation, or termination of tenancy under the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)[2].
How to work with your landlord
Many issues can be resolved without a hearing. Be clear about the remedy you want (e.g., stop behaviour, repair locks, change entry procedures). If you receive a formal notice from a landlord, read it carefully and get advice before ignoring or responding.
- When you send a written notice, state the problem, how it affects you, and a reasonable deadline for action.
- If the issue affects habitability (locks, heating, safety), ask for an urgent repair and note the impact on your safety.
FAQ
- What counts as harassment under tenancy rules?
- Harassment includes repeated unwanted communications, threats, intimidation, vandalism, or actions that interfere with your right to quiet enjoyment of the rental.
- How do I file a complaint in Nova Scotia?
- Collect evidence, contact your landlord in writing, then file an application with the Residential Tenancies Program if the landlord doesn’t resolve it or if the harassment is by the landlord or their agent.
- Can a landlord evict me for complaining?
- No. Retaliatory eviction is not permitted; if a landlord tries to evict you after a complaint, raise this at the hearing or with the Program.
How-To
- Gather evidence: save messages, take dated photos, and record witness names.
- Contact your landlord or property manager in writing and request a specific remedy within a reasonable time.
- File an application with the Residential Tenancies Program for a hearing and attach your evidence[1].
- Attend the hearing, present your records clearly, and follow any orders issued by the adjudicator.
Key Takeaways
- Document every incident with dates, photos, and witnesses.
- Try written requests with your landlord before filing a formal complaint.
- If safety is at risk, call police or emergency services immediately.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Program - Service Nova Scotia
- Legal Aid Nova Scotia
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
