Sealing Eviction Records & Credit Repair for Nova Scotia Tenants

If you've experienced an eviction in Nova Scotia, you're likely concerned about how it will affect your rental record and credit score. While eviction can feel overwhelming, there are concrete steps tenants can take to manage the impact, seek credit repair, or remove an old eviction from public records. This article provides clear, accessible information for Nova Scotia tenants, including details on relevant laws, forms, and where to seek help.

Understanding Eviction Records in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, formal eviction decisions by the Residential Tenancies Program (the official tribunal handling rental issues—Residential Tenancies Program) can appear in public records or tenant screening databases. Landlords or credit bureaus may use this information when you apply for new rental housing or credit in the future.

How Long Do Eviction Records Last?

In most cases, eviction records from the Residential Tenancies Program or Small Claims Court can become part of public court files indefinitely unless formally sealed. Credit reporting agencies usually list related debts for six to seven years. Keep in mind, landlords may access publicly available decisions as long as they are online or archived.

Can Eviction Records Be Sealed in Nova Scotia?

Record-sealing is rare in Nova Scotia and available only in unusual circumstances. The general principle of openness means that most tribunal or court decisions remain publicly accessible. However, it is sometimes possible to request that your case details be anonymized or 'sealed' from the public if there is evidence of significant harm, safety concerns, or similar exceptional grounds.

• Application to Seal a Court/Tribunal Record: No standardized form is available, but you may file a written motion or letter directly with the Residential Tenancies Program or the Small Claims Court requesting a sealing or redaction order.
• When to Apply: If you believe making your eviction record public will lead to unjust harm (such as safety threats, discrimination, or specific privacy risks), you should apply as soon as possible after the decision is issued.

Tenants should provide:

• Details of the decision (file number, parties involved)
• Reasons for requesting record sealing/anonymization
• Any supporting evidence (medical, safety, personal impact)

You can find official tribunal contact information and application instructions on the Residential Tenancies Program website.^[1]

Repairing Credit After an Eviction in Nova Scotia

Evictions themselves are not directly reported to credit bureaus. Instead, what typically appears is any debt-related judgment—such as unpaid rent or damages—awarded against you. These legal debts can negatively affect your credit score for up to seven years.

Practical Steps to Repair Your Credit

• Pay off any outstanding balances to your former landlord as soon as possible. Once paid, request written confirmation of the debt being settled.
• Obtain a free credit report from Equifax or TransUnion to review your file for eviction-related debts.
• Dispute any errors: If you find incorrect information about an eviction or housing debt, use the agency’s dispute process to remove or correct the entry.
• Build positive credit history by making regular payments on time and maintaining low balances on credit products.

Important Tenant Rights and Protections

Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act^[2] governs evictions, debt recovery, and record retention. Tenants have rights to fair treatment, notice of proceedings, and (in some cases) the ability to challenge negative impacts on their record.

• Always request a written copy of any eviction order or decision for your records.
• You may appeal some tribunal decisions that you believe are unfair. The appeal deadline is generally within 10 days of the decision.

For a full list of rights and rules in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Applying to Seal or Redact an Eviction Record: Main Steps

• Gather the details of your eviction (including file numbers and decision copies).
• Prepare a written request explaining the harm if your record remains public.
• Submit your request to the tribunal or court that issued the decision.
• Include any supporting evidence (such as a safety report or medical documentation).
• Await a response from the tribunal; you may need to attend a short hearing.

Securing Your Next Rental After an Eviction

Even if you have an eviction on your record, many tenants are still able to rent new homes by demonstrating positive references or addressing credit issues head-on. Consider gathering letters from previous landlords or offering an explanation of your situation to prospective landlords. For a smooth transition, check out Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit if you are planning your next move, or Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for the latest, up-to-date listings nationwide.

FAQ: Post-Eviction Record-Sealing & Credit Concerns

1. Can I remove an eviction from my rental history in Nova Scotia?
   Eviction records are rarely sealed in Nova Scotia, but you can request the tribunal or court to restrict public access in exceptional situations. Most records remain accessible unless there is a significant privacy or safety concern.
2. Will an eviction automatically affect my credit score?
   An eviction is not reported directly to credit bureaus, but any unpaid debts or judgments as a result of an eviction may show up and impact your credit score for up to seven years.
3. What if my credit report contains inaccurate eviction information?
   You should dispute errors with the reporting agency (Equifax or TransUnion) in writing. Provide supporting documentation to help have false information removed.
4. How can I improve my chances of renting again after an eviction?
   Focus on repairing your credit, gathering positive references, and being upfront about your situation with potential landlords.
5. Where can I get more information or forms about sealing records?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Program for guidance or to submit a sealing request.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

• Evictions may become part of public tribunal or court records but are rarely "sealed" except in special circumstances.
• Credit damage usually results from unpaid rent or damages—not the eviction event itself.
• Take steps to repay debts, correct credit errors, and request record sealing if you face real harm from public disclosure.

Knowing your rights and taking action early can help protect your rental future.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program (Province of Nova Scotia): Tribunal contact points, forms, and eviction decision records
• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act: Provincial tenancy legislation
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia: Tenant legal information and support (legalinfo.org)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia: Provincial rights summary for tenants and landlords

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1. Residential Tenancies Program (Government of Nova Scotia)
2. Residential Tenancies Act (Government of Nova Scotia, current to 2024)

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