Splitting Rent and Deposits With Roommates in Nova Scotia

Living with roommates can make renting in Nova Scotia more affordable, but it creates unique legal situations around splitting rent and deposits. Understanding your rights and obligations ensures everyone enjoys a smooth tenancy. This article explains the key rules for sharing rent and deposits, legislative requirements, helpful forms, and what to do if things go wrong.

How Rent is Split Among Roommates in Nova Scotia

When multiple tenants share a rental, they typically all sign one lease agreement. In Nova Scotia, roommates (co-tenants) are each fully responsible for the entire rent, even if one person pays their share late or not at all. How you split rent among yourselves can differ from what the lease requires with the landlord.

• Joint tenants: Most leases in Nova Scotia treat roommates as joint tenants—meaning the landlord can request full rent from any signer if another pays late or leaves suddenly.
• Roommates should agree in writing on how rent is divided, who is paying the landlord, and what happens if someone moves out early.
• If your rental agreement allows subletting or assigning the lease, use the official “Application to Assign or Sublet” (form from Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy).

To learn more about paying rent, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Security Deposits When Renting With Roommates

The security deposit (“damage deposit”) in Nova Scotia cannot exceed one half month’s rent in total, regardless of the number of roommates^[1]. The deposit is paid to the landlord at the start of the lease and returned (with interest) when all tenants move out, provided there is no damage or unpaid rent.

• Roommates may split the deposit among themselves, but the landlord deals only with the tenants listed on the lease.
• Each roommate should keep proof of the amount paid towards the deposit in case of disputes.
• If a roommate leaves before the lease ends, other roommates must decide privately how to handle their share of the deposit.

For a deep dive into security deposits, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Roommate Agreements: Protect Yourself

The law covers only what is in the lease signed with the landlord. For everything else—splitting bills, chores, or handling deposit returns—make a written roommate agreement. This can prevent misunderstandings and help resolve disputes if someone moves out early.

Forms and Resources for Roommates in Nova Scotia

The official authority for rental disputes in Nova Scotia is the Residential Tenancies Program. Here are some forms you may need:

• Application to Assign or Sublet Residential Tenancy (Form S): Use this form if a roommate wants to leave and be replaced, or if you are subletting your place. Available on the province's website.
  Example: Claire is moving out and wants Maya to take her place. Claire and Maya can fill out Form S and submit it to the landlord for approval.
• Application to Director (Form J): If there’s a deposit dispute when you move out, any tenant on the lease can file Form J for the Director to decide who gets what. Download Form J here.
• Condition Inspection Report: While not all landlords require it, completing one when you move in helps protect your deposit. Templates are available via Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies.

See the Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia for full legal details^[1].

What Happens to the Deposit If a Roommate Leaves?

If a roommate moves out before the end of the lease, the deposit remains with the landlord until the lease ends for all tenants. To recover a departing roommate's share, settle it privately, as the landlord typically won't release partial deposits. At the end of the lease, all named tenants can claim their portion.

Tip: Always confirm any new roommate with your landlord and sign a revised lease agreement to avoid legal confusion.

Action Steps for Tenants Sharing Rentals

• Agree in writing with all roommates on how to split rent, deposits, utilities, and cleaning duties.
• Everyone should sign the rental agreement and obtain a copy from the landlord.
• Keep all receipts for rent and deposits. Clarify which roommate holds the security deposit if paid as a group.
• If a roommate leaves, communicate in writing and consult your landlord about adding or removing tenants from the lease.
• If disputes arise, try to resolve them in writing. If unresolved, contact Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Program for mediation or to file an application.

If you’re looking for a new place with roommates, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for easy searching and comparison.

Useful Information for Tenants in Nova Scotia

For more on provincial rental law and roommate issues, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

FAQ: Roommates, Rent, and Deposits in Nova Scotia

1. Can the landlord refund a single roommate’s deposit if they move out early?
   No. The deposit is returned to all tenants at the end of the lease. If one roommate leaves, the tenants should settle their share privately.
2. What if my roommate stops paying their share of the rent?
   If you're joint tenants, the landlord can ask you to pay the full amount. All co-tenants share legal responsibility for the complete rent.
3. How do we handle damages caused by one roommate?
   The landlord can use the deposit for damages, regardless of who caused them. Tenants must sort out individual contributions amongst themselves.
4. Is it legal to sublet a room to a new roommate?
   It can be, if your lease and the landlord allow it. You must use the official sublet or assignment form in Nova Scotia.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Roommates are jointly responsible for rent and deposit unless stated otherwise in the lease.
• The security deposit is held for the whole unit, not individual tenants.
• Written roommate agreements help prevent disputes and protect everyone’s interests.

In summary, open communication, keeping written records, and knowing your rights under Nova Scotia’s law make splitting rent and deposits with roommates simpler and safer.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program (Nova Scotia) – dispute resolution, forms, guidance
• Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia
• Nova Scotia Tenants Rights Coalition – advocacy and advice
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia

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