Tenants who face eviction in Nova Scotia often worry about how and when their personal belongings will be removed, stored, and charged for. This guide explains what a storage lien is, when a landlord or bailiff may charge removal and storage fees, the common timelines for retrieving possessions after an eviction, and practical steps you can take to protect your rights. It uses clear, tenant-focused language and points to the Nova Scotia tribunal and official forms so you can act quickly. If you are evicted, knowing deadlines, asking for itemized fees, and documenting your items will help you recover belongings or challenge improper charges.
What is a storage lien and who enforces it in Nova Scotia?
A storage lien is the legal claim a landlord or authorized third party may assert over removed belongings to recover costs for removal, transport and storage after an eviction. In Nova Scotia the Residential Tenancies Program and provincial legislation set the rules for how eviction, removal and storage are handled. [1] If a landlord uses a commercial mover or self-storage, that company may also assert a lien under provincial commercial law.
Typical fees and timelines you may face
Fees and timelines can vary. Common charges include towing or removal, daily storage, administrative processing and sometimes repair or cleaning costs if damage is alleged. Landlords must generally provide notice and keep records of items removed.
- Storage fees: daily or monthly charges for keeping belongings in a facility.
- Removal or towing fees: one-time costs to move items from the rental unit.
- Administrative or inventory fees: costs for creating an item list or storage agreement.
- Deadlines to reclaim: many notices set a deadline after which items may be sold or disposed.
How to act quickly to protect your rights
If you learn your belongings have been removed, start by requesting a full, itemized list of charges and the exact storage location. Make clear, dated requests in writing and keep copies. If you can, visit the storage facility to inspect and photograph items and note any damage.
- Contact the landlord or property manager and request an itemized invoice and the storage location.
- Document the condition of any returned items with photos or video as evidence.
- Ask for written proof of costs and receipts for third-party movers or storage providers.
When to appeal or file a dispute
If you believe charges are excessive, items were disposed of improperly, or you did not receive required notices, you can apply to the provincial tenancy body to dispute the fees or seek an order for return of possessions. The Residential Tenancies Program handles tenancy disputes and can explain formal filing steps. [1]
What official forms and evidence you should gather
Collect any eviction orders, the landlord's notice of removal, photos of items and receipts for possessions. Official forms you may use include the tenant application or dispute forms provided by the provincial tenancy program and any standardized notice or invoice used by the landlord. [2] A practical example: if a landlord gives you a 14-day notice to claim items, use the tenancy dispute application within that period and attach dated photos and your correspondence asking for an itemized bill.
Practical examples for tenants
- If you left a few boxes behind when you were evicted, request the storage location, offer to pay reasonable storage, and get a receipt when you retrieve items.
- If items were sold without proper notice, document what you were told and file a dispute immediately with the tenancy program.
- If you are unsure about signing away items, ask for written proof of transfer or sale before accepting any charge.
For general moving and exit guidance, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant''s Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit and for security deposit questions see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.
FAQ
- Can a landlord charge storage fees after an eviction?
- Yes, a landlord may charge reasonable removal and storage fees, but they must be documented and you can dispute unreasonable or unitemized charges with the provincial tenancy body.
- How long do I have to reclaim my belongings?
- Timelines vary; check the eviction notice or storage notice for deadlines and act quickly to avoid sale or disposal of items.
- What if my items are damaged or sold?
- Document damage, request invoices for any sale, and file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Program to seek compensation or return where appropriate.
How-To
- Act immediately: read any notice for deadlines and contact the landlord or storage provider in writing to confirm location and fees.
- Document everything: take dated photos, keep receipts, and save emails and texts about the removal and storage.
- Request an itemized invoice and receipts before paying; refuse to pay unspecified charges without documentation.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Program to ask about dispute procedures and required forms. [1]
- File a formal dispute or application with the tribunal and include all evidence, invoices, photos and written requests.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Program (Service Nova Scotia)
- Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
- Official tenancy forms and guides (Nova Scotia)
- [1] Residential Tenancies Program (Service Nova Scotia)
- [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
- [3] Official tenancy forms and guides (Nova Scotia)
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