Tenant Discrimination Rights in Nova Scotia Shared Housing

In Nova Scotia, tenants—especially those in roommate and shared housing situations—have important rights when it comes to discrimination under provincial law. If you’re searching for a room, signing a lease, or already living with others, understanding these protections can help you confidently navigate issues and respond to unfair treatment.

Understanding Tenant Discrimination in Shared Housing

Discrimination occurs when a landlord or roommate treats you unfairly because of a characteristic that’s protected under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Protected grounds include:

• Race or colour
• Religion or creed
• Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Physical or mental disability
• Age (18 or older)
• Source of income (including social assistance)
• Family or marital status

This law covers renting, roommate selection, and ongoing living arrangements, whether you’re on the lease or renting informally. Discrimination is not limited to formal landlords; it can happen within roommate relationships as well.

What Is Illegal Discrimination in Nova Scotia Rentals?

Landlords and roommates cannot:

• Refuse to rent to you or evict you based on a protected ground
• Make different rules for you because of your personal characteristics
• Harass you because of race, religion, disability, or other grounds

These rights apply whether you are renting a full unit or just a room.

Roommates, Sublets, and Your Rights

Shared housing can present unique challenges. You may face situations such as being denied the chance to apply for a room, being told to leave suddenly, or enduring harassment. If rent is paid directly to a landlord, they must follow the law and cannot discriminate. If a head tenant (main leaseholder) sublets or assigns a room, they are subject to the same rules and could be held responsible if they discriminate.

For an overview of general tenant and landlord responsibilities in Nova Scotia, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

The Role of the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program

Rental disputes and discrimination issues (not covered by the Human Rights process) are handled by the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program. This tribunal deals with tenancy agreements, evictions, security deposits, and maintenance, but not direct human rights complaints. Cases involving discrimination should be brought to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission instead.

How to Respond If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe you have been treated unfairly or evicted due to discrimination, take these steps:

• Document everything—collect texts, emails, and note conversations
• Ask for reasons in writing if you are denied a rental or asked to leave
• Consult the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to begin a complaint if you feel your rights were violated
• If your dispute involves other rental issues (deposits, repairs, formal evictions), learn more in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them

Tenants can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission using the official form:

• Complaint Form
  Submit online or download from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission Complaint Process page. This is used if you believe a landlord, roommate, or subletter has discriminated against you.

If you face eviction or housing issues related to discrimination, you may also apply to the Residential Tenancies Program using their Application to Director form:

• Form: Application to Director (Form D)
  Use this form to challenge a wrongful notice or request a remedy through the Residential Tenancies Program. Download it from Apply to the Director as Tenant or Landlord (Form D). Example: A tenant receives a Notice to Quit and believes it was issued because of their religion or disability. They can use Form D to dispute the eviction.

For more about tenants’ duties and expectations once in a shared home, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Does the Law Say?

In Nova Scotia, tenant protections are found in both the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Act. Landlords and head tenants must not discriminate when renting rooms, setting rules, or ending tenancy. If a landlord violates anti-discrimination laws, the Human Rights Commission can order remedies—including reinstatement or compensation.

For those moving in or out of shared rentals, you can find rental homes across Canada using Canada's best rental listings platform and avoid potential discriminatory experiences by reviewing listings on reputable sites.

FAQ: Tenant Discrimination in Shared Housing in Nova Scotia

1. What should I do if my roommate tries to evict me for discriminatory reasons?
   If you believe you are being asked to leave because of a protected characteristic, document everything and file a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. You may also apply to the Residential Tenancies Program to dispute a wrongful eviction.
2. Are landlords allowed to refuse to rent a room based on age, race, or source of income?
   No. Landlords cannot legally refuse you based on any protected ground under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act.
3. Who enforces anti-discrimination protections in Nova Scotia rentals?
   The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission enforces these rights for all rental situations, including shared housing.
4. Is it discrimination if a landlord prefers a non-smoking tenant?
   Preferring non-smokers is not discrimination unless the policy is applied differently based on a protected ground (such as religious use of incense or medical cannabis for a disability).
5. How do I start a formal complaint about discrimination by a landlord or roommate?
   Complete the Complaint Form through the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (online or by mail). Provide detailed information and supporting documents where possible.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Tenants in Nova Scotia’s shared housing have the right to be free from discrimination under both tenancy and human rights law.
• Keep records and use official forms if you need to make a complaint.
• Bodies like the Residential Tenancies Program and Human Rights Commission are there to help.

Knowing your protections helps you stand up for your rights and take action when necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission—File a complaint online, get forms, and learn about your protections.
• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program—Help with rental disputes, evictions, and tenancy issues. Call toll free: 1-800-670-4357
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia—Free legal information and referrals for tenants.
• For an overview of rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

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1. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/human%20rights.pdf
2. Residential Tenancies Act (NS), https://nslegislature.ca/legc/statutes/residential%20tenancies.pdf
3. Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission—Complaint Process, https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/complaints-process
4. Residential Tenancies Program, https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs/residential-tenancies

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