Tenant Guide to Mould and Indoor Air Quality Issues in Nova Scotia

Mould and indoor air quality issues can have serious consequences for both your health and your comfort at home. If you're a tenant in Nova Scotia dealing with visible mould, persistent musty odours, or allergies associated with your rental, it's important to understand your rights and the correct steps to resolve these concerns. Provincial laws are designed to protect tenants from health hazards, and there are clear actions and official resources available to guide you.

Understanding Mould and Indoor Air Quality Hazards

Mould grows in damp, poorly ventilated spaces and can trigger allergies, asthma, and other health issues. Poor indoor air quality may also come from dust, pets, smoking, or faulty ventilation. Under Nova Scotia's rental legislation, your unit must be maintained in a safe, habitable, and healthy condition. Landlords are responsible for addressing serious health and safety hazards.

• Mould is often found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or anywhere with water leaks.
• Common signs: visible mould on walls/windows, musty odours, recent flooding or leaks.
• Health symptoms: persistent coughing, headaches, allergies, or breathing issues that improve outside the home.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords play an important role in ensuring a rental property remains healthy:

• Landlords must repair water leaks, provide adequate ventilation, and ensure the property meets local safety codes.
• Tenants should report problems quickly, use ventilation fans, and prevent unnecessary moisture build-up.

Find more general information on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What to Do If You Find Mould or Poor Air Quality

If you notice signs of mould or suspect unhealthy air quality, act promptly. Here's a general summary:

• Document the problem: Take clear photos and make notes of the areas affected, dates, and any related health symptoms.
• Contact your landlord in writing (email or letter) as soon as possible—explain what's wrong and ask for repairs. Keep a copy for your records.
• If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time or refuses to fix the problem, you have further options outlined below.

Filing a Formal Complaint or Dispute

If the landlord does not address the issue, you may apply to the official tribunal or board in Nova Scotia: the Residential Tenancies Program. This program handles tenant complaints and disputes about repairs, including health and safety concerns like mould and air quality.

Tip: Always keep copies of written requests, emails, and evidence. Clear documentation helps your case at the tribunal.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

Tenants can use official forms to make their complaints heard. The main form relevant in a mould/air quality dispute is:

• Application to Director – Form J
  • When to use: If your landlord is not fixing mould or other serious repair issues after being notified in writing.
  • How to use: Fill out Form J, attach supporting evidence (photos, inspection reports, your communications), and submit it to Service Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Program.
  • Download Form J from the Nova Scotia government
  • Explanation and submission details on the official site

If there is an immediate and severe health risk (such as major flooding, uncontrolled toxic mould, or a medical emergency), you can also involve local public health or safety officials for inspection, and consider additional emergency steps. For a deeper look at urgent repairs, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Your Rights Under Nova Scotia Law

The key legislation for tenants is the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia). This law states that landlords must provide and maintain premises in good repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with health, safety, housing, and building standards.¹

For a provincial overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Should I Withhold Rent Because of Mould?

Do not stop paying your rent unless directed by the Residential Tenancies Program or a court order. Withholding rent without approval can put you at risk of eviction.¹

When Landlords Must Act

• If mould or poor air quality is caused by a structural issue or landlord neglect, your landlord must perform necessary repairs promptly.
• Landlords must follow health and safety orders or repair deadlines from the tribunal or local authorities.

Routine maintenance and common tenant issues are covered in Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. If your landlord refuses to cooperate even after you’ve applied to the tribunal, enforcement measures—including rent abatement or repair orders—may be possible.

How to Find a Healthy Rental in the Future

If you are moving, check for past water damage, ask about ventilation, and inspect for signs of mould in bathrooms or basements. Taking these precautions and understanding your rights makes it easier to find a safe new home. To easily compare area listings, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQ: Tenant Concerns About Mould and Ventilation

1. Can my landlord blame me for mould if I used the property as intended?
   If you’ve used proper ventilation and promptly reported leaks but mould still appears, it is typically the landlord’s responsibility. Document your cleaning routine and communications to show you acted reasonably.
2. How fast does my landlord have to fix mould problems after I report them?
   There is no set number of days, but landlords must act within a reasonable time, especially if health is at risk. If they delay, you may apply through Form J to the Residential Tenancies Program.
3. What government office can inspect my unit for mould?
   The municipal building or public health office in your area can conduct inspections if there are significant health risks. The Residential Tenancies Program will consider their reports as part of a dispute.
4. Will my rent increase if I file a complaint about repairs?
   Landlords cannot increase rent to punish tenants for requesting repairs. Rent increases must follow legal rules and notice periods under the Act.
5. Do I need legal help to apply to the Tenancies Program?
   No, you don’t need a lawyer. Most tenants complete the process themselves with guidance from government resources or local tenant associations.

In Summary

• Mould and air quality are health issues protected by law; always report problems in writing and keep records.
• Landlords are responsible for repairs related to water leaks and structure. Use Form J if your complaint isn’t addressed.
• Safety concerns can be taken to Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Program for fast, official help.

Understanding your rights ensures better, healthier living conditions in Nova Scotia rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program (official tribunal, Nova Scotia government)
• Contact Service Nova Scotia
• Local Public Health Office: Your municipal government website.
• Tenant advocacy: Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia – legalinfo.org

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) – PDF

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