Tenant Harassment Protections in Nova Scotia Shared Housing

Feeling safe and respected in your home is essential, whether you rent an apartment, share accommodation with roommates, or live in a boarding situation. If you’re facing harassment from a landlord, roommate, or anyone else in your shared housing in Nova Scotia, there are clear legal protections in place to help you. This article explains what harassment means under Nova Scotia's tenancy laws, highlights your rights as a tenant, and outlines steps to seek help if you feel unsafe.

Understanding Harassment in Shared Rental Housing

Harassment in rental housing covers any repeated, unwanted behavior that makes a tenant feel uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe. This can come from landlords, other tenants, or even roommates, and is prohibited under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act¹. Harassment may include:

• Threats, intimidation, or verbal abuse
• Unlawful entry into your room or unit
• Persistent unwelcome contact or communication
• Discrimination due to race, gender, disability, or other protected grounds
• Retaliation for asserting your tenant rights (like asking for repairs)

Both landlords and tenants—including roommates—must respect each other's rights and privacy. Shared housing does not diminish these legal protections.

Your Rights and Protections as a Tenant

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) clearly outlines rights for all tenants in Nova Scotia, prohibiting harassment or interference with your quiet enjoyment of the rental property. This applies whether you’re on the lease or living with roommates on separate agreements.

• You have the right to live free of harassment, intimidation, and discrimination
• Landlords and other tenants are not allowed to interfere with your reasonable privacy or safety
• Landlords must follow strict rules about entering your private space—they generally need 24 hours’ notice and can only enter for specific reasons

If you’re unsure about shared or individual obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Examples of Harassment Situations

• A landlord repeatedly shows up unannounced to your unit or room
• A roommate threatens or tries to force you out without proper notice
• Your landlord retaliates by raising rent or restricting amenities after you file a complaint

How to Respond to Harassment: Steps for Tenants

If you believe you are experiencing harassment in your Nova Scotia rental, there are key steps you should follow:

1. Document Everything: Write down dates, times, and details of each incident. Take photos or save messages if relevant.
2. Try to Communicate: If safe, calmly tell the person their behavior is unwanted—and keep a record of your message.
3. Contact the Landlord: If the issue is with a roommate and you have a formal lease, notify your landlord. They have responsibility for keeping the unit safe and orderly.
4. File a Formal Application (Form J): If harassment continues, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program using Form J – Application to Director for an Order. For example, you might ask the Director to order another party to stop harassing you or to let you terminate your lease without penalty due to harassment.
5. Contact Police (if urgent): If you feel threatened or there is violence, call 911 immediately. Harassment that includes threats or physical harm may also be a criminal matter.

If you need help at any step, local tenant organizations or government offices can provide free advice and support.

Filing a Complaint with the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program

Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancy Program handles disputes between landlords and tenants, including harassment complaints. The most common step is to submit Form J:

• Form J: Application to Director for an Order (Download Form J): Use this when seeking an official order for the other party to stop harassing you, or if you need to end your lease because of harassment. Explain your situation, attach supporting evidence, and file with the Residential Tenancy Program office. Examples: A tenant wants an order to stop roommate threats, or requests permission to move out early due to a hostile environment.

The Director may schedule a hearing. Both sides will have a chance to explain, and you can present your evidence. The Director can make binding orders.

Other Common Tenant Concerns

If harassment has led to health or safety problems, or you have issues with repairs, understanding Nova Scotia-specific rules can help. Review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for details on maintenance, safety, and dispute resolution. For more on broad legal rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

What to Expect After Filing a Harassment Complaint

The Residential Tenancy Program will review your application, schedule a hearing if needed, and provide both parties a chance to present their side of the issue. If harassment is proven, possible results include:

• The Director ordering the landlord or tenant (including roommates) to stop the harassment
• Permission for a tenant to end the lease early without penalty
• Possible compensation for damages

If the Director’s order is not followed, further legal enforcement is available through Small Claims Court. Legal aid services may also support tenants in complex situations.

For those exploring or planning a move into new shared housing, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and review safety tips before you sign a new lease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What counts as tenant harassment in Nova Scotia?
   Harassment includes repeated unwanted behavior or communication, threats, intimidation, discrimination, or efforts to unlawfully pressure or evict you from your unit.
2. Can I break my lease if I’m harassed by a roommate or landlord?
   Yes, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program using Form J to ask to end your lease early without penalty if harassment makes living in your home unsafe or unbearable.
3. Where do I file a complaint about tenant harassment?
   You file with the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program by submitting Form J, either online or at a regional office. Attach as much evidence as possible.
4. Does my landlord have to protect me from a harassing roommate?
   Landlords are responsible for maintaining a safe environment. If your roommate’s actions put your safety or quiet enjoyment at risk, inform your landlord and, if unresolved, apply to the Program.
5. Are there supports for tenants facing harassment in shared housing?
   Yes, local tenant assistance services and the Residential Tenancy Program offer guidance, information, and help with complaints.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Nova Scotia law protects tenants—including roommates—from harassment in all rental situations
• If you experience harassment, document incidents and seek help through official channels promptly
• You can apply to end a lease early or seek other remedies through the Residential Tenancy Program using official forms

Understanding your rights and the formal process can help you feel safer and more empowered in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Program (Nova Scotia): Main government office for tenant-landlord disputes and application forms. Learn more here or call 1-800-670-4357.
• Dalhousie Legal Aid Service: Offers support to low-income tenants. See their website.
• 10ants.ca: Provincial tenant rights portal with forms and information.
• For more on legal protections and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, Nova Scotia
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program
3. Form J: Application to Director for an Order

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