Tenant Rights After Rental Application Rejection in Nova Scotia

Being turned down for a rental home can be stressful, especially if you suspect the rejection was unfair or discriminatory. In Nova Scotia, tenants are protected by law when applying for rentals. This guide walks you through your rights, the process, and resources if your application is rejected.

Legal Protections for Tenants During Rental Applications

In Nova Scotia, when you apply for a rental unit, your rights are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act[1][2]. These laws ensure landlords cannot reject applicants based on discriminatory reasons.

What Reasons Are Considered Discriminatory?

Landlords are not allowed to refuse your rental application because of:

  • Race, colour, or ethnic origin
  • Religion or creed
  • Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
  • Family or marital status (including having children)
  • Disability (physical or mental)
  • Source of income (e.g., government assistance)
  • Age

Rejecting for any of these reasons may be discrimination, which is prohibited by law.

Permitted Reasons for Rejection

Landlords are allowed to decline applications if there are valid, non-discriminatory reasons. For example, a landlord may reject an application due to:

  • Inability to pay rent (based on verifiable financial information)
  • Unfavourable references from past landlords (related to non-payment or property damage)
  • History of eviction for reasons other than protected grounds

However, all rules must be applied fairly to every prospective tenant. For a full overview of lease rights and responsibilities in Nova Scotia, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

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What to Do After a Rejection: Tenant Action Steps

If your rental application is rejected, consider your next steps:

  • Ask the landlord why your application was declined. They are not legally required to answer, but some may provide an explanation.
  • If you suspect discrimination, note down what was said or done, and keep copies of all communication and documents.
  • Consider whether you paid an application deposit. In Nova Scotia, application deposits are rare—ensure you are aware of your rights. For more information, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
  • You may wish to apply for another rental using resources like Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.
If you believe your rejection involved discrimination, contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission as soon as possible.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint

Discrimination complaints in housing are handled by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. Here’s how you can start the process:

  • Form: Intake Questionnaire (no specific number)
  • Use: Complete this initial questionnaire to describe the situation. Access the form and instructions on the official NS Human Rights Commission Complaints page.
  • When to use: If you feel you were denied rental housing for reasons that relate to race, disability, family status, or other protected grounds.
  • Example: A single parent is told the landlord "doesn't rent to families with young kids"—this could form the basis of a complaint.

A Human Rights Officer will review your situation, explain the process, and guide you through the next steps if your complaint moves forward. The process is confidential and you do not need a lawyer to start.

Other Issues With Rental Applications

Not all application problems involve discrimination. If you paid a deposit or signed a lease but never moved in, you may have specific rights or responsibilities. For details about obligations after a rental agreement is complete, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Your Rights Under Nova Scotia Law

You are entitled to fair and equal treatment during the rental application process. If a landlord’s decision violates the Residential Tenancies Act or the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, you may seek remedies.

FAQ: Tenant Issues With Application Rejections in Nova Scotia

  1. Can my landlord refuse my rental application for any reason?
    Landlords can refuse applications for valid, non-discriminatory reasons, such as credit or rental history. They cannot reject you for reasons protected under human rights law, such as race, family status, disability, or source of income.
  2. What should I do if my application is denied due to discrimination?
    Gather any evidence, note what was said, and contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to file a complaint. Starting with their Intake Questionnaire is recommended.
  3. Are landlords required to disclose the reason for my application rejection?
    No, landlords in Nova Scotia are not legally obligated to explain why an application was declined, although some may choose to provide a reason if asked.
  4. What happens to my deposit if I am rejected?
    If you paid a deposit and are not offered the tenancy, it should generally be returned to you. Know your rights by reviewing Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
  5. Where can I find more housing options if rejected?
    You can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings for available rentals across Canada, including Nova Scotia homes.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

  • Landlords cannot reject rental applications for discriminatory reasons.
  • If you suspect discrimination, act quickly—collect evidence and contact the Human Rights Commission.
  • Understand your deposit rights and check the rules before applying elsewhere.

Being aware of your rights and responsibilities helps make the rental application process fair and transparent for everyone involved.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants


  1. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act (official full text)
  2. Nova Scotia Human Rights Act (official full text)
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.