Tenant Rights During Building Renovations in Nova Scotia

Renovations are a common reality for tenants across Nova Scotia. Whether your landlord is updating kitchens, fixing structural issues, or modernizing apartments, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial. This article explains what the law says about renovations while you’re living in your rental—and what you can do if major work disrupts your home.

Who Regulates Tenant Rights During Renovations?

In Nova Scotia, tenant-landlord relations—especially during renovations—are regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. The Residential Tenancies Program, part of Service Nova Scotia, is the official board handling rental disputes, notices, and applications.

Your Core Rights as a Tenant During Renovations

If your landlord is planning renovations, you are entitled to:

• Reasonable notice of major work: Unless it’s an emergency, your landlord must give you proper notice if work will disrupt your unit or require entry. Usually, at least 24 hours’ written notice is required.
• Your home remains your home: You don't have to move out just because renovations are taking place—except in rare cases where the work makes your unit uninhabitable, or the landlord is legitimately ending your tenancy for approved reasons.
• Units must remain safe and healthy for occupancy. Even during renovations, landlords must comply with health standards. If repairs or work cause health hazards, you can file a complaint.

Renovation does not give your landlord a blank cheque to make you leave, raise the rent unexpectedly, or cut off your services. If you feel your rights are being ignored, there are clear legal pathways to help.

When Can a Landlord Ask You to Leave for Renovations?

Under Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord can only terminate a tenancy for major renovations if:

• The work is so extensive that you cannot safely live in the unit while it is underway.
• Your unit will not be a residential premises after the work is done (e.g., converting to an office or merging two apartments into one).

Landlords must give you a written Notice to Quit (Form C) with at least two months’ notice for renovations or repairs that require you to move out.^[2]

Official Forms You Might Encounter

• Form C: Notice to Quit – This is the form a landlord uses to formally ask you to leave due to renovations. It must state the reason (e.g., major repairs) and provide proper notice. You can review Form C here and submit a dispute if you think it’s being used unfairly.
• Application to Director – If you want to dispute a Notice to Quit, use this form to ask the Residential Tenancies Program to review your situation. Get the Application to Director (Form K) and follow the instructions to apply for a hearing.

For tenants, it’s essential to complete and submit these forms promptly. For example, if you receive Form C and believe the eviction isn’t justified, submit Form K within 15 days of receiving your notice to start the appeal process.

Staying Safe During Renovations

Even with renovation work underway, your right to a safe home remains. If hazardous materials, dust, fumes, or unsafe access put your health at risk, bring up your concerns with your landlord immediately.

Still worried? Here are action steps to protect your health:

• Document all unsafe conditions (photos, dates, conversations).
• Request that the landlord fix unsafe situations right away.
• If there’s an immediate health or safety risk, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Program or contact local public health authorities.

Want to understand more about safety expectations in rental homes? See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for a detailed guide.

Your Obligations as a Tenant During Building Work

While you do have strong protections, you also have responsibilities during renovations:

• Allow entry for scheduled repairs or work, as long as proper notice is given.
• Keep your belongings clear of workers' paths when possible, after reasonable warning.
• Continue to pay rent unless otherwise ordered by the tribunal.

If you’re unsure about your duties, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more information.

If Renovations Lead to Rent Increases or Eviction

Worried that renovations are being used to dramatically increase your rent or push you out? In Nova Scotia, after major renovations, a landlord cannot automatically raise your rent above the legal guidelines, nor can they avoid following proper eviction procedures.^[1]

If you stay in your unit, rent increases are still regulated, and notice periods apply. Learn more in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Protecting Your Rights: How to Respond

1. If you get a Notice to Quit for renovations, check the details—reason, timeline, and form used.
2. If you disagree with the eviction or timing, file an Application to Director (Form K) within 15 days of receiving the notice. Attach supporting documents or evidence.
3. Attend the scheduled hearing by the Residential Tenancies Program and make your case.
4. If unsafe conditions arise, document and notify your landlord—if not fixed quickly, contact the program or public health as needed.

This process helps ensure landlords cannot misuse renovation clauses to bypass legal tenant protections.

For renters needing to find alternative options, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and continue your search while respecting your legal rights in Nova Scotia.

To review the broader legal landscape, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for a comprehensive summary.

FAQs: Renovations and Tenant Rights in Nova Scotia

1. Can I be evicted just because the landlord wants to renovate?
   Not automatically. Major renovations that make your unit uninhabitable may be grounds for eviction, but you must get proper notice and can dispute it.
2. How much notice does a landlord need to give for major renovations?
   Landlords are required to provide at least two months’ written notice using Form C if renovations require you to move out.
3. What if my unit is unsafe during renovations?
   Report the issue to your landlord right away. If conditions don’t improve, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Program or local authorities.
4. Can my rent be increased after renovations?
   Rent can only increase following legal guidelines and with proper notice. Renovations alone don’t allow for arbitrary rent hikes.
5. Do I have to allow workers into my unit?
   If proper notice is given (at least 24 hours, or as the Act requires), you need to allow entry for legitimate repair or work purposes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program (Nova Scotia): Official site and dispute forms | 1-800-670-4357
• Nova Scotia Legal Aid: Free tenant legal advice
• Public Health and Safety: Contact your local municipality if renovation conditions are hazardous.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia), read the full legislation
2. Service Nova Scotia, Residential Tenancies Program Forms, official forms and filings

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