What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses Rent in Nova Scotia

Facing a situation where your landlord won’t accept your rent payment in Nova Scotia can be confusing and stressful. Understanding your legal rights as a tenant under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act is essential, as is knowing what steps to take to protect yourself from possible eviction. This article explains what you can and should do in this scenario with clear, practical guidance.

Understanding Why a Landlord Might Refuse Rent

There are several reasons a landlord may refuse your rent payment. In Nova Scotia, it’s not common or legally required for landlords to refuse rent unless they’re planning to end your tenancy or claim you’ve breached the agreement. Common reasons include:

• Belief that you’ve given notice to leave and the tenancy is ending
• Allegations of rent being habitually late or other tenancy violations
• Attempting to evict you for a legitimate reason
• Misunderstandings about the amount owed or payment method

Unless a rental agreement has been lawfully terminated (for example, with an eviction order or valid notice), tenants are generally entitled to pay rent and stay in their unit.

Your Rights Under Nova Scotia Law

Under the Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia¹, tenants have a right to pay rent. If a landlord refuses to accept your payment without lawful reason, your tenancy remains in effect until properly ended according to the legislation. If you have questions about your obligations and your landlord’s, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more context.

What Should You Do If Your Landlord Refuses Rent?

If your landlord won’t accept your rent:

• Do not stop trying to pay. Keep proof of your attempted payment (e.g., emails, copies of certified cheques, or digital payment attempts).
• Document every step. Record dates, methods of attempted payment, and any communications.
• Send rent using a traceable method (such as registered mail or bank transfer) with a note indicating the rent period.
• If the refusal continues, consider depositing the rent with the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program for safekeeping (explained below).

Rejecting rent does not end your obligation or your right to occupy. As long as you can prove you truly tried to pay, you generally remain protected from "non-payment of rent" eviction claims.

Using a Tender of Rent Letter

Create a letter or email to your landlord clearly stating your attempt to pay, including:

• The rent amount and dates
• The payment method
• Contact information for resolving issues

Keep a copy for your records. This can be critical if your case goes before the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program (Residential Tenancies Program).

Depositing Rent with the Director (NS Form C)

If your landlord still refuses your rent, you can apply to deposit the funds with the Director of Residential Tenancies. This is done using Form C: Payment of Rent to Director. Here’s how to do it:

• Download Form C: Payment of Rent to Director (PDF)
• Complete the form with your tenancy and landlord details
• Submit the form and your rent payment to the nearest Access Nova Scotia office
• Retain all receipts and documentation

This process ensures your legal obligation to pay rent is met, even if your landlord refuses to accept payment directly.

What Happens Next?

Once your rent is deposited with the Director, it will be considered "paid" for legal purposes. Your landlord will be notified and can claim the funds. The evidence will protect you if your landlord tries to evict you for non-payment.

Tip: Never pay rent in cash unless you receive a written, dated receipt. Always keep detailed records of your payments and communications.

For more information on your rent-paying rights, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips. If your situation involves other common challenges, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

If you are searching for housing or need to move, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find affordable rental homes in your area.

To get a broad overview of tenant and landlord rules in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

FAQ: Landlord Refusing Rent in Nova Scotia

1. Can my landlord evict me if they refuse my rent?
   If you have proof you attempted to pay, and/or deposited rent with the Director using Form C, you are generally protected. Only a formal eviction order can lawfully end your tenancy.
2. What if my landlord claims I’m late paying rent?
   Document and provide proof of each payment attempt. You can submit evidence to the Residential Tenancies Program if needed.
3. Is there a deadline for depositing rent with the Director?
   You must act quickly. Deposit your rent as soon as possible after refusal to stay protected under the law.
4. What happens to my rental agreement when rent is refused?
   It remains valid unless properly terminated through official procedures such as a Notice to Quit or a valid order.
5. Who should I call for support if my landlord won’t accept rent?
   You can contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program or tenant advocacy groups for help (see resources below).

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Always document all attempts to pay rent and keep records.
• Use Form C to deposit rent with the Director if your landlord refuses your payment.
• Reach out for support as soon as problems arise to avoid escalation.

Staying proactive and informed is your best protection in tenancy disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – File forms, get guidance, or resolve disputes
• Form C: Payment of Rent to Director (PDF) – For rent deposit if landlord refuses payment
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) – Official legislation
• Dalhousie Legal Aid Service – Free tenant legal advice
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings – Find rental homes across Nova Scotia and all of Canada

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1. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act. Read the full legislation here.
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program. Program information and forms.

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