Who Fixes Appliances in Nova Scotia Rentals?

When an appliance breaks down in your Nova Scotia rental, it can cause real stress and uncertainty. Who fixes the fridge, stove, or washer—the landlord or the tenant? Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps you act quickly and confidently when issues arise. This article explains appliance repair obligations under Nova Scotia law, practical steps to take, and where to get help.

Appliance Responsibilities: Landlord vs. Tenant

In Nova Scotia, the rules about who must fix appliances depend on your rental agreement and provincial law. Generally:

• If the appliance was provided by the landlord and included in your lease or rental agreement, the landlord is responsible for repairs—unless you caused the damage by misuse or neglect.
• If you brought your own appliance or it is not listed in your agreement, the tenant is responsible for maintaining and repairing it.

These duties are set out by Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act^[1], which guides tenant and landlord relationships.

It’s important to check your lease to see which appliances are covered, and whether there’s any language about repairs or maintenance. For more on overall duties, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Appliances Are Typically Included?

Most rental agreements in Nova Scotia clearly list appliances. Commonly included:

• Refrigerator
• Stove/oven
• Dishwasher
• Washer/dryer (sometimes shared)

If an appliance is specifically referenced in your written or verbal lease, the landlord must keep it in working order, as part of the obligation to maintain the property in a good state of repair.

How to Report and Request Appliance Repairs

When an appliance fails, act quickly. Here’s what tenants should do:

• Let your landlord or property manager know in writing—email or text is best for a record—with details of what’s wrong and when the problem started.
• Include photos or a short video if possible, especially for large or recurring breakdowns.
• Ask for a repair timeline and stay in contact as needed.

If the landlord does not respond or refuses to repair an appliance they are responsible for, you may have the right to file a formal complaint with Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancy Program. For health and sanitation concerns, such as a broken fridge in the summer, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Record-Keeping

Always keep copies of communication, repair requests, and any receipts if you pay for an emergency repair (discuss reimbursement with your landlord before arranging your own repair).

Emergency Repairs and Essential Services

Some repairs cannot wait—especially if the breakdown threatens your health or safety or causes significant disruption. A broken refrigerator in summer or a stove inoperable for days may qualify as an urgent repair.

If your landlord is not acting promptly and the issue creates a serious health or safety risk, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program for an order requiring repairs. Learn more about urgent issues in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Key Forms: Applying for an Order to Repair

• Form C: Application to Director – Used to ask the Residential Tenancy Program to order your landlord to repair an appliance.
  Example: If the landlord refuses to fix a broken freezer included in the lease, complete and submit Form C – Application to Director online or by mail/schedule appointment^[2].
• Form K: Notice to Quit for Substantial Breach – If an ongoing lack of repairs makes your rental uninhabitable, you may be able to end your tenancy.
  Example: Persistent lack of fridge repair after formal written requests may qualify. See Form K – Notice to Quit.

What If Tenants Cause Appliance Damage?

Accidental or intentional damage caused by the tenant (for example, improper use of a washing machine) is generally the tenant’s responsibility. In this case, you must arrange and pay for the repair—or compensate the landlord for costs. Neglecting repairs to landlord-supplied appliances may result in deductions from your security deposit at the end of the tenancy if not fixed. If you have questions about security deposits, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Finding and Viewing Rentals That Include Appliances

Looking for a new Nova Scotia rental that comes with all necessary appliances, or searching for listings that fit your needs? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, the all-in-one, map-based rental site for Canadian cities—compare properties, see photos, and filter for amenities easily.

For a summary of Nova Scotia rules, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to repair a broken appliance?
   Keep a written record of your repair requests. If the landlord does not respond or declines a needed repair for an appliance listed in your lease, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program using Form C for an order to repair.
2. Are tenants ever responsible for fixing appliances included in the lease?
   If the damage was caused by the tenant’s misuse or neglect, the tenant is responsible for repairs or for reimbursing the landlord. Regular wear and tear is usually the landlord’s responsibility.
3. Can I withhold rent if the landlord won’t fix an appliance?
   No. In Nova Scotia you cannot legally withhold rent, even if a landlord is not fulfilling repair responsibilities. Instead, apply to the Residential Tenancy Program for a repair order.
4. What appliances must landlords provide?
   Landlords are not required by law to provide any specific appliances, but if appliances are included in the rental agreement, the landlord must maintain them.
5. How can I ensure appliances are in good condition before moving in?
   During your move-in inspection, test all included appliances, document their condition, and report problems in writing to your landlord.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords are responsible for fixing appliances provided with the rental, unless the tenant caused the damage.
• Always keep written records of repair requests and communications.
• Report urgent repair issues promptly, and know you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Program for unresolved appliance repairs.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program: Main government body for disputes, orders, and tenant support.
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia): Full provincial legislation.
• Nova Scotia Housing Advocacy Organization – Tips and support for renters.
• Toll-free Information Line: 1-800-670-4357 (Residential Tenancy Program)

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1. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act: Full text and updates
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – Forms: Official forms and instructions

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