Who Handles Repairs in Nova Scotia Condo Rentals?

Renting a condo in Nova Scotia comes with unique questions—especially when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Tenants often wonder: Are repairs the landlord’s, the condo corporation’s, or the tenant’s responsibility? Understanding who handles what can save you time, frustration, and help you protect your rights as a renter in Nova Scotia.

Condo Repairs: Who is Responsible?

When you rent a condominium in Nova Scotia, there are usually three parties involved in maintenance and repairs:

• Your landlord: The owner of the condo you rent.
• The condo (or strata) corporation: The organization managing common areas and building-wide systems.
• You, the tenant: Who must take care of day-to-day cleanliness and minor upkeep inside your unit.

The Residential Tenancies Program, Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board is the official body handling rental disputes and providing guidance on these issues. The key law is the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)¹, which sets out landlord and tenant repair responsibilities.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Keep your unit in good repair and fit for living throughout your tenancy.
• Ensure all supplied appliances (fridge, stove, etc.) are working safely.
• Fix plumbing, heating, electrical, and any included amenities that break (unless you damaged them on purpose or by negligence).
• Address health and safety hazards promptly. See the guide on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more on this.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Keep your unit reasonably clean and do not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Report any repair issues to your landlord as soon as they arise (in writing, if possible).
• Pay for repairs if the problem was caused by your actions or negligence.

Condo Corporation Responsibilities

• Take care of repairs in common areas to ensure the building meets safety codes.
• Maintain building-wide systems (elevators, roof, shared heating, etc.).

All parties have a role, but issues inside your unit are usually between you and your landlord.

Types of Repairs in Condo Rentals

Repairs are classified as either emergency or routine, and responsibility differs slightly based on the nature of the repair:

Emergency Repairs

• No heat in winter
• Major leaks or flooding
• Total loss of essential services (water, power)

Landlords must act quickly to fix emergencies. If they don't respond, tenants may be able to arrange the repair themselves and deduct reasonable costs from future rent, but only after careful documentation and, ideally, written notice.

For a deeper look, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Routine Repairs & Maintenance

• Leaking taps or toilets
• Broken appliances supplied by the landlord
• Damaged floors, windows, or doors (not caused by the tenant)

Your landlord has to make these repairs unless your rental agreement says you're responsible (for example, if you specifically agreed to keep up a garden). For more information, consult Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Official Forms and What They Do

If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Program using these official forms:

• Form J – Application to Director («Application by Tenant for Repairs»): Used when you need a formal repair order from the Tribunal. Available at Form J Application by Tenant for Repairs.
  • When to use: If your landlord ignores repair requests, complete and submit Form J. Attach proof (photos, correspondence).
  • Example: You reported a non-working heating system to your landlord two weeks ago, but no action was taken. You fill out Form J, describe the problem, attach email copies, and submit it to the Board.
• Form K – Notice to Quit (by Tenant): If repairs are so serious the unit is unsafe, you may have the right to end your lease early. Download Form K - Notice to Quit by Tenant.
  • When to use: After following proper procedures and in extreme cases only.
  • Example: Repeated flooding and mould makes the condo unlivable. If the landlord doesn't fix it, you follow legal steps and file Form K to end the lease.

Forms must be submitted to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program as directed.

If Repairs Aren’t Made: Next Steps

• Document all communication and issues with photos, dates, and written records.
• Send your landlord a written repair request outlining the issue and expected outcome.
• If you get no response after a reasonable time, fill out Form J and submit it to the Board.
• Landlords must follow the order or face enforcement from the tribunal.

Summary: Stay organized, act promptly, and use official channels to resolve repair issues.

Learn More About Local Rights

Every province is different. To better understand your rights as a renter in Nova Scotia, visit our comprehensive Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia guide.

Want to see more options for moving? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

1. Who pays for repairs in a Nova Scotia condo rental?
   Landlords are generally responsible for regular and emergency repairs inside your unit unless you caused the damage on purpose or through neglect.
2. Can the condo corporation refuse to fix something in my unit?
   The condo corporation only maintains common areas; issues inside your unit must be handled by your landlord.
3. What if my landlord isn’t responding to repair requests?
   Document your requests, give your landlord reasonable time to act, then file Form J with the Residential Tenancies Program if needed.
4. Can I deduct repair costs from my rent?
   In emergencies, you may arrange a repair and deduct the cost if the landlord fails to act, but always document everything and notify your landlord first.
5. Am I responsible for minor repairs in my condo rental?
   You must keep the unit clean and fix anything you damage, but regular wear and tear or appliance breakdowns are typically the landlord’s duty.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Condo Renters

• Landlords are usually responsible for repairs inside the condo unit; tenants handle minor upkeep.
• Use Form J to apply for repairs if your landlord fails to act.
• Always communicate issues in writing and keep records.

Understanding who handles repairs in a Nova Scotia condo rental ensures safe, comfortable living and protects your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – Official forms, guidance, and dispute resolution.
• Residential Tenancies Regulations (Nova Scotia) – Official rules and procedures.
• Legal clinics and tenant support: Access Nova Scotia offers advice and form help (Access Nova Scotia).

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program
3. Form J Application by Tenant for Repairs
4. Form K - Notice to Quit by Tenant
5. Residential Tenancies Regulations (Nova Scotia)

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