Windows and Doors Won’t Lock: Tenant Rights in Nova Scotia

If you’re renting in Nova Scotia and discover that your windows or doors don’t lock as they should, it’s natural to worry about your safety and peace of mind. Good locks are essential to protect yourself and your belongings, and both Nova Scotia law and your lease agreement support your right to a secure home. This guide explains what you can do if locks aren’t working, who is responsible for fixing them, how to start the process, and where to get official help if repairs aren’t completed.

Legal Right to Security in Your Rental Home

Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act protects tenants’ rights, including the right to a safe and secure rental home. Landlords are responsible for making sure the property meets minimum health and safety standards, including working locks on all doors and windows.

• Entrances, exits, and windows must have properly working locks
• Your personal safety is part of a landlord’s legal duty
• Repairs for locks are considered essential for habitability

Learn more about overall Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia and how the law safeguards tenant security and wellbeing.

Landlord’s Responsibilities & Tenant Rights

Landlords are legally required to keep the property safe and in good repair – that includes making sure all doors and windows can be locked. If these don’t work or are broken, your landlord must fix them without unreasonable delay.

• If a lock doesn’t work, it’s the landlord’s duty to repair or replace it
• Tenants must promptly tell landlords about issues with locks but aren’t required to pay for normal repairs or replacement (unless the tenant caused the damage intentionally or negligently)
• Security issues are considered an urgent health or safety problem

For a broader look at urgent concerns, visit Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

How to Report a Broken Lock

If you discover a window or door lock doesn’t work:

• Contact your landlord immediately, ideally in writing (such as email or text), clearly describing the problem and requesting prompt repair.
• Keep a copy or screenshot of your communication for your records.

What If the Landlord Doesn’t Respond?

If your landlord doesn’t repair the locking mechanism within a reasonable time, you have several options. Nova Scotia law allows tenants to formally request repairs, and, in urgent cases, you may apply for help from the provincial authority.

Filing a Formal Repair Application

In Nova Scotia, unresolved safety repairs (including locks) may require action through the Residential Tenancy Program, which handles rental disputes.

• Form Name: Application to Director (Form K)
• When used: If your landlord does not act on your repair request, fill out and submit this form to ask for an official order for repairs.
• Where to find: Application to Director (Form K) – Nova Scotia
• Example: You emailed your landlord twice about a broken patio door lock. After a week with no repair or response, you can complete Form K, attach copies of your messages, and submit through Service Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancy Program (Apply Here).

Your Reasonable Expectations for Repairs

Repairs to locks should be made as soon as possible, especially if your safety or belongings are at risk. While Nova Scotia does not set an exact repair timeline, the law expects landlords to act without unreasonable delay once notified.

• If you fear for your safety due to non-functioning locks, stress this fact in your requests
• If an intruder enters because locks don’t work and you have proof of timely notice to your landlord, you may be able to claim compensation via an application to the Director

For more on your overall safety rights as a tenant, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Who Oversees Rental Disputes in Nova Scotia?

The Residential Tenancy Program is the official government authority handling landlord-tenant disputes, including lock and repair issues.

Entry Without Notice and Your Security

Landlords cannot enter your unit without proper notice except in emergencies. Broken locks never justify surprise entries, and tenants have the right to privacy and safety.

If you believe your privacy or safety is at risk, keep records of all events and communications. Learn practical conflict-solving options in How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Steps to Take When Locks Don’t Work

• Document the broken locks with photos or video
• Notify your landlord right away (preferably in writing)
• If no action within a reasonable time, send a reminder
• If still unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancy Program using Form K

For additional support and info, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and compare rental standards across the country.

FAQ: Tenant Security and Lock Issues in Nova Scotia

1. Are landlords required to provide working locks on all windows and doors?
   Yes. Nova Scotia law requires landlords to supply and maintain functional locks for all exterior doors and windows in rental units.
2. What can I do if my landlord ignores my repair requests?
   Keep records of your communications and, if there’s no action, file an Application to Director (Form K) with the Residential Tenancy Program to formally request repairs.
3. Can I change the locks myself if the landlord won’t fix them?
   No. Tenants usually cannot change locks without the landlord’s written permission, except in emergencies or if ordered by the Residential Tenancy Program. Changing locks without permission could be a violation of your rental agreement.
4. Is my landlord allowed to enter my unit using a master key if my lock is broken?
   No, unless it’s an emergency or they’ve given proper advance notice as required by law.
5. What if my belongings are stolen or the property is damaged because of broken locks?
   If you reported the security issue promptly and your landlord failed to act, you may make a claim for compensation when applying to the Residential Tenancy Program.

Conclusion: Key Steps for Tenant Safety

• Your landlord must ensure all locks work for your safety and security
• Report broken locks in writing and keep documentation
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Program if repairs aren’t completed promptly

Taking action quickly helps protect your rights and promotes a safer home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Program – Government of Nova Scotia (Rental dispute resolution, forms, and info)
• Nova Scotia Tenants' Rights Line: 1-800-670-4357
• Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia: legalinfo.org (Free legal info and referrals for tenants)
• Read more: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

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1. Nova Scotia Legislature. Residential Tenancies Act
2. Service Nova Scotia. Residential Tenancy Program
3. Service Nova Scotia. How to Apply for Dispute Resolution

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