News release

New Online Forms for Security Deposit Claims

Service Nova Scotia
housing

A new online service will make it easier for tenants and landlords to deal with claims on security deposits and eliminate the need for a hearing.

“These changes will make it simpler for both tenants and landlords to deal with a security deposit at the end of a tenancy,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Service Nova Scotia. “It will also be easier for staff to review these claims, and that means Nova Scotians will have a decision faster.”

Currently, the same generic form is used by landlords who want to keep any portion of a tenant’s security deposit and by tenants when their security deposit hasn’t been returned. Applications require a hearing to reach a resolution.

Beginning August 1, landlords and tenants will have their own forms. The tailored forms will allow for a resolution without a hearing.

Tenants can apply when they have not received their security deposit, or a copy of their landlord’s submitted form requesting to retain the deposit, within 10 days of the termination of tenancy. Tenants can also use this new form if they disagree with the landlord’s request to keep any portion of the security deposit.

The forms will be available online at:

They will also be available in Access Nova Scotia centres across the province.

Quotes:

“As an advocate for lower-income tenants, I welcome the change to a simpler and faster process to address security deposits. Unfortunately, there are some landlords who simply retain security deposits as a matter of routine. Providing an accessible path to a quick resolution will ensure greater accountability for both landlords and tenants.” — Tammy Wohler, Managing Lawyer, Social Justice Office, Nova Scotia Legal Aid

Quick Facts:

  • if a tenant has their security deposit returned to them, or if they agree with the landlord’s request to retain the security deposit, there is no need for either party to submit a form
  • if a landlord fails to either return the security deposit or submit the form to retain the deposit within 10 days of the termination of tenancy, the security deposit will be awarded to the tenant
  • if a landlord does not abide by the residential tenancies director’s decision, the tenant should contact the residential tenancies program for information about next steps

Additional Resources:

More information on residential tenancies laws, rights and responsibilities is available at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program

Residential tenancy guides: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/residential-tenancy-guides

Residential tenancy forms: https://beta.novascotia.ca/residential-tenancy-forms

Access Nova Scotia locations: https://novascotia.ca/access-locations

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