Filing a Complaint with the Residential Tenancies Program
Here's how to file an application, what it costs, and what happens once you do.
Last updated: September 2026
How to File an Application
Applications to the Residential Tenancies Program can be filed online, by mail, or in person at a provincial Access Nova Scotia location. You'll need to identify the parties, the address of the rental unit, and what order you're asking for (return of a deposit, an eviction order, a repair order, and so on).
What It Costs
Nova Scotia charges a filing fee for most residential tenancies applications, which can be waived in cases of financial hardship. Check the current fee schedule on the Residential Tenancies Program's website before filing, since fees are periodically updated.
What Happens After You File
Once filed, the other party is served with a copy of the application and a hearing date. Hearings are typically conducted by phone or video. A hearing officer reviews the evidence from both sides and issues a written order, generally within a few weeks of the hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file an application with Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancies Program?
Online, by mail, or in person at an Access Nova Scotia location, identifying the parties, the rental address, and the order you're seeking.
Does it cost money to file a residential tenancies application in Nova Scotia?
Yes, there's a filing fee for most applications, though it can be waived for financial hardship. Check the current fee on the program's website.
How are hearings conducted?
Typically by phone or video, with a hearing officer reviewing evidence from both sides before issuing a written order.
Sources
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