New Online Security Deposit Claim Forms For Tenants and Landlords.

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:

• landlord: https://beta.novascotia.ca/security-deposit-claim-form-form-r
• tenant: https://beta.novascotia.ca/application-director-return-security-deposit-form-s

They will also be available in Access Nova Scotia.

Source: Provincial Release