NSNDP

July 17th, 2017

Nova Scotia tenants shouldn't have to fight for rights

Recent case shows need for enforcable Residential Tenancies Act

Halifax—NDP Community Services spokesperson Susan Leblanc is concerned that renters are at an unfair disadvantage in Nova Scotia, after the story of a tenant who has been engaged in a year-long battle to retrieve her damage deposit was reported in the news last week.

According to a recent article in The Coast, tenant Melanie Quigg may never see her $650 damage deposit despite a ruling in her favour from the Residential Tenancies Board. Actually securing the money involves a cumbersome and costly process for Quigg and others in her situation, including going to Small Claims Court.

“Renters shouldn’t have to navigate a complex system and pay fees out of pocket just to have their rights respected,” said NDP Community Services spokesperson Susan Leblanc. “We need a Residential Tenancies Act that’s actually enforceable. Right now, there is too much room for landlords to take advantage of their position of power.”

In New Brunswick, there is a third party (the Office of the Rentalsman) that collects damage deposits, and renters simply need to apply online to retrieve them. In other jurisdictions, landlord licensing prevents these kinds of issues.

“There are already models available for protecting tenants’ rights and ensuring fairness,” said Leblanc. “It is reasonable for tenants to expect their government to enforce its own laws.”

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