If you feel you have been unfairly discriminated against by a housing provider, there are things you can do to stand up for yourself. In general, you should first try to resolve your concerns by speaking with the people who are directly involved.
Sometimes, however, self-advocacy is not enough. In these cases, you may wish to consult a lawyer who practices human rights or housing law to see what options are available to you, including:
- A complaint to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. You can contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission or visits its Complaint Self-Assessment page to get a sense of whether or not your experience falls within the purview of the Human Rights Act. If your issue falls within the purview of the Human Rights Act, commission staff can help you file a complaint. Generally, you must make a complaint within twelve months of the incident. See the Human Rights Guide for more information.
- Apply to the Director of the Residential Tenancies Program for mediation or a hearing. You may apply online or call 1-800-670-4357. To learn more, visit the Government of Nova Scotia’s website, titled Residential Tenancies: a guide to resolving disputes between Tenants and Landlords.
- Make a complaint to the Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman or contact the Department of Health and Wellness (specific to long-term care homes).