Nova Scotia Security Deposit Return Demand — Residential Tenancies Act s.12A
Stage-1 demand from a Nova Scotia tenant to the landlord under Residential Tenancies Act (R.S.N.S. 1989, c.401) s.12A. Triggers the 10-day return rule (s.12A(1)) and signals that failure to file a security deposit claim with the Director within the same 10 days bars the landlord from any deduction (s.12A(4)). Cites Residential Tenancies Regulations (deposit capped at one half of one month's rent; wear-and-tear deductions barred). Stage-2: Form J — Application to Director of Residential Tenancies, FREE filing. UPL-safe under Legal Profession Act (S.N.S. 2004, c.28).
Statute of Limitations Warning
Legal deadlines apply to your claim. You lose your right to act if you wait too long. Send notice as soon as possible.
Why this letter works:
- Cites the exact law: Automatically applies the correct state and federal statutes to your situation.
- Sets a firm deadline: Legally compels a response within the required statutory timeframe.
- Creates a paper trail: Designed to serve as Exhibit A if you need to escalate to an agency or court.
Answer a few questions and we'll create your personalized letter.
One-time price:$19≈ C$27Paid once at the end. No subscription.
Your Action Plan
This is the final formal demand before litigation.
Download your personalized PDF immediately after purchase and send it.
Your letter includes a firm deadline. Do not engage in informal text messages during this time.
If they miss the deadline, you have completed the required out-of-court steps. Hand this complete paper trail to a local attorney for litigation.
Your tenancy
The Nova Scotia 10-day clock under RTA s.12A runs from the DATE OF LEASE TERMINATION (move-out / end of fixed term / proper notice expiry). The landlord must EITHER return the deposit + interest within 10 days OR file a security deposit claim with the Director within the same 10 days. Missing both deadlines bars the landlord from any deduction.
This letter will cite
Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c.401, s.12A (10-day return, 10-day claim window); s.9 statutory conditions; Residential Tenancies Regulations (wear-and-tear bar); Legal Profession Act, S.N.S. 2004, c.28 (UPL framing)
Your letter cites s.12A(1) (10-day return + interest), s.12A(3) (landlord's 10-day claim-filing window with the Director), s.12A(4) (forfeiture of claim right if not filed), and signals the Residential Tenancies Program Form J (Application to Director) as the stage-2 escalation.
Nova Scotia caps the security deposit at one half of one month's rent (Residential Tenancies Regulations). If your deposit exceeded that cap, flag it in the narrative.
The 10-day s.12A clock runs from this date. Provide the EXACT date you returned keys / vacated.
Best practice: provide forwarding address in writing on or before move-out. Helps if a Form J application is needed later.
Before you start
What exactly do I get, and when?
A personalized PDF letter, written around the statute that applies to your situation, with the deadline and the consequence spelled out. It downloads the moment payment confirms, back here on commoner-law.com — there is no waiting period and no account to create. You can also add certified mail at checkout and we will send the physical letter for you.
How much is it?
$19, once. Not a subscription, and nothing is charged until you complete payment on Stripe at the end of the wizard. Any add-ons you select show their own price before you pay.
Is this legal advice?
Self-help template; not legal advice. The Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program is designed for self-represented tenants; filing Form J is FREE. Self-representation in a residential tenancy matter is not the practice of law under the Legal Profession Act (S.N.S. 2004, c.28). For free help: Dalhousie Legal Aid Service, Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Tenant Alliance of Nova Scotia.
What if I need to change something afterwards?
Tell us and we will either adjust the letter and send you the updated version at no cost, or refund you in full — your choice. If we can’t deliver what you paid for, the refund is automatic. Full terms are on our promise page.
Do I have to pay to know if I have a case?
No. The rights encyclopedia on this site is free and cites the same primary sources the letter does. Read the relevant guide first — plenty of situations are resolved by a phone call to a free statutory body, and where one exists we say so.