Nova Scotia Form J: Application to Director

When to use Form J

Form J is the general Application to the Director used by landlords and tenants to resolve disputes, including maintenance, rental payments, lease compliance and termination questions. It is a formal application, not merely a complaint letter.

A person can generally apply up to one year after the tenancy has ended. A respondent may have counterclaim rights while the original case remains open. Check the official eligibility rules and remedies for your issue.

Checklist

• Describe the parties and unit accurately. Include the lease term, address and rent.
• Identify exactly what went wrong and what order you want, and prepare records supporting each claim.
• Submit the application online or at Access Nova Scotia and pay the published $31.15 filing fee or apply for a waiver.
• After getting the hearing package, serve the respondent according to program instructions and return Form L1 Certificate of Service, generally within 7 days of applying.
• Prepare for voluntary mediation and, if unresolved, a telephone hearing. Submit the evidence to the other party and the Residential Tenancies Program at least 5 days before the hearing, unless the Director permits later evidence. Keep a copy and follow the hearing notice carefully.

Not the same as Form K

A landlord dealing only with unpaid rent who already served Form D might qualify for Form K. Do not treat Form K as an automatic substitute for the disputed-hearing process.

Official forms

Start with the government’s Form J instructions and form.