Now that you’re settled, it’s important to maintain a good relationship with your landlord and neighbors. This section provides guidance on how to stay organized, handle maintenance requests, and be a considerate tenant while enjoying your new home.
Garbage, Recycling, and Waste Management
Separating garbage, compost, and recycling is mandatory in Nova Scotia, but how you sort may vary depending on where you live, so it’s a good idea to check your local rules. Download or print your region’s sorting guide and keep it in your home. You can find your region’s guide here.
Your lease will state if you are responsible for removing your waste on collection days. Even if you are not responsible for garbage removal, you must still sort your waste. If your waste isn’t sorted correctly, it will be tagged and left at the curb for you to re-sort before the next collection day.
| Garbage | Recycling | Compost |
| All non-recyclable and non-compostable waste goes into clear, transparent bags. If you need to get rid of personal items, some municipalities allow you to use one dark or solid-coloured bag per collection. | Recyclables are generally split into two categories. Plastic, glass, cans, and cartons go into blue bags. Paper items should be placed in a separate blue bag. Empty cardboard boxes must be flattened, tied in bundles, and kept dry until collection day. | All organic waste, including food scraps and paper towels, should be placed in your green cart or compost bin. Organic waste should never be disposed of in drains, toilets, or the trash. |
Living with Roommates
Sharing a space can be rewarding, but it requires good communication and respect. This section offers tips on setting boundaries, managing shared responsibilities, and fostering a positive living environment with your roommates.
Heads up! It’s extremely common in Canada to refer to someone you share a living space with as a “roommate,” instead of a “flatmate” or “housemate.” The words are used interchangeably.
Monthly Check-Ins with Roommates
If you live with roommates, you should plan monthly check-ins to discuss any issues or ideas. Here are some potential topics to bring up during these meetings, to make sure that everyone is on the same page:
- Cleanliness: Inspect the living space together. Would you describe it as tidy or messy? Talk about what “clean” means to each of you and establish a mutual understanding from the start. Set expectations about how often chores should be done and what “clean” means. Divide household chores to ensure everyone shares the workload.
- Noise: Determine if you need quiet, enjoy music all the time, or fall somewhere in between. Decide if you will have quiet hours in your home.
- Visitors: Discuss how often friends/partners will be over, whether you’re okay with extended stays, and limits on overnight guests.
- Sharing: Have clear rules about sharing food, expenses, kitchen items, cleaning products, and personal belongings. Clarify which items are for sharing versus private use, including whether you will split groceries.
- Lifestyle: Talk about your preferences regarding parties, cooking, smoking, and privacy. Understand what kind of relationship you’re expecting from your roommate.
Preventing and Managing Conflict
- Communication is Key: Have conversations in person, not over text. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to avoid blame. Practice good listening and strive to understand your roommate’s perspective.
- Stay Calm and Kind: Assume good intentions, avoid swearing or name-calling, and don’t address issues when either of you are angry. Keep the discussion between those directly involved — landlords won’t assist with roommate disputes.
- Roommate Agreement: Consider creating a roommate agreement or chore schedule. Treat the agreement as a living document that can be updated as needed. Try to make sure that everyone feels like their needs are being met.
- Know When to Call It Quits: If you feel threatened or unsafe, seek immediate help. Otherwise, if you have decided to not continue living with your roommate after your lease ends, try to have a constructive break-up conversation. Use “I” statements to express your feelings and reasons for moving out, focusing on facts rather than blame. Agree on a timeline for moving out, dividing responsibilities, and handling shared bills. Offer help in the transition, and stick to any agreements made.