Source of income is protected under Nova Scotia human-rights law. The Commission explains that it often concerns income other than employment, including social assistance, pensions, Employment Insurance and income supplements.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
Protected source, not guaranteed approval
A landlord or other decision-maker cannot simply reject a person because income comes from a protected source. The Commission also notes that legitimate business inquiries such as credit, rental history and references are not prohibited merely because source of income is protected.
Rental housing
Housing is a particularly important setting for source-of-income discrimination. Refusal to rent, different deposits or additional conditions can raise human-rights issues when tied to a protected characteristic.
Perceived source of income
The Commission's guidance refers to the source or perceived source of income. Assumptions about how a person receives income can therefore be relevant to the facts.
Evidence
Advertisements, application criteria, messages, screening policies, references to benefits and differential terms can help establish what influenced a housing or service decision.
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — Inquiry Form and intake criteria
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — access to rental accommodations
- Nova Scotia Legislature — Human Rights Act