Landlord Guide to Renting in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia requires landlords to use the Standard Form of Lease (Form P) for all residential tenancies. The lease must be in writing and signed by both parties. Both fixed-term and periodic tenancies are recognized.

• All residential tenancies must use the Standard Form of Lease (Form P) prescribed under the Act (RTA, s. 8(1))
• The landlord must provide the tenant with a signed copy of the lease within 10 days of signing (RTA, s. 8(4))
• Both fixed-term and month-to-month tenancies are recognized; a fixed-term lease converts to a month-to-month tenancy at expiry if neither party gives notice
• Any term in a lease that conflicts with the Act is void and unenforceable (RTA, s. 7)

Nova Scotia allows landlords to collect a security deposit up to a statutory maximum. The deposit must be held and returned in accordance with the Act.

• A landlord may collect a security deposit of up to one-half month's rent (RTA, s. 12(1))
• The deposit must be held in a trust account at a chartered bank, trust company, or credit union in Nova Scotia (RTA, s. 12(3))
• Interest accrues on the deposit at the rate prescribed by regulation and is payable to the tenant (RTA, s. 12(6))
• The deposit may only be applied to unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear

Nova Scotia landlords must provide tenants with specific information at the beginning of the tenancy. Key requirements are built into the Standard Form of Lease.

• A signed copy of the Standard Form of Lease must be provided to the tenant within 10 days (RTA, s. 8(4))
• The landlord must provide the tenant with the legal name and address of the landlord or authorized agent (RTA, s. 8)
• Information about the security deposit, including the trust account details, must be provided
• A condition report signed by both landlord and tenant at move-in is strongly recommended to document the state of the premises

Rent in Nova Scotia is due on the date specified in the lease. The province has introduced rent increase caps to protect tenants from excessive increases.

• Rent is due on the date specified in the Standard Form of Lease (RTA, s. 11)
• The landlord may not require the tenant to pay rent by post-dated cheques without the tenant's consent
• If rent is unpaid for 15 days or more, the landlord may serve a Notice to Quit for nonpayment (RTA, s. 10(5))
• The landlord may apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies for an order for unpaid rent

Nova Scotia landlords must maintain rental premises in a good state of repair and comply with all applicable health, safety, and housing standards.

• The landlord must keep the premises in a good state of repair and fit for habitation, complying with all health and safety standards (RTA, s. 9(1))
• The tenant must notify the landlord of any needed repairs in a timely manner
• If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, the tenant may apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies for an order (RTA, s. 9)
• Municipal building and fire inspectors may also issue orders requiring the landlord to remedy deficiencies

Nova Scotia protects a tenant's right to quiet enjoyment. Landlords must give proper notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency purposes.

• The landlord must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the premises (RTA, s. 6(1))
• Entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless the tenant agrees to a different time (RTA, s. 6(2))
• Emergency entry is permitted without notice in cases of imminent risk to life or property (RTA, s. 6(3))
• To show the unit to prospective tenants, reasonable notice must be given and visits must be at reasonable hours

Nova Scotia regulates rent increases by requiring adequate notice and, since 2022, has imposed temporary annual caps on the allowable increase percentage.

• Rent may only be increased once every 12 months (RTA, s. 11A)
• The landlord must provide at least 4 months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect (RTA, s. 11(1))
• Nova Scotia introduced a temporary rent cap (currently 5% or the amount set by regulation, whichever is lower) effective since 2022
• A tenant may apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies to challenge a rent increase that exceeds the cap

Notice requirements in Nova Scotia vary by tenancy type and the reason for termination. All notices must be in writing and served in accordance with the Act.

• Month-to-month tenancy (tenant): at least one full month's notice, on or before the first of the month (RTA, s. 10(1))
• Month-to-month tenancy (landlord): at least 3 months' notice for specified reasons such as the landlord requiring the unit for personal occupation
• Fixed-term tenancy: either party must give notice before the end of the term, or it converts to a month-to-month tenancy
• Nonpayment of rent (15+ days overdue): the landlord may serve a 15-day Notice to Quit (RTA, s. 10(5))

All evictions in Nova Scotia must be processed through the Residential Tenancies Program. Self-help evictions are strictly prohibited.

• The landlord must serve the tenant with a Notice to Quit specifying the grounds and the termination date
• If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord must apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies for an order
• A hearing or mediation may be scheduled; both parties may present evidence
• Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are prohibited and may result in penalties (RTA, s. 22)

The security deposit must be returned to the tenant after the tenancy ends, subject to any valid deductions. The Act prescribes timelines and procedures.

• The security deposit plus accrued interest must be returned within 10 days after the tenancy ends (RTA, s. 12(7))
• Deductions may only be made for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, with written documentation
• The landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized statement of any deductions along with the remaining balance
• Disputes over the deposit may be resolved by applying to the Director of Residential Tenancies