Residential tenancies in Nova Scotia are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, RSNS 1989, c 401 (RTA), administered by the Director of Residential Tenancies (Director). Unlike many other provinces that use a specialized tribunal, Nova Scotia uses the Director of Residential Tenancies — a provincial official who investigates complaints, holds hearings, and issues orders that can be appealed to the Small Claims Court. The RTA applies to most private residential rental units across the province, including houses, apartments, mobile homes, and rooms in rooming houses.
Security Deposit: Half a Month's Rent
Under the Nova Scotia RTA, a landlord may collect a security deposit at the beginning of a tenancy, but the maximum is half of one month's rent. The deposit must be held in trust by the landlord and cannot be used for any purpose until the tenancy ends. For example, if monthly rent is $1,600, the maximum security deposit is $800.
Key security deposit rules in Nova Scotia:
- The landlord must provide a written receipt for the deposit at the time it is collected.
- The deposit earns interest at a rate set by the Director.
- Within 10 days of the tenancy ending, the landlord must either return the deposit (with accrued interest) or apply to the Director for permission to retain some or all of it (with a written statement of the reasons).
- If the landlord fails to return the deposit or apply within 10 days, they lose the right to keep any portion of it and must repay the full deposit with interest to the tenant.
Director of Residential Tenancies: Dispute Process
The Director of Residential Tenancies handles most residential tenancy disputes in Nova Scotia. Either landlords or tenants can file an application with the Director's office. The process typically involves:
- Filing an application: Complete the appropriate form and pay the applicable filing fee.
- Notification: The other party is notified of the application and given an opportunity to respond.
- Hearing: The Director (or a designate) holds a hearing, typically in person at a local provincial courthouse.
- Decision: The Director issues a written decision (order) that is binding on both parties.
- Appeal: Either party can appeal the Director's decision to the Small Claims Court within 10 days.
Common applications include claims for return of security deposits, orders for repairs and maintenance, termination of a tenancy, and claims for unpaid rent.
Landlord Entry: 24-Hour Notice Required
Nova Scotia landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering a tenant's residential unit. The notice must specify the purpose and the time of entry (which must be during reasonable hours). Permitted reasons for entry include making repairs, showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, or inspecting the state of the premises.
Emergency entry (to address a fire, flood, or other urgent situation) does not require advance notice. A landlord who enters without proper notice violates the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and may be subject to a compensation order from the Director.
Notice to Quit: One-Month Periodic Tenancy
To end a month-to-month (periodic) tenancy in Nova Scotia, the RTA requires:
- Tenant giving notice: At least 1 full rental period's notice (typically 1 full month for a monthly tenancy).
- Landlord giving notice — no cause: At least 3 months' notice for a landlord's personal use of the unit; specific notice periods apply for other grounds.
- Landlord giving notice — cause: For non-payment of rent, the landlord can give notice effective within the rental period if rent remains unpaid after a prescribed notice period. For other cause (damage, illegal activity), different notice rules apply.
All notices to quit must be in writing using the prescribed forms available from the Director's office. Notice given verbally or by informal means is not legally effective under the RTA.
Halifax Regional Municipality Additional Rules
Landlords and tenants in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) — which includes Halifax, Dartmouth, and surrounding areas — should be aware of additional municipal requirements:
- Property Standards By-law: HRM enforces property maintenance standards for rental units. Landlords must maintain units in compliance with HRM's Property By-law, and tenants can report violations.
- Secondary suites and basement apartments: HRM has zoning rules about secondary suites (basement apartments, laneway houses). Renting an un-permitted secondary suite exposes the landlord to municipal fines and potentially invalidates the tenancy arrangement.
- Short-term rentals: HRM has licensing and registration requirements for short-term rental operators (Airbnb, VRBO). Operators must comply with these requirements, which may affect how often a unit is available for long-term rental.
Rent Supplement Programs
Nova Scotia offers several programs to help tenants with low incomes afford housing:
- Rent Supplement Program: Administered by Housing Nova Scotia (HNS), this program provides financial assistance to low-income tenants renting from private landlords. The supplement is paid directly to the landlord on the tenant's behalf, making it a reliable income stream for participating landlords.
- Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit: A one-time payment for low-income renters who spend more than 30% of their income on housing and are on a waitlist for social housing.
Landlords who participate in the Rent Supplement Program benefit from rent guarantee — the provincial government pays a portion of the rent directly, reducing arrears risk. Landlords must meet minimum property standards to participate.
Key Differences from Ontario and BC
For landlords and tenants familiar with other provinces, notable differences in Nova Scotia include:
- Disputes go to the Director of Residential Tenancies, not a specialized tribunal like Ontario's LTB or BC's RTB.
- The security deposit maximum is half a month's rent (same as BC; lower than Saskatchewan's one month).
- Appeals from Director decisions go to the Small Claims Court rather than an appellate tribunal.
- The current rent cap (5%) is higher than Ontario's 2025 guideline (2.5%) but there is legislative discretion about future caps.