Nova Scotia Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Nova Scotia's rental market is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), which establishes the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants across the province. Recent legislative amendments in 2024 and 2025 have introduced significant changes to eviction timelines, rent caps, and security deposit claim processes.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in Nova Scotia for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Nova Scotia Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Nova Scotia caps security deposits at half of one month's rent. Landlords must hold the deposit in a separate trust account at a recognized financial institution and pay annual interest to the tenant. No additional charges — such as pet deposits, cleaning fees, or key deposits — are permitted.

Landlords must return the security deposit, with interest, within 10 days of the tenancy ending. If claiming deductions, landlords must file a Form R (Security Deposit Claim Form) within that same 10-day window. As of August 1, 2024, new online forms have streamlined the claim process.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.

Rent Increases

Nova Scotia introduced a temporary rent cap that has been extended multiple times and now runs through December 31, 2027. Effective January 1, 2026, annual rent increases are capped at 5%. Only one rent increase is permitted within any 12-month period, and landlords must provide at least 4 months' written notice.

Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease — increases may only take effect at the start of a new lease term or during a month-to-month tenancy.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Eviction Procedures

Effective April 30, 2025, Nova Scotia significantly reformed its eviction timelines for non-payment of rent:

Non-Payment of Rent

• Day 1–3: Landlord waits 3 full calendar days after the missed rent payment
• Day 4: Landlord may issue a Notice to Quit for non-payment
• Day 4–13: Tenant has 10 calendar days to pay overdue rent or dispute the notice
• Day 16+: If tenant has not paid or disputed, landlord can apply for eviction

Problematic Behaviour (Effective April 30, 2025)

Landlords can now terminate tenancies for:

• Criminal behaviour by the tenant
• Disturbing other tenants or the landlord
• Creating an unsafe or unlivable environment
• Three or more late rent payments
• Extraordinary damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Behaviour seriously jeopardizing health and safety

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Required Disclosures

Nova Scotia landlords must provide:

1. Copy of the Residential Tenancies Act — within 10 days of the earliest of: the lease start date, the date the tenant signs the lease, or the date keys are delivered (paper or electronic copy)
2. Signed copy of the lease — within 10 days of signing
3. Landlord contact information — name, civic address, mailing address, phone number, and email address (as of April 30, 2025)

Failure to provide the RTA or a copy of the lease entitles the tenant to terminate the tenancy.

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.

Lease Requirements

Nova Scotia requires all residential tenancies to use the provincial Standard Form of Lease (Form P). The statutory conditions in the Standard Form apply even if a different lease agreement or verbal agreement is used.

A lease must include:

• Full property address
• Names of all tenants and the landlord
• Monthly rent amount and due date
• Included utilities or services
• Lease start and end dates
• Security deposit amount
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Pet policies and additional rules

For more detail, see our Lease Requirements guide.

Maintenance and Habitability

Under the RTA, landlords must maintain rental units in a good state of repair and fit for habitation throughout the tenancy. This includes:

• Structural integrity (walls, floors, ceilings, foundations)
• Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in proper working order
• Functional smoke detectors and secure locks
• Weather-tight windows and doors with adequate insulation
• Reliable heat, electricity, and hot/cold water
• Pest control
• Compliance with municipal building codes and public health standards

Landlords cannot turn off heat — even during rent disputes. Tenants may file an Application to the Director of Residential Tenancies if the landlord fails to meet these obligations.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Late Fees

Late payment penalties in Nova Scotia are capped at 1% of the total monthly rent and must be explicitly included in the signed lease agreement. For example, if rent is $1,500 per month, the maximum late fee is $15.

Landlords cannot charge a late fee if the late payment was caused by circumstances beyond the tenant's control, such as an unannounced mail disruption or a delayed government payment.

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

Recent Legislative Changes

Nova Scotia has been actively updating its tenancy laws. Key recent changes include:

Getting Started with Compliance

Managing compliance across Nova Scotia's evolving regulatory landscape can be challenging. Landager helps landlords track their compliance status, manage lease terms, set security deposit return reminders, and stay updated when regulations change.

Explore more Nova Scotia compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees