News release

Proposed Changes to Protect Tenants and Landlords

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

The province is taking steps to better protect the rights of Nova Scotia tenants and landlords.

Through amendments introduced today, Nov. 29, to the Residential Tenancies Act, the proposed changes continue to balance the needs of tenants and landlords and will improve the process to resolve issues.

"We understand that Nova Scotians want a residential tenancies system that is up to date and effective," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "After consulting with tenants and landlords, this act will reflect what we heard and continues to balance the rights and responsibilities of both."

The proposed amendments include:

  • immediate tenure for all tenants
  • improving the process to deal with unpaid rent
  • a simple process for rent increases in land lease communities (formerly mobile home parks)
  • extending full rights to tenants with fixed-term leases
  • and the ability to award an application fee for successful applicants in the residential tenancies hearing process.

"With more than 100,000 rental units in Nova Scotia, I'm pleased to say that the majority of rental relationships are working well," said Ms. Jennex. "However, if problems do arise, our updated, modernized changes to the residential tenancies program gives tenants and landlords the information and tools they need to sort out their differences."

Ms. Jennex also introduced amendments to the Condominium Act to correct minor housekeeping items.