Residential Tenancies

The Residential Tenancies program helps landlords and tenants understand their rights, and exercise those rights when necessary.

This site connects you with information you need. From this page, you can see and print legislation, forms, and information booklets. You can also find out how to reach us by phone, by mail, or in person with your questions or comments.

Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act

Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act were introduced on September 18, 2018. The website will be updated once the changes come into effect. Read the news release to learn more.

Telephone Hearings

Landlords and tenants in Nova Scotia will now resolve disputes via telephone, making the process faster and more efficient. To learn more, visit Residential tenancies: telephone hearings webpage

Certain elements of the Cannabis Control Act are now in effect

Landlords now have the right to amend leases to restrict recreational cannabis smoking and cultivation, and tenants will have a right to terminate the lease if they choose. For more information please visit Cannabis Control Act – Residential Tenancies Act Landlord Rules, and frequently asked questions.

Annual Allowable Rent Increase for Land Lease Communities

The Annual Allowable Rent Increase Amount for rental increases that are effective between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 is 0.8%.

The Annual Allowable Rent Increase Amount for the upcoming 2019 year, for rental increases effective between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, is 1.2%.

For more information, please visit Annual Allowable Rent Increase Amount.