🍁 Provincial Law Guide • Updated January 2025
Nova Scotia Landlord Tenant Laws 2025
Nova Scotia is currently operating under a temporary rent cap system to address housing affordability. Landlords must be aware of strict limits on increases.
5% (2025)
Rent Cap
½ Month
Deposit Limit
10 days
Deposit Return
4 months
Rent Notice
Rent Cap & Increases
- Rent Cap: 5% per year (until Dec 31, 2025).
- Frequency: Once every 12 months (on lease anniversary).
- Notice: 4 months written notice required before lease anniversary.
- New Tenants: Landlords can set market rent for new tenants (vacancy decontrol).
Security Deposit Rules
- Maximum Limit: Half of one month's rent.
- Storage: Must be held in a trust account.
- Return Deadline: 10 days after tenancy ends (if no claim filed).
- Claims: Landlord must file Form 2 with Residential Tenancies within 10 days to keep deposit.
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