Free guide — Nova Scotia
How to set up a rental property in Nova Scotia
A step-by-step guide for first-time landlords in Nova Scotia — mandatory lease form requirements, deposit rules, inspection obligations, licensing, and rent-increase rules. Free downloadable checklist included.
Nova Scotia at a glance
Mandatory lease form
No (written lease recommended)
Move-in inspection
Not required
Deposit
Max 1/2 month's rent
Rent control
Yes
Tribunal
Residential Tenancies Program (RTP)
Legislation
Residential Tenancies Act
Step 1 — Written lease
No mandatory form required
No mandatory form required. Form P (Standard Form of Lease) is available from the province but any written or verbal agreement works. Form P terms apply regardless.
Optional standard form →Step 2 — Landlord insurance
Get a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. You need a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy — not a homeowner policy.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry liability insurance as a condition of the lease. This is not required by law in Nova Scotia but is common practice.
Step 3 — Municipal licensing
No provincial licence required in Nova Scotia
There is no provincial landlord registration or licence anywhere in Canada. However, some cities and municipalities require a rental or business licence before you can rent a property. Check with your city or municipality before putting a tenant in.
Step 4 — Move-in condition report
No prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in Nova Scotia. Attaching a written condition report to the lease is recommended.
Step 5 — Security deposit
Maximum
Max 1/2 month's rent
Interest
Deposit must be held in trust and interest is payable -- verify the current interest rate at novascotia.ca.
Verify current rate →Return deadline
Within 10 days after tenancy ends.
Security deposit max 1/2 month's rent. Held in trust. Return within 10 days of tenancy ending.
Step 6 — Rent increases & notice rules
Notice required for a rent increase
4 months' written notice before effective date
Rent control
Rent increases capped at 5% for existing tenants as of 2025.
Step 7 — Records & receipts
Hold the deposit in trust. Return it (with interest) within 10 days after the tenancy ends.
Keep copies of: the signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, notice letters, and all correspondence with your tenant.
Tribunal: Residential Tenancies Program — https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program
Your Nova Scotia landlord setup checklist
Nova Scotia — New Landlord Setup Checklist
8 steps to set up your first rental property correctly
Step 1: Written lease
- No mandatory lease form in Nova Scotia -- but a written lease is strongly recommended.
- Nova Scotia legislation terms apply to any written or verbal tenancy regardless.
- Optional standard form: https://www.novascotia.ca/standard-form-lease-form-p
- Both parties sign and keep a copy.
Step 2: Landlord insurance
- Get a rental-dwelling policy -- NOT a homeowner policy -- before the tenancy starts.
- Homeowner policies typically exclude rental income and tenant-caused damage.
- Consider requiring tenant liability insurance as a lease term.
Step 3: Municipal licensing
- No provincial landlord licence required in Nova Scotia.
- Check with your city or municipality -- some require a rental or business licence.
Step 4: Tenant screening
- Run a credit check and reference check with written consent from the tenant.
- Handle personal information per privacy law (PIPEDA or provincial equivalent).
- Human rights law applies -- you may not discriminate on protected grounds.
Step 5: Move-in condition report
- No prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in Nova Scotia. Attaching a written condition report to the lease is recommended.
- Both parties sign and date. Each keeps a copy. Attach dated photos.
Step 6: Security deposit
- Maximum: Max 1/2 month's rent
- Interest: Deposit must be held in trust and interest is payable -- verify the current interest rate at novascotia.ca.
- Return deadline: Within 10 days after tenancy ends.
- Security deposit max 1/2 month's rent. Held in trust. Return within 10 days of tenancy ending.
Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules
- Notice required: 4 months' written notice before effective date
- Rent increases capped at 5% for existing tenants as of 2025.
- Residential Tenancies Program: https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program
Step 8: Records & receipts
- Hold the deposit in trust. Return it (with interest) within 10 days after the tenancy ends.
- Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.
- Dispute body: Residential Tenancies Program -- https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program
General information only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Residential Tenancies Program.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to use a specific lease form in Nova Scotia?
No mandatory form is required in Nova Scotia. No mandatory form required. Form P (Standard Form of Lease) is available from the province but any written or verbal agreement works. Form P terms apply regardless.
What deposit can I collect in Nova Scotia?
Security deposit max 1/2 month's rent. Held in trust. Return within 10 days of tenancy ending. Maximum: Max 1/2 month's rent.
Is a move-in inspection report required in Nova Scotia?
No prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in Nova Scotia. Attaching a written condition report to the lease is recommended.
Do I need a landlord licence in Nova Scotia?
There is no provincial landlord licence required in Nova Scotia. However, some municipalities require a rental or business licence — check with your city or municipality.
What are the rent-increase rules in Nova Scotia?
Notice required: 4 months' written notice before effective date. Rent increases capped at 5% for existing tenants as of 2025.
Related guides
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer