How to set up a rental property in Nova Scotia
This page is the free Nova Scotia guide. No sign-in. Read on.
Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
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.
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Nova Scotia at a glance
Open this section ↓Official RTP website →↑ Close this sectionMandatory 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
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Step 1: Written lease
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo 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 →3
Step 2: Landlord insurance
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. Rental properties are covered by a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy instead.
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.
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Step 3: Municipal licensing
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo 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.
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Step 4: Move-in condition report
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNot requiredNo prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in Nova Scotia. Attaching a written condition report to the lease is recommended.
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Step 5: Security deposit
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMaximum
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.
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Step 6: Rent increases and notice rules
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNotice required for a rent increase
4 months' written notice before effective date
Full notice & rent rules for Nova Scotia →Rent control
Rent increases are capped at 5% until December 31, 2027 for existing tenants and fixed-term renewals in the same unit (not a new tenant's first lease); one increase per 12 months.
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Step 7: Records and receipts
Hold the deposit in trust.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionHold 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
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Your Nova Scotia landlord setup checklist
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNova 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-pBoth 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 rentInterest: 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 dateRent increases are capped at 5% until December 31, 2027 for existing tenants and fixed-term renewals in the same unit (not a new tenant's first lease); one increase per 12 months.Residential Tenancies Program: https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-programStep 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-programGeneral information only, not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Residential Tenancies Program.
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Frequently asked questions
Open this section ↓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 are capped at 5% until December 31, 2027 for existing tenants and fixed-term renewals in the same unit (not a new tenant's first lease); one increase per 12 months.
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Related guides
Open this section ↓
Facts checked September 2026
More than one unit? The Landlord Pass
Prepare the rent increase notices on this page for every property you hold, with the dates checked against the province rule that governs each one, and an alert when one of them moves.
$16 a month or $149 a year. Single documents stay available without an account.
What the Pass doesGuidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.