Landlord & Tenant Rights in Nova Scotia (2026)
This page is the free Nova Scotia guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked October 2026 · See what changed · How we check
Rent increases, eviction notices, security deposits, and dispute resolution: everything landlords and tenants need to know in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia landlord-tenant guide
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Where to File a Dispute in Nova Scotia
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionResidential Tenancies Program (RTP)
https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-programFiling fee: $31.15 (Form J application; Form K registration)
Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act
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Rent Increases in Nova Scotia
Open this section ↓✓Rent increases are limited
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.
Current guideline: 5% cap until December 31, 2027
Calculate the maximum increase for Nova Scotia →Notice required for a rent increase: 4 months' written notice before effective date
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Eviction and Notice to End Tenancy
Open this section ↓Month-to-month tenancy
One full rental period's notice for most reasons; own-use/sale: 2 months; cause: Form F (at least 7 days) or Form E (15 days)
Fixed-term tenancy
3 months' notice by landlord before end of a year-to-year lease; 1 month by tenant; own-use/sale: 2 months regardless of lease term
Important forms & details
Non-payment: Form D may be served once rent is at least 3 days late, and the eviction date can be no sooner than 10 days after service. Form E: 15 days. Form F: at least 7 days, for reasons other than non-payment. Serious cases require a hearing application with no set notice period.
Landlord entry: 24 hours' written notice; no notice for emergency
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Deposits in Nova Scotia
Open this section ↓✓Security Deposit
Max: Half one month's rent
Security deposit up to half a month's rent. Must be returned or accounted for within 10 days after tenancy ends.
✗Last Month's Rent
No separate last month's rent deposit in Nova Scotia.
✗Pet Deposit
No additional deposits above the security deposit maximum.
↑ Close this sectionTenant insurance
Tenant insurance is separate from your landlord's policy. It may pay for loss of or damage to your own possessions, accidental damage you cause to the unit, injury to visitors and extra living costs if you have to move out, within the policy's limits.
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Key Forms and Documents: Nova Scotia
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet form →NS J-Forms
Dispute, notice, and application forms
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Common Questions
Can a landlord evict me without reason in Nova Scotia?Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionCan a landlord evict me without reason in Nova Scotia?
Generally no. Nova Scotia landlords need a valid reason (non-payment, damage, landlord's own use, etc.) and must follow the notice requirements in the Residential Tenancies Act. An eviction without proper grounds can be challenged at the RTP.
What can a landlord deduct from my security deposit?
Landlords can deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. They cannot deduct for: minor scuffs or nail holes, carpet wear from normal use, or general cleaning that was already needed. An itemized statement must be provided.
How do I file a complaint against my landlord (or tenant) in Nova Scotia?
File an application with the Residential Tenancies Program at https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program. Filing fee: $31.15 (Form J application; Form K registration). Gather your evidence (lease, notices, photos, messages) before filing.
My landlord wants to enter without notice. Is that legal?
In most cases, no. Nova Scotia requires 24 hours' written notice; no notice for emergency. Entry without notice (except for emergencies) is generally a breach of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and can be raised as a complaint at the RTP.
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Notice & Documentation Package
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Province-specific notice + serving instructions
- ✓Customized notice form
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- ✓Evidence checklist
Nova Scotia-specific things to know
- •Nova Scotia caps rent increases at 5% until December 31, 2027 for existing tenants and fixed-term renewals in the same unit; a new tenant's first lease is not capped. One increase per 12 months, with 4 months' notice.
- •Hearings before a Director of Residential Tenancies (in-person or by phone).
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Program: https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program
- Residential Tenancies Act →
Facts checked October 2026
Get your complete Nova Scotia landlord/tenant document package for $14.
Get documents →Something gone wrong?
Also see: landlord & tenant rules in other provinces
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 doesInformational 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.