Landlord & Tenant Rights in Nova Scotia (2026)
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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- ✓Notice requirements under Nova Scotia law
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- ✓Tenant rights checklist for Nova Scotia
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Where to File a Dispute in Nova Scotia
Residential Tenancies Program (RTP)
https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-programFiling fee: $31.35 for tenant or landlord applications
Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act
Rent Increases in Nova Scotia
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
Eviction & Notice to End Tenancy
Month-to-month tenancy
One full rental period's notice for most reasons; own-use/sale: 2 months (Form DR2); cause: Form F (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: 15-day notice (3-day arrears trigger, then 10-day cure period to pay). Own-use/sale: 2 months (Form DR2). Cause: Form F (7 days, minor breach); Form E (15 days, substantial breach); serious cases require a hearing application with no set notice period (eff. April 30, 2025).
Landlord entry: 24 hours' written notice; no notice for emergency
Deposits in Nova Scotia
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.
Key Forms & Documents: Nova Scotia
NS J-Forms
Dispute, notice, and application forms
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).
Common Questions
Can 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: $31.35 for tenant or landlord applications. 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.
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Program: https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program
- Residential Tenancies Act →
Last updated: July 2026
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Also see: landlord & tenant rules in other provinces
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