Halifax Tenant Guide: FAQs and Must-Know Info for Nova Scotia Renters

These FAQs serve as a helpful guide for tenants in Halifax, Nova Scotia, outlining both their rights and responsibilities. By understanding this information, tenants can confidently address issues, communicate with landlords or property managers, and ensure they’re treated fairly while also meeting their obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Halifax Tenant Guide: FAQs and Must-Know Info for Nova Scotia Renters

1. How should I deal with the “house rules” in my lease?

Take a few minutes to read the rules line-by-line before you sign and keep a copy handy (print or digital). The rules form part of your contract, so ignoring them can lead to warnings or — in serious cases — a Notice to Quit. If something is unclear, ask the landlord or property manager for an explanation in writing so there’s no confusion later.

2. Who’s responsible for day-to-day upkeep of the unit?

Tenants look after cleanliness and minor upkeep inside their space (for example, changing light bulbs or keeping the fridge clean). Landlords must keep the building itself — roofs, windows, plumbing, common areas — in safe, livable condition, as required by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and Halifax By-law M-200 on Minimum Residential Standards.

3. How often can my landlord raise the rent?

Under the RTA, rent can go up only once in any 12-month period for the same tenant.

4. Does a rent cap still apply in 2025?

Yes. Nova Scotia’s temporary cap limits increases to the lesser of the amount stated in your lease or 2 % until 31 December 2025. Beginning 1 January 2026 the cap rises to 5 % annually and is scheduled to remain until 31 December 2027.

5. How much notice must the landlord give before a rent increase?

For most apartments the landlord must deliver a written notice at least four months before the new rent takes effect. (Eight weeks’ notice applies to week-to-week leases; seven months for mobile homes.)

6. Can the lease be verbal

Technically yes, but a written lease is strongly recommended. It protects both parties by spelling out rent, services, rules and notice periods.

7. What notice do I have to give if I want to move?

• Year-to-year lease: 3 months before the end of the lease term
• Month-to-month lease: 1 full month before the end of the month you plan to leave
• Week-to-week lease: 1 week before the end of the week
  Use Form C from the Residential Tenancies Program to keep everything official.

8. How should I contact the property manager?

Treat the property manager as your first point of contact for repairs, safety issues, or questions about rules. Email is best so you have a date-stamped record. For emergencies (e.g., burst pipe) phone or text immediately, then follow up in writing.

9. What else can a property manager help with?

They can explain the RTA, remind the landlord of legal obligations, and guide you through maintenance or dispute procedures. Good managers keep both landlord and tenant on the right side of the law.

10. Where do I go if we can’t resolve a dispute

File an application with the Residential Tenancies Program. An officer will hold a hearing and issue a binding decision. If you need free assistance, contact Dalhousie Legal Aid Service or ACORN Nova Scotia.

11. What should I check before I sign a lease

Inspect the unit thoroughly, research the landlord (ask current tenants or look for reviews), confirm what’s included in the rent (heat, parking, internet), and read the rules on guests, pets and smoking. If the building is in Halifax Regional Municipality, ask whether it’s on the Residential Rental Registry (By-law R-400).

12. How much can a landlord charge for a security (damage) deposit?

No more than ½ month’s rent — and they can’t add extra “pet”, “key” or “cleaning” deposits. The money must be held in a trust account and returned (with interest) within 10 days of move-out unless there’s an approved claim for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

13. Is tenant (renter’s) insurance mandatory

It’s not required by law, but many Halifax landlords write it into the lease. Even when it’s optional, carrying insurance is a smart idea — it covers your belongings and personal liability if, for example, a kitchen fire damages neighbouring units.

14. What are Halifax’s garbage and recycling rules for renters?

You must sort waste into garbage (clear bags), recycling, and organics (green cart). All multi-unit buildings are required to provide the right bins. If yours doesn’t, call 311. Improper sorting can lead to fines or your bags being left at the curb.

15. How do I get an on-street resident parking permit?

Halifax issues annual and temporary permits through its online parking permit portal. Have your vehicle registration and proof of address ready, then apply and manage renewals entirely online.