10 Key Facts About Rent & Deposits for Nova Scotia Tenants

If you rent in Nova Scotia, understanding your rights and responsibilities around rent and deposits is essential. From how much your landlord can ask for up front, to getting your deposit back and dealing with rent increases, Nova Scotia’s rules set clear protections for tenants. This guide lays out 10 crucial facts to help you stay informed and empowered during your tenancy.

1. Rental Deposits Are Limited by Law

In Nova Scotia, landlords can only collect a security deposit (sometimes called a damage deposit) that is equal to one half of one month's rent. Collecting a larger deposit is not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia)^[1]. This deposit is meant to cover possible damages or unpaid rent—not as a prepayment of rent or for cleaning fees.

For more details on how rental deposits work, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

2. Landlords Must Provide a Written Lease

Nova Scotia law requires a written lease agreement for every residential tenancy. This agreement should outline the amount of rent, due date, length of the lease, and the rights and responsibilities of both tenant and landlord.

3. Get a Receipt for Your Deposit and Rent Paid

Your landlord must give you a written receipt for any deposit or rent payment, no matter how you pay. Keep these receipts safe—they are important proof if any disputes arise.

4. Rent Can Only Be Increased Under Certain Conditions

Landlords can only increase the rent once every 12 months, and must give tenants at least 4 months written notice. If you receive a rent increase notice, check if it meets the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act. Learn more in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

5. Official Forms: Notice of Rent Increase

Landlords must use Form C ("Notice of Rent Increase") when raising the rent. As a tenant, you should:

• Check for the correct form and ensure it has your landlord's information and the date
• Form C must be provided at least 4 months before the increase
• Download Form C from the Nova Scotia government website

6. The Security Deposit Must Be Returned Promptly

When your tenancy ends, your landlord must return your deposit with interest within 10 days, unless you owe rent or have caused damage. If your landlord plans to keep some or all of the deposit, they must provide a written statement explaining why.

7. What to Do If You Disagree With Deposit Deductions

If you disagree with your landlord's deductions, you can file an "Application to Director" (Form J) with the provincial Residential Tenancies Program. This must be done within 10 days of receiving your landlord's statement. The form can be accessed here.

8. Paying Rent on Time: Your Obligation

Rent is due on the day stated in your lease. Late payment may lead to termination notices, so always pay on time and get receipts. Read Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips for best practices.

9. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords have legal obligations. Make sure you fulfill your responsibilities—such as keeping the unit clean and undamaged—so your deposit isn’t at risk when you move out. For more, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

10. Where to Find Your Tenant Rights

Navigating rental rules and deposits can be easier when you know where to turn for help. Check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for a detailed overview.

Summary: Protecting Yourself as a Renter

• Security deposits are strictly regulated and must be returned with interest upon moving out
• Rent increases require advance notice and the use of official forms
• Receipts and documentation help you if disputes arise

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Frequently Asked Questions for Nova Scotia Tenants

1. Can my landlord ask for more than half a month's rent as a deposit? No, in Nova Scotia the maximum legal deposit is half a month's rent. Any request for more is not permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act.
2. How soon should I get my deposit back after moving out? Your landlord must return your security deposit with interest within 10 days after your tenancy ends, unless there are valid deductions for damage or unpaid rent.
3. What happens if I disagree with a deduction from my deposit? You can challenge the deduction by filing an Application to Director (Form J) within 10 days of receiving the landlord's statement.
4. How often can my landlord increase the rent? Only once every 12 months, and you must receive at least four months' notice with the official Notice of Rent Increase form.
5. Do I need to sign a written lease in Nova Scotia? Yes, a written lease agreement is required, and it's best to keep a signed copy for your records.

How To: Handling Rental Deposits and Rent Issues in Nova Scotia

1. How do I apply to get my deposit back if my landlord won't return it? Complete and file Form J (Application to Director) with the Residential Tenancies Program, including all necessary documents, within 10 days if your landlord does not return your deposit or you disagree with the deductions.
2. How do I ensure my rent increase notice is valid? Check that your landlord used Form C, provided at least 4 months' notice, and that no other increase occurred within the last 12 months.
3. How do I request a receipt for my payments? Ask your landlord in writing for a receipt each time you pay rent or deposit. They must provide one under the law.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program (forms, information, and help with disputes)
• Nova Scotia Legal Aid (free legal assistance for eligible tenants)
• Browse Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for a full overview of local protections and tenancy law
• For housing issues outside Nova Scotia, see the Canadian Housing portal

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) – legislation governing rent, deposits, and tenant protections
2. Residential Tenancies Program, Service Nova Scotia – tenancy forms and dispute resolution
3. Application to Director (Form J) – official form to challenge deposit deductions or rent disputes
4. Notice of Rent Increase (Form C) – required form for all rent increases in Nova Scotia

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