Are Rental Application Fees Allowed in Nova Scotia?

Navigating the rental process in Nova Scotia can raise questions about costs and your rights as a tenant. Many applicants wonder if landlords are allowed to charge fees just to apply for a rental unit. This article provides clear answers, citing Nova Scotia law, so you can rent with greater confidence.

Rental Application Fees in Nova Scotia: What You Need to Know

In Nova Scotia, landlords cannot legally charge rental application fees for residential tenancies. Whether you're seeking an apartment, condo, or house, provincial rules protect renters from paying these types of up-front costs.

What the Law Says

Under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are not permitted to require or accept any application fee or payment from a prospective tenant except a security deposit (also called a damage deposit) once a rental agreement is offered.^[1]

The only deposit landlords can request is a security deposit after the lease is offered, and it cannot exceed half a month's rent.

What Is a Security Deposit?

Once you've been offered the unit, you may be asked for a security deposit. This is different from an application fee. The security deposit in Nova Scotia:

• Cannot be more than half of one month's rent
• Must only be requested after a lease is offered
• Is refundable (with interest) when you move out, provided you meet your obligations

To understand your rights about deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Illegal Fees: Know Your Rights

Landlords or property managers in Nova Scotia cannot ask for:

• Application fees
• "Administrative" processing fees before offering a lease
• Holding deposits before the rental agreement is offered

If a landlord asks for such payments, you have the right to refuse and may wish to report the incident.

What to Do If You're Asked to Pay an Application Fee

If a landlord insists on a rental application fee or demands payment before offering a rental agreement, you do not have to pay. You can:

• Politely inform the landlord that application fees are not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia.
• Refuse to pay and consider applying elsewhere if pressured.
• File a formal complaint with Service Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancy Program, which handles landlord-tenant disputes and illegal fee claims.

Forms and Official Contacts for Tenants

While there is no specific form for reporting illegal application fees, tenants can contact Service Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancy Program by phone or submit an Application to Director (Form C), used to resolve disputes over illegal charges.

• Form C: Application to Director (Residential Tenancies)
• Download Form C (PDF)
• When to use: If you are unable to resolve a fee dispute directly with the landlord, this form lets you formally request the Director’s review and order. Example: If a landlord won’t return your illegal application fee after being notified, you can use Form C to start a claim.
• Official Tribunal: Residential Tenancies Program, Service Nova Scotia

For a broad review of tenant rights and responsibilities after you move in, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Other Rental Costs Allowed by Law

Nova Scotia landlords may charge the following legitimate amounts:

• Security deposit (max. half a month's rent)
• First month’s rent upon lease signing
• Optional charges (if agreed to in advance), such as parking or extra storage

Landlords must disclose all costs up front in the lease.

Where to Browse Rental Listings Securely

To avoid possible scams or illegal fees when searching for your next home, use trusted sources. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for verified listings and peace of mind.

For more details on local laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords allowed to charge a rental application fee in Nova Scotia?
   No, rental application fees are illegal in Nova Scotia. Only a refundable security deposit (after lease offer) and first month's rent can be charged.
2. What should I do if I paid an application fee by mistake?
   Ask your landlord to refund the fee. If they refuse, keep documentation and consider filing a complaint with the Residential Tenancy Program using Form C.
3. Can a landlord ask for a "holding deposit" before the rental agreement is signed?
   No. Only a security deposit (max. half of one month's rent) can be requested after a rental offer is made; holding deposits are not allowed.
4. How much can a landlord ask for as a security deposit?
   A security deposit must not exceed half of one month's rent and can only be requested after offering the unit.
5. What if a landlord includes extra non-refundable fees in the lease?
   Non-refundable fees not permitted by law (like extra move-in fees or "processing" fees) may be challenged with the Residential Tenancy Program.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Rental application fees are illegal for all residential tenancies in Nova Scotia.
• Landlords may only request a security deposit (up to half a month’s rent) after offering a lease.
• Report illegal fees to the Residential Tenancies Program or use Form C to start a claim.

Staying informed about your rights protects your money and helps you secure a rental home fairly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program (Service Nova Scotia): Official portal for tenants (guides, forms, dispute resolution)
• Access Nova Scotia: 1-800-670-4357 (province-wide information and support)
• Dalhousie Legal Aid Service: Free legal advice for low-income tenants
• Tenants resources: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) – see Section 7 on application and security deposits
2. Residential Tenancies Program, Service Nova Scotia

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