How Often Can Nova Scotia Landlords Raise Rent?

Rent increases in Nova Scotia are a common concern for tenants, especially with the cost of living on the rise. Understanding when and by how much your landlord can increase your rent is essential for protecting your budget and ensuring housing stability. This guide explains Nova Scotia's rent increase rules, the notice process, required forms, and what to do if you think your rent hike isn't legal.

Rent Increase Rules in Nova Scotia

Under Nova Scotia law, your landlord cannot raise the rent whenever they want. Rent increase rules are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1].

• Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months.
• The 12-month period is counted from either the date you moved in or from the date of the last legal rent increase.
• Landlords must provide you with at least four months' written notice before the new rent starts.
• There is currently a rent cap in place. As of 2024, most increases can't be more than 2% per year. (Always check for updates, as the cap is subject to provincial renewal.)

This means if your rent was raised in June last year, your landlord cannot increase it again until at least June the following year—and only with proper notice.

Who Sets Rent Caps and Handles Disputes?

The Residential Tenancies Program oversees tenancy laws and disputes in Nova Scotia.

How Notice of Rent Increase Works

A landlord who wants to raise the rent must give you formal written notice. The legal notice must be delivered at least four months before the increase takes effect. The easiest and official way is for your landlord to use the province’s designated form:

• Form: Notice to Quit – Increase in Rent
• Download Notice to Quit - Increase in Rent (Form C)

This form spells out the current rent, the new proposed rent, the effective date, and both parties’ information. Your landlord must either hand-deliver it to you or send it by registered mail or email (if you agreed to emails in writing).

Exceptions and Special Situations

• Rent caps and increase rules generally do not apply to mobile home parks, commercial leases, seasonal accommodations, or where the rental is shared with the landlord.
• Short-term rentals (less than one year) have different rules—see the RTA for details.

If you aren’t sure if your situation qualifies, contact the Residential Tenancies Program for advice.

What If Your Landlord Raises Rent Illegally?

If you believe your rent is being increased illegally (too soon, too much, or without proper notice):

• Do not pay the new amount until your rights are clarified.
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Program for help or file an application to dispute the rent increase.
• Keep all documentation and correspondence.

Tenants should know their Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia when facing rent increases or other housing issues.

Forms and Practical Steps

• Notice to Quit – Increase in Rent (Form C):
  Official form for landlords to legally notify tenants of rent increases in Nova Scotia. Access Form C here.
  Tenants should check that this form is used, filled out properly, and received at least four months in advance.
• If you wish to dispute a rent increase, you can file an Application to the Director using the Application to Director (Form K). Provide your details, the dispute reason, and any supporting documents.

Related Issues: Paying Rent and Lease Terms

Understanding your payment obligations makes it easier to handle rent changes smoothly. See Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips for more information. If your rent increase notice arrives near lease renewal or termination, consult Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights to understand your options.

Looking for more affordable options? Affordable homes for rent in Canada can help you explore what’s available across the country.

1. Can my landlord raise rent more than once in a year in Nova Scotia?
   No. By law, rent can only be increased once every 12 months for any single rental unit.
2. How much notice does my landlord need to give for a rent increase?
   Landlords must give at least four months' written notice before the increase takes effect.
3. What if I think the rent increase is not allowed?
   You can dispute it by contacting the Residential Tenancies Program or filing an Application to Director (Form K).
4. Is there a limit to how much my rent can go up?
   Yes. As of 2024, Nova Scotia’s rent cap limits most increases to 2% per year, subject to government renewal.
5. Are there exceptions to the rent increase rules?
   Yes—mobile home parks, commercial units, and some shared accommodations may not be covered. Check the RTA for your specific type of rental.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

• Landlords must wait 12 months between rent increases and provide at least 4 months’ written notice.
• As of 2024, a 2% rent cap protects most tenants, but always verify for policy changes.
• If a rent increase feels unfair or is not served by proper notice and form, you have the right to dispute it through the Residential Tenancies Program.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program, Service Nova Scotia: Official Program Website, Phone: 1-800-670-4357
• Nova Scotia Legal Aid: Free legal support site
• Dalhousie Legal Aid Service: Tenant legal help
• Government Fact Sheet: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

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1. Read the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program
3. Notice to Quit - Increase in Rent (Form C)
4. Application to Director (Form K)

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