Nova Scotia Rent Control Exemptions: What Tenants Need to Know

Rent control in Nova Scotia limits how much a landlord can increase your rent – but there are exemptions. Understanding whether your home is covered is essential, especially with rents rising in many parts of the province. This guide covers rent control exemptions, how to check your eligibility, your rights if your unit is exempt, and what to do if you get a large rent increase.

Understanding Rent Control in Nova Scotia

Rent control is a rule set by the Nova Scotia government that puts a cap on how much your landlord can raise your rent every year. These rules, introduced on November 25, 2020, state that a landlord can only increase rent by a set percentage each year. As of 2024, the annual rent cap is 2%¹. However, some types of rental units do not have to follow this cap.

Which Rentals Are Exempt from Rent Control?

Not every unit in Nova Scotia is covered by rent control. The Residential Tenancies Act specifies when rent control applies and when it doesn't. Typically, exemptions apply to:

• New Construction: Units first occupied after November 25, 2020, are exempt until their first lease renewal.
• Owner-Occupied or Shared Units: If your landlord also lives in the building and shares kitchen or bathroom facilities with you, the rent cap usually does not apply.
• Vacation/Short-Term Rentals: Rentals provided primarily for vacation, travel, or temporary occupancy may be exempt.

Most other standard long-term leases and apartments are covered under the rent control cap. Double-check your situation or ask your landlord if uncertain.

What About Mobile Homes and Rooming Houses?

Mobile home site tenants are generally included in rent control. Rooming houses may be exempt if the landlord shares the unit with the tenant. For situations with multiple arrangements, always refer to the official Act or ask the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program for clarification.

How to Find Out If You're Covered

Tenants sometimes mistakenly believe they are not protected. If you moved into a new rental after November 25, 2020, and it was newly built or converted, your landlord can charge market rent when the new lease starts, but will need to follow rent control for subsequent increases. For all other rentals, the rent cap usually applies.

Before signing a lease or agreeing to an increase, clarify with your landlord which rules apply. You can also contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program for guidance.

Your Options if Your Rental is Exempt

If your property is exempt, your landlord may increase rent by more than the yearly cap. However, increases can only happen once per year and proper written notice must be provided. You still have rights under the Residential Tenancies Act:

• You must receive at least four months’ written notice before a rent increase
• You may dispute a rent increase if you believe it is unfair or retaliatory
• Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for asking for repairs or exercising your tenant rights

Want to know your rights as a Nova Scotia tenant? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia for more information.

How to Challenge Unlawful Rent Increases

If you believe an exemption is being wrongfully applied or a rent increase is unjustified, you can formally dispute it. Here’s how:

• File Form "Application to Director (Form K)": Use this to initiate a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Program.
  Access the Application to Director (Form K)

When to Use: For disputing rent increases, illegal charges, or exemptions you disagree with.

How To Use:

• Fill out the form with details about your rental and the rent increase
• Submit to the Residential Tenancies Office in your area
• A hearing will be scheduled, and a Residential Tenancies Officer will decide if the exemption or increase was valid

Tip: Gather copies of your lease, any written notices, and correspondence with your landlord to support your dispute.

Not Just About Rent: Your Broader Tenant Rights

Even if your unit is exempt from the rent cap, your landlord must still follow rules about repairs, privacy, and eviction. Learn more by reading Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know or check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Finding stable and affordable housing can be challenging, especially if your rent keeps increasing. Affordable homes for rent in Canada are available if you need to move or explore options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rent Control Exemptions in Nova Scotia

1. Are all apartments and rental properties in Nova Scotia covered by the rent control cap?
   No. Rentals first occupied after November 25, 2020, some shared accommodations, and short-term/vacation rentals are typically exempt. Check your lease start date and circumstances for coverage.
2. How do I know if my unit is exempt from rent control?
   Ask your landlord for confirmation and consult the Residential Tenancies Program. Review your rental’s occupancy date and the type of rental agreement.
3. Can my landlord raise the rent by any amount if my unit is exempt?
   For exempt properties, landlords can set rent without the cap, but they must still give proper notice and can only increase rent once per year.
4. What should I do if I think a rent increase is unfair or exempt status is being misused?
   You can file Application to Director (Form K) with the Residential Tenancies Program to dispute the rent increase and have your case reviewed.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

• Not all rentals are covered by rent control – check your unit’s status
• Landlords must still follow rules for notice and frequency of increases
• You can dispute unfair rent increases or wrongful exemptions

Remember: Understanding your rights ensures you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected rent hikes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – File complaints, appeal decisions, get official forms
• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act (full text)
• Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Tenant resources and programs
• For tailored advice, contact a local legal aid clinic or Nova Scotia Tenants Rights Coalition

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1. Rent cap and exemption info sourced from the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program
2. See the current Residential Tenancies Act for legal definitions and exemptions

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