Can my new landlord raise the rent after buying the property?

No, your rent and lease conditions remain the same until your agreement ends. Increases must follow provincial notice rules.

Do I have to move if my landlord sells the house?

No, a property sale does not end your tenancy. Only legal notice for a valid reason can require you to move.

What happens to my security deposit when the property changes owners?

Your security deposit must be transferred to the new landlord and you should get written confirmation.

How do I give notice if I want to move out?

Provide written notice using Form C with the required notice period based on your lease type.

Tenant Rights When Your Landlord Sells in Nova Scotia

Special Tenancy Situations Nova Scotia published: June 14, 2025

If you’re renting in Nova Scotia and your landlord decides to sell their property, you may have questions about what will happen to your home. Navigating the sale of a rental property can be stressful, but the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act provides clear guidelines outlining your rights and protections as a tenant. This guide explains what to expect, how notice works, and steps you can take to protect your tenancy.

What Happens When the Landlord Sells the Rental Property?

If your landlord sells the building you live in, it does not automatically end your tenancy. The new owner takes on the responsibilities of the previous landlord and must comply with all the terms of your lease unless you and the new owner agree otherwise. In most cases, your tenancy continues under the same conditions, including rent amount and duration.

Can the New Owner Evict You?

The new owner may only evict an existing tenant in certain situations allowed by law—for example, if they or a close family member plan to move into the unit. In these cases, specific notice and procedural rules must be followed under Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act¹.

Tenants in a fixed-term lease: The lease remains in effect until it expires, regardless of the sale, unless both parties agree to end it earlier.
Tenants on a month-to-month agreement: The tenancy continues under the new owner, but proper notice may be given for legal reasons (see next section).

If you want to know more about the general rights for tenants in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Notice Requirements: How and When Must Notice Be Given?

Landlords (or buyers intending to occupy the unit) must provide written notice if they need you to move out. In Nova Scotia, the most common lawful reason is the buyer or their family member plans to move in. The required notice period depends on your tenancy type:

Year-to-year lease: At least three months' written notice before the end of a lease year.
Month-to-month lease: At least three months' written notice to end the tenancy.
Fixed-term lease: Generally, the lease runs until the agreed end date; early termination still requires notice and a valid legal reason.

Notice must be provided using the official form:

Form C – Notice to Quit: Used when a buyer or owner requires the tenant to vacate because they (or a family member) will be moving in. This form must specify the exact reason for ending the tenancy. You can access and download Form C from the Nova Scotia Government website. Typically, the landlord or buyer will serve this notice directly to you.

Example: Anna is renting month-to-month. Her landlord sells the house, and the buyer's daughter wants to move in. The buyer serves Anna Form C, giving three full months' written notice before requiring her to move out.

Your Rights if the Property is Sold

Even when a property changes ownership, tenants have important protections:

Your lease or rental agreement continues with the new owner—rent, rules, and conditions must remain unchanged unless you agree otherwise.
The new landlord must respect your rights and provide all legal notices.
You cannot be forced out simply because of the sale. Only lawful reasons and proper notice apply.

Protecting Your Deposit and Conducting Inspections

Any security deposit you paid transfers to the new landlord. Ensure you receive written confirmation and keep copies of all receipts and correspondence. As you approach moving out, make sure to participate in a final inspection and understand How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

Showings and Entry Rights

The current landlord or their agent may enter the rental unit to show it to prospective buyers, but:

You must be given at least 24 hours' written notice (except in emergencies).
Showings should take place at reasonable times and not unreasonably disrupt your daily life.

If you have ongoing concerns about privacy or showings, review your rights in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What If You Need to End the Tenancy Yourself?

If you wish to move before your lease ends or after you’ve received notice, you must also follow official procedures and provide proper notice to your landlord. Tenants must use:

Form C – Notice to Quit (Tenant): To end your lease, serve this form to your landlord in accordance with the required notice period for your lease type. Download Form C from the Nova Scotia Government website.

Where to Seek Help with Disputes

If you believe you were given an improper notice to quit, or your rights as a tenant have not been respected during or after the sale process, you can apply to the provincial board for a hearing. In Nova Scotia, tenancy matters are handled by the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program, which resolves disputes and provides forms and information to both tenants and landlords.

For Canada-wide rental options in any city or province, you can Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view.

Common Steps: What Should Tenants Do?

Stay informed: Request all communications about the sale or change in ownership in writing.
Review your lease: Know if it's fixed-term or month-to-month and what this means during a sale.
Understand your notice rights: Ensure you receive official forms and required notice periods.
Keep receipts: Safeguard copies of your security deposit, forms, and all communications.
Seek help promptly: Contact the Residential Tenancies Program if you have concerns.

In summary, your tenancy is protected even if your landlord sells the property. Stay proactive and know the legal requirements each party must follow to ensure your housing stability.

FAQ: Tenant Rights When Landlord Sells Property in Nova Scotia

Can my new landlord raise the rent right after buying the property?
No. The rent amount and lease conditions remain unchanged until the end of your current agreement. Rent increases must follow legal notice periods and provincial rules.
Do I have to move out just because the property is sold?
No. Simply selling the property does not end your tenancy. You can only be required to leave if the new owner follows legal processes and gives you official notice for a lawful reason.
What if I don’t agree with the notice to move out?
You can apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancies Program if you believe notice was improper or you have not been treated fairly.
What happens to my security deposit when the rental is sold?
The deposit must be transferred to the new owner. Always get written confirmation and keep your payment records.
How much notice must I give if I want to end my tenancy?
Notice periods depend on your lease type, but tenants usually provide at least one month's written notice using Form C.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

Selling a rental property does not end your tenancy—your rights continue with the new landlord.
Legal notice and official forms are required to end a tenancy early due to a sale. Notice periods are usually three months.
Your deposit, lease conditions, and protections stay intact. Always keep written documentation and seek help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – For dispute resolution, information, and forms
Form C – Notice to Quit – Download and instructions
Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) – Full Text
For general information read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia
Tenant support and information is also available through local legal aid and tenant advocacy organizations.