Top 5 Things Nova Scotia Tenants Must Know About Rent and Deposits

If you’re renting a home in Nova Scotia, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities around rent and security deposits. These rules are designed to protect both tenants and landlords under provincial law, ensuring the rental relationship is fair and transparent.

1. What Counts as Rent and When Is It Due?

Rent in Nova Scotia typically refers to the agreed amount you pay your landlord in exchange for living in the rental unit. Most tenants pay rent monthly, but other payment frequencies (such as weekly or bi-weekly) must be stated in the lease. Your landlord cannot ask for rent that exceeds amounts allowed in your lease, and payments must be due on the date stated in your agreement. Always get proof of payment, such as a receipt or electronic record.

Paying Rent Securely

Consider setting up an automatic payment or requesting a written receipt each month. For more tips on making payments and handling late fees, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

2. Security Deposits: How Much and How Are They Protected?

In Nova Scotia, landlords can only collect a security deposit (often called a damage deposit) up to a maximum of half of one month’s rent^[1]. This deposit must be held by the landlord in trust and is meant to cover unpaid rent or damages—not normal wear and tear. Landlords must provide a written receipt for any deposit paid.

If you’re unsure about the rules, read more on Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Official Forms for Deposits

• Security Deposit Form (Form J)
  When to use: Both landlord and tenant should sign this at the start of the tenancy when the deposit is paid.
  View Form J (NS Government)

3. Rent Increases: Notice and Legal Limits

Landlords in Nova Scotia can only increase rent once every 12 months. They must give you at least four months’ written notice before the increase takes effect. There have also been special rent cap rules in place recently—always check current rules before acting.

• Use Notice of Rent Increase (Form K) to review what proper notification looks like.
• If you receive a rent increase notice, make sure it meets all legal requirements under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act.

Always double-check the notice period and current rent cap before accepting a rent increase. If something seems off, speak up right away or seek advice.

4. Getting Your Security Deposit Back

After you move out, your landlord must return your security deposit with the legally prescribed interest within 10 days, unless you owe rent or caused damage. Deductions for damages must be supported by evidence. If there is a dispute about the deposit, either party can apply through the official procedure below.

For detailed steps on protecting your deposit, see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

5. Where to Resolve Rent or Deposit Problems

If you have issues with overdue rent, improper deposits, or unfair deductions, contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program, which oversees all tenant and landlord matters in the province. You can file an Application to Director (Form C) to start a dispute process:

• Application to Director (Form C)
  When to use: Use this form to resolve disagreements, such as the return of your deposit or illegal rent increases.
  Download Form C (Nova Scotia Government)

If you need a new place or want to compare rental options, Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view for up-to-date listings.

For a broader overview of your provincial rights and resources, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much can my landlord ask for a security deposit in Nova Scotia?
   Landlords can only ask for up to half of one month's rent as a security deposit.
2. How often can my landlord increase the rent?
   In Nova Scotia, rent can only be increased once every year, with a minimum of four months' written notice.
3. What should I do if my landlord won’t return my security deposit?
   You can apply to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program using Form C to resolve deposit disputes.
4. Do I have to pay my last month’s rent instead of a deposit?
   No, in Nova Scotia only a security deposit is allowed—not a “last month’s rent” deposit.
5. Where can I go if I have a rental disagreement?
   You can contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program or consult a local tenancy advocacy group.

How To: Common Tenant Actions Around Rent & Deposits

1. How do I challenge an improper rent increase?
   Review the notice, ensure the timing and amount are legal, and if not, respond in writing and apply to the Residential Tenancy Program.
2. How do I get my security deposit back?
   Give proper notice when moving out, complete a move-out inspection, return the keys, and if needed, file an application if your landlord does not return the deposit in 10 days.
3. How can I provide evidence of payment?
   Keep bank records, request written receipts, and save electronic transfers as proof.
4. How do I file a formal complaint about a rent or deposit issue?
   Fill out and submit Form C (Application to Director) to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

• Security deposits are limited to half a month's rent and must be returned with interest within 10 days after moving out.
• Rent can be increased only once per year and requires four months’ notice.
• For disputes, official provincial forms and help are available through Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancy Program.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – forms, guidance, and dispute resolution
• Nova Scotia Government Residential Tenancies Information
• Tenant advocacy: Contact Dalhousie Legal Aid Service (dal.ca/faculty/law/dlas.html) for support

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1. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, see the Act here
2. Forms provided by the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program, official documents and forms
3. Details for tenants and landlords, Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program

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