What to Do If Your Rent Is Raised After a Complaint in Nova Scotia

If your landlord raises your rent shortly after you file a complaint about repairs, maintenance, or other tenancy issues in Nova Scotia, it’s understandable to worry this might be retaliation. Nova Scotia’s tenancy laws provide protections for tenants in these situations. This article will explain what you can do, the steps to take, and how to seek support if you believe your rent increase is unfair or retaliatory.

Are Landlords Allowed to Raise Rent After You Complain?

Landlords in Nova Scotia can raise rent, but only under certain strict conditions. Under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord cannot issue a rent increase notice as a way to punish you for filing a complaint or asserting your rights. This type of action is known as a retaliatory rent increase and is prohibited by law¹.

How Rent Increases Must Work in Nova Scotia

Rent increases must meet the following requirements:

• Landlords can only increase rent once in a 12-month period for the same tenant.
• Proper written notice must be given to the tenant—at least four months before the increase for year-to-year leases, and at least three months for month-to-month or week-to-week leases.
• As of 2024, Nova Scotia's rent cap (2% per year until December 31, 2025) applies to most existing rental units.²

If your rent is raised outside of these rules—especially after you’ve lodged a complaint—you have the right to challenge it.

What Is a Retaliatory Rent Increase?

A retaliatory rent increase occurs when your landlord raises your rent because you filed a complaint, requested repairs, or exercised another legal tenancy right. This is not allowed. If you suspect retaliation, you can apply to have the increase reversed by the official tenancy board in Nova Scotia.

Filing a Complaint About a Rent Increase

If you believe your rent increase is retaliatory or does not follow the legal requirements, the main steps are:

• Document everything: Keep copies of your complaint, the rent increase notice, and all related communication.
• Review your rights: Check the rules in the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act and review the notice for proper details.
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Program: Use the official form to challenge the rent increase.

You can find more advice about addressing disputes and speaking up about repairs in How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to Director: Residential Tenancies (Form C) – Use this form to challenge a rent increase you believe is retaliatory or otherwise unlawful. Submit it to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program.
  • When to use: If your landlord raises your rent after you make a complaint or request, or if proper notice was not provided.
  • How to use: Fill out Form C describing your situation, attach copies of the rent increase notice and your original complaint, then submit according to the directions on the official program page.

Tip: Be clear and concise in your application. Include all evidence and a timeline of events.

Summary: Steps to Take If Your Landlord Raises Rent After a Complaint

• Check if the rent increase follows the legal rules and timelines.
• Gather all correspondence and notices.
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Program with Form C if you suspect retaliation.
• Await a hearing where you can explain your situation and provide documents.

Where to Get More Information

The Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program is the official tribunal dealing with rent increases and tenant-landlord disputes.

You can also learn more about rent rules and your protections in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know, or see a summary of important Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

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FAQ: Tenant Questions About Rent Increases After Complaints

1. My landlord raised my rent right after I complained about repairs. Is this allowed?
   Usually, no. If the timing suggests retaliation, you may have legal grounds to challenge the increase.
2. How do I challenge a retaliatory rent increase in Nova Scotia?
   Apply to the Residential Tenancy Program using Form C and provide documentation of your complaint and the rent increase notice.
3. Is there a limit to how much my landlord can increase my rent each year?
   Yes. For most rentals, Nova Scotia has a 2% rent cap in effect through the end of 2025.
4. What evidence should I gather if I believe a rent increase is retaliation?
   Keep copies of your original complaint, the rent increase notice, and any responses from your landlord.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Tenants

• Landlords cannot lawfully raise your rent to retaliate for a complaint or request.
• Rent increases must follow notice periods and the rent cap as per Nova Scotia law.
• Form C helps you challenge an unlawful rent increase through the Residential Tenancy Program.

If you think your rights are being violated, act quickly and keep detailed records.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program – Submit complaints and applications, and review official forms.
• Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration: Tenant Rights
• For tenant support and advocacy, local non-profit legal aid services and housing support groups can assist with documentation and applications.

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¹ Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, Section 9 and Section 10. See the full Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia.
² Government of Nova Scotia, Rent Cap Rules and Info official government source (news release on rent cap).

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