Canada · NS

Nova Scotia landlord-tenant laws.

The key statutes you need to know as a Nova Scotia landlord, deposit caps, late fees, entry notice, and required disclosures at a glance.

Security deposit

½ month's rent

Return: 10 days

Late fees

Limited by RTA

Entry notice

24 hours

Termination notice

3 months (yearly) / 1 month (month-to-month)

Rent control

Yes (5% cap, extended through Dec 2027)

Required disclosures

Every Nova Scotia residential lease must include these disclosures where applicable. Missing required disclosures can void clauses or trigger statutory penalties.

Standard Form of Lease (Form P); signed copy to the tenant within 10 days

Notable Nova Scotia quirk

5% rent cap extended through December 2027; rent increases require 4 months' written notice (no prescribed form).

Nova Scotia landlord law FAQ

How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Nova Scotia?

Limited by RTA. Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.

What is the security deposit limit in Nova Scotia?

½ month's rent. Deposit return deadline: 10 days.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Nova Scotia?

24 hours.

Is there rent control in Nova Scotia?

Yes (5% cap, extended through Dec 2027).

Sources

Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.

Compare Nova Scotia with every other state and province

Eviction timelines in Nova Scotia

See filing fees, timelines, and estimated total costs for Nova Scotia.

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Baked in

Nova Scotia-compliant leases, automatically.

TenantFort loads the right lease template with Nova Scotia deposit language, disclosures, and termination terms baked in. Screening, leases, and compliance, all in one place.

Other provinces

New Brunswick

1 week (weekly) / 1 month (monthly or longer)

Newfoundland and Labrador

¾ month's rent (2 weeks' rent for weekly tenancies)

Prince Edward Island

1 month's rent (1 week if rent is paid weekly)

Yukon

1 month's rent

Northwest Territories

1 month's rent

Nunavut

1 month's rent

Ontario

Last month's rent only (no damage deposit)

Quebec

Prohibited (no deposit of any kind allowed)