Renting in Nova Scotia: rights, rent increases and average rents

Who handles landlord-tenant disputes in Nova Scotia, how rent increases work, what rents cost and which programs help.

Who to contact

Residential tenancies in Nova Scotia are handled by the Residential Tenancies Program. It explains the rules, provides the official forms and settles disputes between landlords and tenants. Official site ↗

Rent increases

A rent cap of 5% a year applies until December 31, 2027 for tenants who renew or sign another fixed-term lease for the same unit. It does not apply to a new tenant signing a new lease.

Exceptions and details

Public housing is not covered by the cap.
Land-lease communities (mobile home parks) follow a separate annual allowable increase: 2.2% for 2027 (3.2% for 2026).

Source: official rent increase page ↗, read on 2026-11-13.

Average rents by city (2025)

City	Studio	1 bedroom	2 bedrooms	3 bedrooms
Halifax	$1,362	$1,539	$1,828	$2,254
Truro	$796	$1,011	$1,273	$1,753
Cape Breton	$830	$840	$1,134	$1,432
Kentville	$667	$1,044	$1,128	$1,129
Queens	–	–	$1,114	–
New Glasgow	–	$842	$1,070	$1,291
East Hants	–	–	–	–
Yarmouth	–	–	–	–

Average rent of occupied units in CMHC's survey (Statistics Canada, Table 34-10-0133-01). Asking rents for vacant units are usually higher. All cities →

Help paying rent

Heating Assistance Rebate Program — Yearly rebate on home heating costs for lower-income households.

The Canada Housing Benefit is delivered by each province and territory, and people with low income may also qualify for social assistance shelter amounts. All programs →

Before you sign

Get the lease in writing and keep a copy.
Ask what is included: heat, electricity, water, parking, internet.
Photograph the unit on move-in day and note existing damage.
Check what deposit is allowed in this province before paying one.
Buy tenant insurance: the landlord's policy does not cover your belongings.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.