Nova Scotia rent increase notice requirements
Notice periods, once-in-12-months frequency, and 5% rent-cap distinction for existing tenancies.
Ordinary written notice
- Month-to-month and year-to-year: normally four months advance written notice.
- Week-to-week: normally eight weeks advance written notice.
- Manufactured-home site/land-lease community: a separate framework generally requires seven months notice; the current AARIA limits are 3.2% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027, rather than 5%.
- A landlord may increase rent generally only once in a 12-month period, and must specify the proposed amount and effective date.
What counts as an increase
A charge for a service that was previously included in rent, or removing an included service so the tenant must pay separately, can amount to a rent increase. Do not treat these charges as outside the temporary cap without checking the facts.
From January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, the temporary maximum is 5% for a continuing residential tenancy; a new renter entering a new tenancy does not get the same cap on initial rent.
Fixed-term leases and dispute paths
Fixed-term leases require particular care: increases must comply with the relevant lease and legal rules; renewing the same unit with the same tenant does not evade the rent cap. See fixed-term lease guidance.
Use the rent-cap tool only after checking the scope of the law.