Kaza · tenancy rules
Nova Scotia
The deposit maximum, who holds it, the rent-increase cap, the notice period and the late-fee rule in Nova Scotia, each quoted from the regulator's own published material.
Last changed 2026-01-01. Kaza re-verifies every rule by 2027-07-14, and the build fails if it is overdue.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia the security deposit on a monthly tenancy is capped at 0.5 months' rent. Other tenancy types differ: weekly: 0.5 months' rent. The cap is set by statute and a tenancy agreement cannot raise it.
“A security deposit must not exceed 1/2 month's rent and will be deposited by the landlord at a financial institution in a trust account within 3 days of its receipt, and will be returned to the tenant with interest within 10 days of the termination of the lease.”
Who holds the security deposit in Nova Scotia?
It is held by the landlord, in a trust account separate from their own money. It must be in that trust account within 3 days. Interest is payable to the tenant.
“A security deposit must not exceed 1/2 month's rent and will be deposited by the landlord at a financial institution in a trust account within 3 days of its receipt, and will be returned to the tenant with interest within 10 days of the termination of the lease.”
When must a deposit be returned in Nova Scotia?
Within 10 days of the tenancy ending, with the interest owed on it.
“A security deposit must not exceed 1/2 month's rent and will be deposited by the landlord at a financial institution in a trust account within 3 days of its receipt, and will be returned to the tenant with interest within 10 days of the termination of the lease.”
How much can a landlord raise the rent in Nova Scotia?
Rent may be increased by no more than 5% and no more than once every 12 months.
“The rent cap is extended to December 31, 2027. From January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, the maximum allowed increase is 5 per cent, and from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027, the maximum allowed increase is 5 per cent. A landlord must give the tenant at least 4 months' notice in advance of the effective date of the increase and can only increase rent once every 12 months.”
How much notice does a rent increase need in Nova Scotia?
At least 4 months' written notice before the new rent starts. A notice served late does not take effect early: the date moves, not the rule.
“The rent cap is extended to December 31, 2027. From January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, the maximum allowed increase is 5 per cent, and from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027, the maximum allowed increase is 5 per cent. A landlord must give the tenant at least 4 months' notice in advance of the effective date of the increase and can only increase rent once every 12 months.”
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Nova Scotia?
Up to 1% of the monthly rent, per month.
“A late payment fee, if any, will be charged at no more than 1% per month of the monthly rental.”
This is not legal advice
Kaza applies published provincial tenancy rules and shows the source it used, and it refuses to answer when a rule is unverified or overdue for review rather than guessing. It does not know the facts of your tenancy, any order made about it, or any agreement between the parties. For advice on a specific situation, speak to the tenancy regulator for the province or to a lawyer.
These same rules are enforced inside the product: Kaza refuses to raise an unlawful charge or serve an unlawful notice, rather than warning about one. How the compliance engine works.