Legal mistakes can be not only expensive but also disruptive. They’re best avoided, most landlords and rental property owners would agree.
As Halifax property management experts, we’re here to help you stay on the right side of the law.
The most important law guiding landlord-tenant relationships in the province is the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Understanding and complying with the RTA is essential for protecting your investment and maintaining positive relationships with tenants.
Recent amendments to the Act, especially those coming into force in 2025 and 2026, bring important updates landlords need to be aware of. This checklist offers a clear, practical overview to help you stay in compliance and profitable with your rental investments.
Use the Standard Form of Lease
It all starts with a lease agreement, and every residential tenancy in Nova Scotia must use the Standard Form of Lease, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Even if you create your own lease agreement, the standard form still governs the relationship by law.
Make sure to use the official form at the start of every tenancy. Sign it. Make sure your tenant signs it, and provide copies to all parties. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone knows their obligations from the beginning.
Move-In Inspections
Before a tenant moves into your Halifax rental property, it’s important to have an inspection that documents the condition of the property and ensures that it’s ready for occupancy.
At Anchor Property Management, we use Happy Inspector, which provides us with a detailed Rental Unit Condition report for all the inspections we conduct during the course of a tenancy, including the move-in, move-out, and mid-lease inspections. This report that’s provided by a professional, third-party expert is a key protection for both parties and can be used as evidence if a dispute arises over damage or the return of a security deposit.
Provide Complete Contact Information
Landlords must provide tenants with specific contact details, including:
- Full name
- Civic and mailing address
- Telephone number
- Email address (if agreed upon by the tenant)
- Contact information for any agents, such as a superintendent or property manager
If any of this information changes, you must notify the tenant in writing within 30 days. Working with a Halifax property management team? Their information must be provided, too.
Know the New Rent Increase Rules
Starting January 1, 2026, landlords may increase rent by up to 5% per year, with a limit of one increase every 12 months. You must give tenants at least four months’ written notice of any rent increase.
These rules apply even if market conditions change rapidly. Proper notice and adherence to the limit are essential for staying compliant.
Follow Proper Eviction Procedures
The RTA lays out clear guidelines for when and how a tenancy can be terminated. When you’re evicting because of non-payment of rent, here are your steps:
- If a tenant misses a rent payment, you may issue an eviction notice after the third day of non-payment.
- The tenant then has 10 days to pay the rent, vacate the unit, or dispute the notice.
- If they fail to do any of these, you can apply to evict them through the Residential Tenancies Program.
If you have other grounds for eviction, you can also take the necessary legal steps. Typically, Halifax landlords can evict when a tenant consistently pays rent late, causes significant damage to the property, engages in illegal activity, or disrupts other tenants or the peaceful enjoyment of the property.
All evictions must follow legal procedures, including proper notice and documentation.
Handle Security Deposits Correctly
You may collect a security deposit up to the value of half a month’s rent. This deposit can be used to cover any unpaid rent that remains on the books after the tenant vacates or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Upon termination of the lease, you must return the deposit within 10 days of the tenant moving out, minus any deductions. If you’re keeping part or all of the deposit, provide the tenant with a detailed statement outlining your reasons.
A note on unauthorized subletting: Tenants cannot sublet their rental unit without your permission, and they are not allowed to charge more rent than they themselves pay. If a tenant sublets the unit without your approval, this is a valid reason to terminate the lease. To prevent issues, make sure your lease includes a clear subletting clause that outlines your expectations.
Maintain the Property to Legal Standards
As a landlord, you’re required to ensure the property is:
- Safe and fit for habitation
- In good repair
- Compliant with health and safety codes
This includes timely maintenance of electrical, heating, plumbing, and structural elements. Failure to do so can result in complaints or formal applications from tenants, which may lead to fines or orders to make repairs. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to keeping tenants satisfied and avoiding liability.
Nova Scotia Landlords Can Set Reasonable House Rules
You’re allowed to set house rules, but they must be reasonable and not conflict with the Act.
Reasonable rules might include:
- No smoking in common areas
- Quiet hours between certain times
- Pet restrictions (if agreed upon in the lease)
Unreasonable rules, such as banning all visitors or imposing curfews, are not enforceable. If you decide to introduce or change house rules, you must provide tenants with four months’ written notice before the anniversary date of the lease.
Take Advantage of Available Resources
The Residential Tenancies Program and other government bodies offer helpful resources, including educational materials, forms and templates, as well as contact support for dispute resolution. Staying informed about your responsibilities and your rights can help prevent costly mistakes and legal conflicts.
Understanding and complying with the Residential Tenancies Act is key to operating within the law and creating good tenant relationships. By following this checklist, you can stay organized, avoid legal pitfalls, and build a successful rental business that benefits both you and your tenants.
We can help with landlord education and legal compliance. Contact us at Anchor Property Management for the best in Halifax residential support.
