Rent Increase Rules in Nova Scotia: Notice & Limits

Four Months' Written Notice

A Nova Scotia landlord must give a tenant at least four months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect for a year-to-year or month-to-month tenancy (eight weeks for a week-to-week tenancy), under section 11 of the Residential Tenancies Act.

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and not during the first 12 months of a tenancy, so a landlord cannot raise the rent twice within a single year.

The 5% Annual Rent Cap

A rent cap remains in place in Nova Scotia until December 31, 2027. Starting January 1, 2026, rent on an existing tenancy can only increase by up to 5% each year.

Always check Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancies Program site for the current status of the rent cap, since it is set to run only until the end of 2027.

What to Do When You Receive a Notice

Check that the notice is in writing, gives at least four months before the effective date, and that the increase is within the 5% cap. If the notice is short, informal, or verbal only, it isn't valid, and you can contact the Residential Tenancies Program to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice does my landlord have to give before increasing rent in Nova Scotia?

At least four months, in writing, for a year-to-year or month-to-month tenancy (eight weeks for week-to-week).

Is there still a rent cap in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Nova Scotia's rent cap remains in place until December 31, 2027. Starting January 1, 2026, rent on an existing tenancy can only increase by up to 5% each year, and the four-month notice requirement still applies.

Can my landlord raise my rent more than once a year?

No, rent can only be increased once every 12 months for a given tenancy.

Can my landlord raise my rent in the first year of my tenancy?

No. Rent cannot be increased during the first 12 months of a tenancy.

Rent Increase Rules in Nova Scotia