Understanding the New Rent Cap in Halifax: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know
Housing affordability has been a major concern in Halifax in recent years, and the Province of Nova Scotia has introduced a new rent cap to help balance stability for tenants with the realities landlords face in maintaining their properties.
What is the Rent Cap?
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are restricted in how much they can raise rent each year. As of the latest amendments in 2025, rent increases are limited to the annual allowable rent increase amount, which is set by provincial regulations. This means landlords cannot raise rent by more than this percentage during a twelve-month period, and they must provide proper written notice to tenants before any increase takes effect
Key Details of the New Rent Cap
- Applies to most residential leases in Halifax, including apartments, flats, and houses.
- One increase per year – landlords cannot raise rent more than once in a twelve-month period.
- Notice requirements – tenants must receive written notice well in advance (typically four months for month-to-month or year-to-year leases).
- Fixed-term leases – any increases must be clearly stated in the lease agreement and still follow the annual limits.
- Special exceptions – landlords in manufactured home (land-lease) communities follow slightly different timelines and rules.
Why Was the Rent Cap Introduced?
The purpose of the rent cap is to protect tenants from sudden or unaffordable rent hikes, while still allowing landlords to adjust rents modestly to keep up with rising costs such as maintenance, insurance, and property taxes. It’s designed to create stability in the rental market and ensure fair treatment for both parties.
What This Means for Tenants
Tenants in Halifax can feel more secure knowing their rent will not unexpectedly skyrocket. If you receive a notice of rent increase, make sure it:
Arrives within the proper notice period.
Falls within the allowable percentage set by the province.
Applies only once in a twelve-month span.
If you believe an increase is outside the legal limits, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Program for clarification or file a dispute.
What This Means for Landlords
Landlords must carefully follow the rules when raising rent. This includes:
Checking the annual allowable rent increase published by the province.
Serving written notice within the required timeline.
Ensuring increases are applied fairly and consistently.
Failure to comply can result in disputes, legal challenges, or penalties.
Hyatt Living’s Perspective
At Hyatt Living, we see this change as an opportunity to build trust between landlords and tenants. Clear rules and consistent expectations help everyone plan for the future. Our team stays up to date on legislation so we can guide property owners and tenants through changes with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The new rent cap is an important step toward stabilizing Halifax’s housing market. Whether you’re a landlord navigating compliance or a tenant wanting to understand your rights, staying informed is key.
At Hyatt Living, we’re here to help both tenants and landlords adapt to these changes smoothly.