Image: Trevor Nichols/Huddle.

Changes to the Residential Tenancies Program takes effect today.

Landlords are now able to raise rent on a date other than the anniversary of the lease being signed, but it can’t be more than once in a 12-month period and they need to give at least four months notice.

The two percent rent cap remains in place for tenants renewing a residential lease or signing a fixed-term lease for the same unit.

Landlords must also now give 24 hours notice before entering a unit, unless there is an emergency.

Other changes include:
— landlords cannot charge tenants different amounts for different rental terms; for example, they can’t charge different amounts for a year-to-year, month-to-month or fixed-term lease
— a lease can be terminated if a tenant sublets a unit without the landlord’s permission.

Additional Resources:
More information on residential tenancy laws, rights, responsibilities, and other information: https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program

Residential tenancy guides: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/residential-tenancy-guides