September 9, 2024
Student Housing Nova Scotia’s response to Nova Scotia’s proposed changes to rental legislation
HALIFAX, NS – On Friday, the Province of Nova Scotia announced that the 5% rent cap will be extended through the end of 2027. We are pleased to see the extension of the 5% rent cap, and will continue to encourage the government to protect students and vulnerable renters by implementing a more permanent and effective form of rent control.
The Province also announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, including shortening the window for landlords to evict tenants when they don’t pay rent. Tenants can now be evicted as early as 13 days after rent was due, more than two weeks sooner than the current 30-day minimum. These changes will also allow landlords to evict tenants who are repeatedly late on rent, even if rent is paid within this new 13-day window.
Student Housing Nova Scotia is both a housing provider and landlord, and we recognize the importance of maintaining a balance between protecting tenant rights and ensuring landlords can maintain their properties. However, we are deeply concerned that this new 13-day eviction time frame will disproportionately affect those most vulnerable, including students. With rent and cost of living at record highs, many students and renters in Nova Scotia are living paycheque to paycheque.
According to the Provincial Housing Needs Assessment Report, 95% of students did not feel they could find suitable alternative housing on short notice. Decreasing the eviction timeframe to 13 days means that an unexpected situation, such as a delayed student loan, could push a student into homelessness. We urge the Province to maintain the current rules and timelines relating to late rent payment, and consider alternative measures that allow more flexibility for renters.
We were also disappointed to learn that Province has decided not to create a Residential Tenancies Enforcement Unit, which has long been called for by both tenant and landlord groups. We echo calls for the Province and the Minister of Service Nova Scotia to take greater measures to enforce the Act and ensure a fair rental system for all Nova Scotians.
Ensuring that students have access to stable and affordable housing is crucial, not only for their own success, but for the success and growth of our province. We remain committed to working with the Province and other stakeholders to advocate for a fair and sustainable rental system that supports students as they pursue their education and future in Nova Scotia.