Lease Roll-Over Protection for Renters

Summary#

This bill changes how fixed-term rental leases end in Nova Scotia. Its goal is to stop landlords from using fixed-term leases to force tenants out or raise rent sharply.

• Landlords must offer tenants the chance to stay on a month-to-month lease when a fixed-term lease ends.
• The offer must be made at least 30 days before the lease end date.
• If the tenant stays month-to-month, the province’s rent increase cap law still applies.
• The law removes the need for a landlord’s consent for a tenant to continue living in the unit after a fixed-term ends.

What it means for you#

• Tenants

  • You must get an offer to switch to month-to-month at least 30 days before your fixed-term lease ends.
  • If you accept and stay, your rent increases are still limited by the current provincial rent cap law.
  • You won’t have to move just because the fixed term ends, unless another legal reason applies (for example, owner move-in under existing rules).
  • You gain more stability and time to plan housing.

• Landlords and property managers

  • You must provide a written offer to continue the tenancy month-to-month at least 30 days before the fixed-term ends.
  • You cannot rely on the end of a fixed term alone to make a tenant leave.
  • If the tenant stays, any rent increase must follow the existing rent cap rules.
  • You may still end a tenancy for allowed reasons under current law, with proper notice and proof.

• Students and seasonal renters

  • If you are on a fixed-term lease, you also must be offered a month-to-month option at the end.
  • You can choose to leave at the end of term if you prefer; the offer does not force you to stay.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• This stops “fixed-term churn,” where tenants are pushed out so landlords can raise rent or re-list at higher prices.
• Tenants get more housing stability and fewer forced moves, which helps families, seniors, and low-income renters.
• Keeping the rent cap in place when switching to month-to-month prevents sudden, large rent hikes.
• Clear 30-day notice makes the end of a lease more predictable and fair.
• Aligns Nova Scotia with other places where fixed terms commonly roll into month-to-month.

Opponents' View#

• Landlords lose flexibility to end leases at a fixed date, which may be important for planning or seasonal use.
• Some may respond by raising initial rents or being stricter about who they rent to, which could make it harder for some tenants to find housing.
• Could reduce the availability of short-term or fixed-duration rentals (for example, student housing tied to school terms).
• May lead to more tenancy disputes and administrative burden if parties disagree about continuing or about allowed reasons to end a tenancy.