be informed – be prepared
Owner Resources – Halifax Rentals
This resource hub provides Halifax and HRM rental property owners with access to key forms, legislation, and market information. The content is curated to support informed decision-making, responsible rental ownership, and a clear understanding of the local regulatory and market environment.
These resources are informational in nature and reflect commonly referenced materials used by Halifax rental owners.
Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act
All residential rental forms and procedures in Nova Scotia are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act. The resources below reflect commonly used guides and official documents derived from that legislation.
Residential Renting Guide
An overview of residential renting in Nova Scotia, outlining landlord and tenant responsibilities, rights, and obligations as set out under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Click here for the Guide
Tenancies Regulations Guide
Guidance on how tenancy regulations are applied in practice, including timelines, notice requirements, and procedural rules established under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Click here for the Guide
Standard Form of Lease (Form P)
The provincially required residential lease form used to establish tenancy terms, responsibilities, and conditions in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act.
Click here for the form
Rental Unit Condition Report Form
Guidelines for documenting rental unit condition at move-in and move-out, supporting proper security deposit handling and dispute prevention under the Act.
Click here for the form
Resolving Disputes Guide
An outline of the dispute resolution process through the Residential Tenancies Program, including applications, hearings, and decisions governed by the Act.
Click here for the Guide
Ending a Tenancy Guide
Information on lawful tenancy termination, required notices, and timelines, based on permitted grounds and procedures under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Click here for the Guide
Up-to-Date legislative changes
Access to the most up-to-date version of the Residential Tenancies Act and major changes.
Click here to stay up-to-date
Forms for Rental Owners in Halifax
Additional official forms used by landlords for notices, changes, and tenancy administration, all issued under and guided by the Residential Tenancies Act.
Click here for forms page
Be Informed – Be Prepared
Whether you manage your rental property yourself or work with a professional manager, understanding the Halifax and HRM rental market — along with the legislation that governs it — helps reduce risk, improve decision-making, and protect long-term property value.
01
Understand the Rules
Familiarity with the Residential Tenancies Act and related procedures helps owners avoid common mistakes, apply proper notice, and reduce the risk of disputes or enforcement issues.
02
Know the Market
Awareness of local rent levels, vacancy trends, and market conditions in HRM supports better pricing decisions and more realistic expectations over time.
03
Plan with Confidence
Informed owners are better positioned to plan for tenant changes, maintenance, and longer-term investment decisions — whether managing independently or with professional support.
Halifax & HRM Rental Market Data 2025
Understanding local rental market conditions helps owners make informed decisions around pricing, tenant expectations, and longer-term planning. The information below is sourced from official reports published by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
and reflects market-wide trends across Halifax and the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Market data is provided for general context only. Individual property performance may vary based on location, condition, and management approach.
01
Current Rent Levels
CMHC rental market data provides insight into average rents by unit type across Halifax CMA for purpose built rental units of three units or more, helping owners understand local pricing benchmarks and market positioning.
02
Vacancy & Demand Trends
Vacancy rate data highlights supply and demand conditions across HRM, offering context around tenant competition, turnover expectations, and overall market tightness.
03
Market Outlook & Forecasts
CMHC housing outlook reports provide forward-looking insight into rental demand, new supply, and broader housing trends that may affect Halifax and HRM.
Current Rent Levels October 2025
Average rent exclusive of utilities for turnover and Non-turnover units based on apartment structures of three units and over – Halifax, HRM, October 2025.
$1,437
Studio – Turnover
$1,350
Studio – Non-Turnover
$1,680
1 Bedroom – Turnover
$1,478
1 Bedroom – Non-Turnover
$2,058
2 Bedroom – Turnover
$1,767
2 Bedroom – Non-Turnover
$2,607
3 Bedroom – Turnover
$2,156
3 Bedroom – Non Turnover
Vacancy & Demand Trends 2025
Rental condo apartments and private apartments vacancy rates for October 2025 and comparative average vacancy rates 2024 and 2025
2.5%
Condo Rentals Vacancy Rate Oct 2025
2.7%
Private apartment Rentals Vacancy Rate Oct 2025
2.5%
2025 Avg. Vacancy Rate
.5%
2024 Avg. Vacancy Rate
2026
Market Outlook & Forecast
Understanding where the Halifax rental market may be headed helps owners plan for pricing, tenant demand, and longer-term investment decisions. Market outlook information provides forward-looking context rather than guarantees and should be used alongside property-specific analysis.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation publishes regular housing outlook reports that examine rental demand, new supply, population growth, and broader economic factors influencing Halifax and the surrounding region.
Forecasts reflect market-wide expectations from February 2025 and may vary by property type, location, and completion timelines.
2026 Rental Supply Growth Continues
Housing starts in Halifax are expected to increase, with multi-unit and rental projects continuing to make up most new construction as financing conditions improve. While rental starts remain positive, growth is expected to be more moderate than in the past two years.
2026 Demand Remains Supportive, but Normalizing
Strong employment income growth and rising household earnings have supported demand, alongside a rebound in ground-oriented housing starts. However, as new supply reaches the market, demand pressure is expected to normalize rather than accelerate.
2026 Vacancy Pressure & Rent Risk
The addition of new rental units is expected to push vacancy rates slightly higher, which may limit rent growth and contribute to rent stagnation in some segments. Construction delays caused by labour shortages and productivity constraints remain a key risk that could temper supply growth and soften these effects.
Looking Ahead: 2026–2027 Market Conditions
About Our Company and Our People
Housing pressures in Halifax and HRM are expected to ease gradually through 2026 and into 2027 as additional rental supply comes to market. Increased multi-unit construction, combined with moderating population growth and slower immigration, is expected to reduce some of the demand pressure seen in recent years.
As new units are completed, vacancy rates are expected to rise modestly, particularly in segments experiencing higher levels of new supply. This shift may contribute to rent stagnation or selective rent declines, depending on unit type, building age, location, and whether a unit turns over to a new tenancy.
While demand fundamentals remain supportive overall, the market is moving toward a more balanced environment. Owners who understand local conditions, tenancy status, and asset positioning will be better equipped to navigate changing vacancy levels and pricing dynamics.
Market conditions will continue to vary by property type and neighbourhood, reinforcing the importance of property-specific analysis rather than broad assumptions.