Free · No signup · Updated July 2026

Free Nova Scotia Rental Application Form - Fill Online, Sign & Download the PDF

Nova Scotia keeps move-in costs low: the security deposit is capped at half of one month's rent, it is the only deposit a landlord can take, and it must come back within 10 days of move-out. A 5 percent annual rent cap is in place until at least the end of 2027. Fill it out below with plain-English help on every field, then sign and download your completed PDF free.

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Nova Scotia rental application rules to know

•Nova Scotia caps the security deposit at no more than half of one month's rent, and it is the only up-front deposit a landlord can collect (Residential Tenancies Act s. 12). Pet deposits, cleaning fees, key deposits, and prepaid last month's rent are not allowed.
•The Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program has an express 'Application Fees for Rental Units' policy that bars application and 'holding' fees, so there is no legal basis for a separate, non-refundable application fee in Nova Scotia; apart from the first month's rent, the only deposit or fee a landlord can require before you move in is the half-month security deposit.
•The landlord must pay your deposit into a trust account within 3 banking days and return it, plus any interest, within 10 days of the tenancy ending unless there is an agreed or ordered deduction (Residential Tenancies Act).
•The security deposit interest rate set by the Residential Tenancies Program is currently 0 percent, so most deposits earn no interest while held.
•'Source of income' is a protected ground under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act (RSNS 1989, c. 214), so a landlord cannot refuse you, or charge you more, because you receive income assistance, Employment Insurance, a student loan, or other benefits.
•A criminal record is not a protected ground under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, so a landlord may ask about criminal history; federal protection for a pardoned or suspended record under the Canadian Human Rights Act applies only to federally regulated sectors and generally not to residential landlords.
•A landlord may ask for your Social Insurance Number but cannot require it under federal privacy guidance, and a credit check can be run without it.
•Rent can be increased only once every 12 months with 4 months' written notice, and Nova Scotia's 5 percent rent cap is in place until at least December 31, 2027.

Last reviewed 2026-07-16. General information, not legal advice.

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Filled in by the applicant based on the listing, or pre-filled by the landlord.

Property address*

Desired move-in date*

Monthly rent ($)

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Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a deposit in Nova Scotia?

No more than half of one month's rent, and that security deposit is the only deposit allowed. The landlord must hold it in a trust account and return it, with any interest, within 10 days of the tenancy ending. Pet deposits, cleaning fees, and prepaid last month's rent are not permitted.

Are rental application fees legal in Nova Scotia?

No. The Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program has an express 'Application Fees for Rental Units' policy that bars a separate application, screening, or holding fee. Apart from the first month's rent, the only deposit a landlord can require before you move in is the half-month security deposit. A landlord may still run a credit or reference check as part of screening.

What can a landlord ask on a rental application?

A landlord can ask about your income, employment, rental history, references, and run a credit check to assess whether you can pay the rent. Under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act they cannot refuse you or treat you differently based on protected grounds, including your source of income, family status, or disability.

Can a landlord require my Social Insurance Number?

A landlord may ask for your SIN, but you are not required to provide it under federal privacy guidance. A credit check can be completed using your name, date of birth, and address, so you can usually decline and still be screened.

Can a landlord check my criminal record in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Criminal record is not a protected ground under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, so a landlord may ask about it and run a background check. Federal protection for a pardoned or record-suspended conviction under the Canadian Human Rights Act applies only to federally regulated sectors, generally not to residential landlords.

How much can my rent go up in Nova Scotia?

Rent can be raised only once every 12 months, and the landlord must give 4 months' written notice. Nova Scotia's 5 percent rent cap is in effect until at least December 31, 2027, so an increase for an existing tenant cannot exceed 5 percent per year while the cap is in place.

More free landlord & tenant forms

For landlords: the tenant application form and the rental verification form.