Signing The Lease

If you've never signed a lease before, then chances are, you are going to have some questions about it.  Remember a lease (a lease in Halifax is usually twelve (12) months long) is a legal contract, and like any legal contract, it is important to understand and know what you are signing! By understanding the terms of your lease you will be better prepared to handle difficult situations should they arise.

If you do not have a lease then you do not have any protection from the Nova Scotia Tenancy Act. Renting without a lease can be appealing. Students can avoid the hassle of signing a twelve month lease and then trying to sublet. However, there are disadvantages, you have to trust your landlord to conduct business in "good faith" you could be asked to leave with no reason, ignore your requests for repairs or raise your rent anytime!

When signing your lease, check to make sure the lease contains:

• information on how to contact your landlord
• your complete mailing address
• when your tenancy beings and ends
• who to give important information to, such as 'notice to quit', etc.

As well as Frequently Asked Questions, we have provided a walk-through for signing a Standard Nova Scotia Lease and Smart Tenant's Renting Guide for Student's Living Off Campus. To view a copy of a Standard NS Lease.

Have you decided to sublet? As you already know most leases are available on a yearly (12-month) contract between the tenant and the landlord. This means when sign the lease you are responsible, as a tenant, to pay the rent for the full 12-months. The university academic term is 8-months (September to April) many students return home for the summer, and they rent their apartment to another tenant (the secondary tenant) from May to Aguust. Once you have agreed to sublet an apartment you are responsible to pay the rent and utilities (if applicable) for that period of time.

You may be asked to:

• Pay a damage deposit
• You should sign a lease agreement
• The primary landlord and/or superintendent must know that you are living on their property
• Make sure you have your own copy of the Residential Tenancy Act

See sample sublet agreement - click here!

We have also included information concerning Landlord/tenant disputes, and how to file an application to the Director of the Nova Scotia Tenancy Board.