Taking effect on September 30th, Nova Scotia’s new short-term rental regulations are intended to help make more long-term housing available to residents across the province. Regulations under the new Short-term Rentals Registration Act will include additional registration requirements, host categories, rates and penalties.

“Nova Scotians need housing. We know that many houses and apartments that could potentially be long-term homes are being rented short term,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We’re working to get more homes built. In the meantime, these changes will help address the urgent need for housing now.”

Under the new registration requirements, all tourist accommodations and short-term rentals will be required to provide supporting documentation, such as proof of compliance with municipal bylaws and, where applicable, written consent from the property owner(s) or condo board, and proof of primary residence. In addition, annual registration rates will range from $50 to $2,000 per unit depending on the accommodation type and location; higher rates apply to short-term rentals in areas where the need for housing is greater.

Unregistered or non-compliant short-term rental operators may be subject to fines of up to $100,000. Annual registration rates for traditional tourist accommodations, such as motels, hotels and inns, are not changing.

More detail on Nova Scotia’s new short-term rental regulations can be found at: https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/consolidated-public-statutes