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

Short answer

Nova Scotia caps the security deposit at one-half of one month’s rent.

The province also has specific rules for holding, returning and making claims against the deposit at the end of a tenancy.

What the rule means in practice

• Maximum standard deposit: half a month of rent.
• The landlord holds the deposit in trust.
• Specific return and claim timelines apply when the tenancy ends.

Deposit rules affect how much cash a renter needs before getting the keys, but they do not replace the rest of the tenancy agreement. Rent timing, pet deposits, key deposits, inspection reports and special tenancy types can have separate rules.

Calculate the amount using your rent

Use the Nova Scotia rental deposit calculator to convert the standard rule into a dollar amount using your actual monthly rent. You can also compare all jurisdictions in the Canada Rental Deposit Calculator.

Newcomers and no Canadian credit history

A landlord may ask for employment information, references or other evidence when evaluating an application, but a lack of Canadian credit history does not automatically erase provincial or territorial deposit rules. Before paying an unusual amount, ask what the payment is for, get the request in writing and check the current official source.

Official source

Nova Scotia — residential tenancy renting guide →

Related CanadaStarter resources

Canada Rental Deposit Rules Index →
Rental deposit rules across Canada →
Renting without Canadian credit history →
Newcomer first-year cost calculator →

General information only, not legal advice. Residential tenancy rules can change; verify the current rule with the linked authority before paying a deposit.