Nova Scotia fixed-term lease loophole to remain in place despite some abuse: official

Nova Scotia landlords have been under scrutiny for their use of fixed-term leases, with accusations of abuse and unfair practices. Despite acknowledging the issue, the provincial government has stated that they are not looking to change tenancy laws at this time due to concerns about potential unintended consequences.

Gary O’Toole, associate deputy minister of Service Nova Scotia, addressed the legislature’s community services committee and admitted that there have been instances of fixed-term leases being used inappropriately. However, he emphasized that these types of leases can be beneficial for tenants in certain situations, such as temporary work or student housing arrangements.

One of the main concerns raised by critics is the rise in evictions through the use of fixed-term leases. Heather Clark, chair of the Halifax chapter of housing advocacy group ACORN, presented a report showing a 466% increase in evictions since 2021 due to fixed-term leases. She highlighted that the majority of tenants surveyed did not require short-term rentals and were seeking long-term accommodations.

Despite the growing concerns, there is a lack of concrete data on the use of fixed-term leases in the province. Melissa Mosher, a department official, explained that without a registry of all tenants and landlords, it is challenging to track the extent of the issue.

In response to the government’s stance, Mark Culligan of Dalhousie Legal Aid criticized the current system, describing the use of fixed-term leases as a “handout” to landlords. He expressed doubts that the housing crisis would be resolved anytime soon, citing the need for stronger measures to protect both tenants and landlords.

The Opposition NDP has proposed legislation that would give tenants on fixed-term leases the option to extend on a month-to-month basis if they choose to stay. NDP committee member Suzy Hansen emphasized the need for stronger protections for tenants and landlords.

Liberal House leader Iain Rankin raised concerns about the government potentially allowing landlords to circumvent rent caps through the use of fixed-term leases. He criticized the imbalance of power between landlords and tenants, suggesting that the government may be favoring landlords over renters.

Overall, the debate over fixed-term leases in Nova Scotia continues to intensify, with calls for greater transparency and protections for both tenants and landlords. As the housing crisis persists, it remains to be seen whether the government will take action to address the concerns surrounding fixed-term leases.