Ansell Property Management

156 Ochterloney Street, Suite B01, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

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Tenant Services

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Why rent with a Property Manager?

We want you to feel at home…

If you’re a renter you could be wondering how exactly a property manager’s involvement can benefit you.
First and foremost, Ansell Property Management works with landlords that value their properties so we can offer you quality rentals to call home. Although we are representing the property owner, Ansell understands that our relationship with our clients and tenants are crucial in meeting the expectations of both parties; the right type of lease, proper communication of rules, laws and expectations have allowed us to make sure both the landlord and tenant benefit from our high standard of service.

Property managers are experienced in prioritizing issues and dealing with them in a prompt and professional manner. We are on duty for extended hours and provide contact information in the event of an off-hours emergency. No matter where the property owner is, Ansell Property Management will have someone available from our team of professionals when you have a problem.

With over fourteen years of experience in property management the Ansell team has a vast knowledge of the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act. There are no surprises when you rent from us, when you meet the terms of the signed lease you are protected, we have your best interest at heart.

Once you’ve rented with Ansell Property Management, it can be easier to find another rental property in the future. We manage a variety of different properties, and may have a vacancy in an area you’ll be interested in. Your proven rental history will be enough to approve you to continue to rent another property through us! Moving to a new place is as simple as making a call to inquire about available rentals and setting a date for your move.

We understand that you are not just looking for a place to rent, but rather a place to call home. We respect that and take great measures to make sure our featured properties are everything a home should be and that your experience with Ansell Property Management is one you would gladly tell your friends and family about.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long are rental agreements for?

Lease agreements can be week-to-week, month-to-month, year-to-year and fixed term.

Is a signed lease required?

A standard form of lease agreement is used for rental agreements between landlords and tenants. If a written lease is not used, or if another form of lease other than the standard one is used, all of the terms listed in the standard form are still applicable.

Is a signed move in/move out inspection report required?

No, a written inspection report is completely voluntary, however it is recommended that the standard inspection report form is used at a move in inspection.

What are security deposits?

Security deposits cannot legally exceed ½ month’s rent. Collected deposits are to be held in a trust account. Deposits are to be returned to tenants with 0% interest within 10 days of the lease end. If part of all of the deposit is to be retained the landlord must complete the required form at the residential tenancies office.

Can tenants be charged for keys?

Tenants cannot be required to pay key money. Tenants can, however, be charged a fee if they lock themselves out of their property and require new keys. This fee has to be mentioned somewhere in the lease agreement in order to be enforced.

Can a landlord request post dated cheques?

Landlords can request post dated cheques from tenants if the specific box on the standard lease is checked.

How much notice is required to renew a lease?

Notice to terminate a lease must be given 3 months in advance of the anniversary date by either the tenant or the landlord. If no notice is given then the lease automatically renews for another year.

If a tenant wishes to change their lease to a month-to month tenancy they must give 3 months notice to the landlord who must approve the change.

How can a lease be terminated?

Prior to terminating a lease the landlord and tenant have a responsibility to re-negotiate the terms of the lease or decide to terminate it altogether. Upon lease renewal, unless otherwise specified, all other conditions and terms of the lease remain intact and relevant.

Fixed term leases have an end date and expire automatically if the term is not renewed by agreement prior to the end date. Once a fixed term expires, the landlord no longer has any obligation to the tenant. A Tenant cannot give notice to quit unless lease unless the tenant has been victim to domestic violence by giving one month’s notification to the landlord and providing a Certificate Confirming Grounds to Terminate Tenancy Due to Domestic Violence, which is issued by the Director of Victim Services within 60 days of issue of the certificate.

Tenants with a periodic lease are automatically granted tenure. This means that their lease cannot be terminated without a valid reason from the landlord
A tenant can terminate the lease, in writing, with adequate notice as follows:
1. Year-to-year lease: tenant must provide landlord with 3 month’s advance notice
2. Month-month lease: tenant must provide landlord with one month advance notice
3. Week-to-week lease: tenant must provide landlord with 1 week advance notice.

How does a sublet work?

If a tenant wishes to sublet their lease they must submit a request, in writing to the landlord for approval. Landlords cannot deny a request for sublet without a valid reason and they are required to approve the new tenant. There is a sublet fee (not to exceed $75) that may be charged to the tenant if it is specified on the lease.

What is an allowable rent increase?

Aside from manufactured homes and land-lease communities there are no rent controls in Nova Scotia. Landlords set rental rates for their units. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months and landlords must provide written notice to the tenant 4 moths prior to the lease anniversary date.

Access Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Program publishes an Annual Allowable Rent Increase Amount (AARIA) for land lease communities, which landlords are required to refer to when determining how much to increase a tenant’s rent.

When is rent considered late?

Rent is considered to be late after a period of:
15 days in a month-to-month lease
7 days in a week-to-week lease,
30 days for tenants living in manufactured homes

In most leases, after a period of 15 days, the landlord can issue a notice to quit to the tenant, giving the tenant 15 days to pay their rent in full or vacate the property. If the tenant fails to take any action, the landlord can serve them with an order for immediate vacancy.

What are reasonable grounds for eviction?

There are a number of reasons why a tenant can be evicted.
If the rent has not been paid in 15 days o
If the tenant violates the statutory conditions in the Act.

The landlord is required to file for a hearing to have a judgement issued or to mediate. In a hearing, the landlord and tenant will each be heard and they may bring forth evidence to support their case. A Residential Tenancies Officer will make the final judgment and will issue an order to one or both parties. The landlord must take the order issued to the court administrative offices to have it converted into an eviction order that only the Sheriff’s office is able to enforce. There may be some delays in obtaining the eviction order if the tenant appeals the officer’s decision to Small Claims Court.

How much notice is required to enter a unit?

Landlords are required to provide tenants with 24 hours notice in writing with details as to when they will be entering the premises. Entry is only allowed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. If prior notice to quit has been given to the landlord then the landlord can legally enter at anytime during daylight hours without giving notice to the tenant. In the event of an emergency a landlord my enter a property..

May the tenant withhold rent for repairs?

A tenant may not withhold rent for repairs. A tenant is required to make an application for dispute resolution.

Can a tenant change the locks?

Locks may only be changed upon agreement between the landlord and the tenant

Is a landlord allowed to refuse to rent to a tenant who has pets?

According to section 9A of the residential tenancy act landlords are allowed to implement their own rules to promote the fair and equal distribution of services; promote the safety, comfort, or general well-being of tenants; or to protect the landlord’s own property.

Rules that landlords set must apply to all tenants living in the same complex/property and all tenants must receive a copy of the rules before signing a lease. A landlord can choose to change the rules, by giving tenants 4 months written notice prior to the lease anniversary.

Can a landlord include a no-smoking clause in the lease?

Yes.

If the tenant violates a clause in the lease, can the landlord evict the tenant?

The landlord has the right to terminate tenancy if the clauses written into the lease are violated.

Important Links

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Important Information

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations — Residential Tenancies
Toll-free within Nova Scotia: 1-800-670-4357

300 Horseshoe Lake Drive
Bayers Lake Business Park
Halifax, NS B3S 0B7
250 Baker Drive
Unit #134
Dartmouth NS B2W 6A3

Rental Guides by Topic

  • Tenant’s Guide to Residential Tenancies
  • Exploring Your Options for Resolving Disputes
  • Mediation and Hearings
  • After the Hearing — What Now?

Acts and Statues

  • Residential Tenancies Act (See provincial contact, above.)
  • Residential Tenancies Regulations (See provincial contact, above.)
  • Residential Tenancy Branch
  • Human Rights Commission – This Web site provides an overview of the commission, the complaint process and a variety of information related to the commission.
  • Department of Community Services – The information provided is brief, but the list of programs and services available is quite useful.
  • Department of Seniors – Provides a number of services to seniors in the province including housing assistance.

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