HALIFAX – Service Nova Scotia Minister Jill Balser says her department won’t crack down on instances of abuse involving fixed-term rental leases because it doesn’t want to affect the housing supply.
Balser says that could be an “unintended consequence” of a crackdown on landlords who abuse fixed-term leases to get around the province’s five per cent cap on rent increases.
However, she was unable to specify exactly how the housing supply would be affected, despite repeated questioning by reporters.
The Opposition NDP and the Liberals both say Balser’s explanation for not acting doesn’t make sense.
Interim Liberal leader Derek Mombourquette has suggested the government wants to give landlords a loophole to get around the rent cap that is in place until the end of 2027.
Balser denies that suggestion.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2025.
