Apartment registry bylaw passes in Halifax

Halifax regional council recently passed a new apartment registry bylaw aimed at the rental market, and specifically at landlords. Bylaw R-400, Respecting Registration of Residential Rental Properties, is designed to protect renters and hold landlords accountable for their properties. Here’s what you should know about this rule, and how it will affect renting in the Halifax area.

What will the new bylaw do?

This bylaw requires landlords to register their rental properties with the city by April 1 of this year. They must also disclose their building maintenance plan. The idea is to shift away from a system of fixing issues as they come up, and instead proactively preventing them from occurring. For example, one section of the new bylaw specifies the need to provide an unobstructed kitchen sink, which was based on a previous case of landlords purposely blocking drains in order to evict tenants. For responsible landlords, this bylaw will not have a major impact on their operations. It is designed to hold accountable those who neglect their rental properties and the tenants within.

Support and opposition

Unsurprisingly, there has been both support and backlash in response to this new bylaw. The local chapter of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) wanted the bylaw to go further in terms of protecting tenants. The group wanted landlords to be charged a licensing fee, and for any violations to be made public. On the other hand, the Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia (IPOANS) had asked for intervention and more consultation, and was opposed to the passing of the bylaw. 

If you are a renter, or a landlord, it’s important to take note of these new changes. If you are considering purchasing a property, whether as an investment or as a new home, you can reach out to your local mortgage broker for guidance on how to get started.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.