Nova Scotia is set to implement new short-term rental regulations on September 30, aiming to address the province's escalating affordable housing crisis. The forthcoming legislation, known as the Short-term Rentals Registration Act, is designed to increase the availability of long-term housing by regulating short-term rental properties more closely.

Documentation and Compliance Requirements

Under the new rules, all short-term rentals and tourist accommodations must meet specific documentation requirements. This includes:

• Proof of compliance with municipal bylaws
• Written consent from property owners or condo boards, if applicable
• Proof that the property is a primary residence

Registration Fees and Penalties

Annual registration fees will range between $50 and $2,000 per unit, depending on accommodation type and location, with higher fees imposed on rentals in areas with greater housing needs. Operators who fail to register or comply with the new regulations could face fines of up to $100,000. As of July 23, 7,193 short-term rentals were officially registered in the province.

Exemptions for Traditional Tourist Accommodations

In contrast, traditional tourist accommodations such as motels, hotels, and inns will not see any changes in their registration fees. To ensure compliance, the province plans to enlist external agencies for oversight.

A Call to Action: Housing Minister’s Perspective

John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, emphasized the urgency of the situation:

“Nova Scotians need housing. We know many houses and apartments that could potentially be long-term homes are being rented short-term. We’re working to get more homes built. In the meantime, these changes will help address the urgent need for housing now.”

Key Deadlines for Short-Term Rental Operators

The Government of Nova Scotia announced the following timeline:

• Mid-August: Registration opens for the 2024/25 season
• September 16: Deadline for applications to ensure timely processing
• September 30: Current registration numbers become invalid, and platforms like Airbnb and Expedia must also comply by this date

Why These Regulations Matter

This regulation comes in response to a provincial housing needs assessment projecting a shortage of 41,200 housing units by 2027/28, underlining the critical need for these changes.

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