Nova Scotia Fixed-Term Lease Ending: What Happens Next

Fixed-Term Leases End Automatically

Under RTA Section 10A(2), a fixed-term lease in Nova Scotia ends on the stated end date without notice from either party. Neither the landlord nor the tenant needs to do anything for the lease to expire. This is the one scenario where a landlord does not need a statutory ground to end a tenancy — the contract simply runs out.

This confuses landlords who have experience in other provinces. In Ontario, for example, a fixed-term lease automatically converts to month-to-month and the tenant keeps security of tenure. Nova Scotia works differently: the fixed term ends, and the tenant is expected to vacate.

What If the Tenant Stays?

If the tenant remains in the unit after the fixed-term end date with the owner's consent, Section 10A(2) deems the lease renewed month-to-month. Accepting rent after the term ends may indicate consent, but the Act's rule turns on the owner's consent. Once that happens, security of tenure attaches, and the landlord can no longer end the tenancy without a lawful statutory ground under the RTA.

This is the critical point many landlords miss. If the tenant remains with the owner's consent after the fixed term expires, the lease renews month-to-month. At that point, you need a valid ground (rent arrears, statutory-condition breach, purchaser occupation, personal use, or renoviction) and the prescribed notice process to end it.

If you do not want the tenancy to continue after the fixed term, do not accept post-expiry rent and do not take any action that implies consent to the tenant remaining.

You Cannot Force a Periodic Tenant Into a Fixed Term

A landlord cannot unilaterally convert a periodic tenancy to a fixed term. The landlord and tenant can agree to a new fixed-term lease in writing; if a tenant remains after a fixed term with the owner's consent, Section 10A(2) renews the lease month-to-month.

Offering a New Fixed-Term Lease

If the current fixed term is expiring and you want the tenant to stay, you can offer a new fixed-term lease or let the tenancy convert to periodic. The tenant is not obligated to sign a new fixed-term agreement. If they decline but remain in the unit with your consent, the tenancy renews month-to-month.

The Rent Cap Still Applies

Nova Scotia's 5% annual rent increase cap (through December 31, 2027) applies to lease renewals with existing tenants, including when a periodic tenancy forms after a fixed-term expiry. However, if the unit is vacant between tenants, the landlord can set market rent for the new tenant.

Know Your Lease Type Before Acting

The Ending a Tenancy in Nova Scotia guide covers every lease type — fixed-term, year-to-year, month-to-month, and week-to-week — with the specific rules and notice requirements for each, so you know exactly where you stand before the end date arrives.

See more Nova Scotia guides →