Housing in Canada
​Finding a place to live in Halifax can be a complex process, especially for newcomers. This guide outlines essential information to help you navigate renting, understanding costs, signing leases, and even buying a home in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Types of Housing in Halifax
There are several types of housing options available to rent or buy in Halifax, each suited to different needs and budgets:
-
Room for Rent: Typically, within a shared house or apartment, often rented by students or singles, with shared bathrooms and kitchens.
-
Bachelor/Studio Apartment: A compact, single-room unit suitable for one person.
-
Apartments: Available with 1 to 4 bedrooms and separate kitchens and bathrooms.
-
Condominium (Condo): Individually owned but often rented out, with shared amenities and a Homeowners Association managing maintenance.
-
Duplexes and Townhouses: Multi-level housing units that may be individually owned but are sometimes rented out.
-
Detached Houses: Stand-alone homes, usually with 2-5 bedrooms, often with private yards or garages.
Other options include mobile homes, tiny homes, and public housing, which provides affordable housing for low-income families.
Finding and Renting an Apartment
Ways to Find Rentals:
There are several avenues to help newcomers find suitable rental options. Here’s a list of reliable property management companies and resources for locating available rentals in Halifax:
-
Killam Properties
-
Website: www.killamreit.com
-
Killam offers a range of apartment rentals across Halifax with options for families, singles, and students.
-
-
MetCap Living
-
Website: www.metcap.com
-
MetCap Living manages properties in Halifax, focusing on well-maintained apartments with essential amenities.
-
-
Capreit
-
Website: www.capreit.ca
-
Capreit offers apartments and rental townhomes, with properties located in convenient neighbourhoods close to public transportation and services.
-
-
Realstar Management
-
Website: www.realstar.ca
-
Realstar provides quality apartment rentals and focuses on comfort, amenities, and maintenance services.
-
-
Paramount Management
-
Website: www.paramountmanagement.ca
-
This company offers a variety of apartments with a focus on upscale living and convenient locations.
-
-
Universal Realty Group
-
Website: www.universalgroup.ca
-
Universal Realty Group manages properties with diverse options, from affordable apartments to luxury rentals in central areas.
-
-
CLV Group
-
Website: www.clvgroup.com
-
CLV Group provides rental units and apartments with family-friendly features and pet-friendly policies.
-
-
MOSAIC Property Management
-
Website: www.mosaicpm.ca
-
MOSAIC specializes in residential properties, offering a wide selection of well-maintained apartments.
-
-
Kijiji
-
Website: www.kijiji.ca
-
Kijiji is a popular classified site where private landlords and property managers post rental listings.
-
-
Rentals.ca
-
Website: www.rentals.ca
-
A comprehensive rental site where you can search for apartments, condos, and houses in Halifax.
-
-
Zumper
-
Website: www.zumper.com
-
Zumper offers a variety of rental listings, from apartments to houses, with filters for price, location, and amenities.
-
-
PadMapper
-
Website: www.padmapper.com
-
PadMapper aggregates listings from various rental sites, making searching by neighbourhood and budget easy.
-
Using these resources and websites can make finding a rental in Halifax easier, with options that cater to diverse needs and budgets. Be sure to contact the property manager or landlord directly to schedule viewings and inquire about application processes.
Viewing an Apartment: When viewing, consider asking questions about:
-
Rent and included utilities
-
Neighborhood safety and proximity to amenities
-
Building age and quietness
-
Pet policies and smoking rules
-
Available appliances and parking
Rental Applications: Landlords often require a rental application, checking your credit and references to ensure reliability. They may refuse to rent if you have a poor credit history, lack of income, or negative references.
Signing a Lease: A lease is a binding contract specifying rent, lease length, included utilities, and rules. Ensure you understand the terms, and keep a copy of the lease for future reference. Rent is usually paid monthly, and landlords must provide a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act.
​
Utilities and Services: Some apartments may include utilities like heat and water, but electricity, internet, and cable are usually paid separately. Nova Scotia Power provides electricity, and Bell Aliant and Eastlink are popular options for internet and cable services.
Costs and Damage Deposits
Rent Costs: Rent varies depending on the location, size, and features. It can range from $500 for a shared room to over $2,500 for upscale apartments in prime locations.
​
Damage Deposits: Landlords may require a deposit of up to 50% of one month’s rent. This deposit covers potential damages or unpaid rent and should be returned within 10 days of move-out if the unit is in good condition.
​
Tenant Insurance: Tenant insurance is recommended to protect your belongings and cover liability for accidental damages. Many landlords require it, and private insurance providers offer various plans.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Tenants and landlords in Canada have specific rights and responsibilities. Tenants are entitled to a well-maintained property and must be informed of rent increases or eviction. Responsibilities include:
-
Paying rent on time
-
Giving advance notice when moving out
-
Maintaining cleanliness and adhering to building rules
For maintenance issues, contact your landlord first and document all communication.
Tenant Insurance
Tenant insurance is highly recommended for renters in Halifax, as it protects your belongings and provides liability coverage in case of accidental damages to the property. It’s especially useful for covering unexpected events like theft, fire, or water damage. Some landlords may even require tenant insurance as part of your rental agreement.
​
Benefits of Tenant Insurance:
Contents Coverage: Protects your personal belongings from theft, damage, or loss.
Liability Coverage: Covers expenses if you accidentally cause damage to the rental property or if someone is injured in your unit.
Additional Living Expenses: Covers temporary living costs if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event.
​
Where to Get Tenant Insurance
Many companies offer affordable tenant insurance plans in Halifax, with easy online application processes. Here are some popular providers:
-
Sonnet Insurance
-
Website: www.sonnet.ca
-
Sonnet offers customizable tenant insurance policies that are easy to manage online.
-
-
Square One Insurance
-
Website: www.squareoneinsurance.com
-
Square One provides personalized tenant insurance options, allowing you to select only the coverage you need.
-
-
Aviva Canada
-
Website: www.aviva.ca
-
Aviva offers comprehensive tenant insurance policies with contents and liability coverage, plus add-ons for high-value items.
-
-
Intact Insurance
-
Website: www.intact.ca
-
Intact provides tenant insurance with a focus on personal property protection and liability coverage.
-
-
TD Insurance
-
Website: www.tdinsurance.com
-
TD offers tenant insurance as part of their home insurance products, with options for added protection.
-
-
Desjardins Insurance
-
Website: www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com
-
Desjardins offers flexible tenant insurance plans with a variety of coverage options to suit different budgets.
-
-
Co-operators Insurance
-
Website: www.cooperators.ca
-
Co-operators provides tenant insurance policies with benefits like affordable premiums and emergency assistance.
-
-
Belairdirect
-
Website: www.belairdirect.com
-
Belairdirect offers tenant insurance with 24/7 customer support and flexible payment options.
-
Choosing tenant insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected against unexpected events. Each provider offers unique options and features, so consider comparing plans and getting quotes online to find the one that best meets your needs.
Buying a Home
Homeownership is an option for newcomers who plan to settle long-term in Halifax.
Getting a Mortgage:
-
Mortgages typically require a down payment (usually 5-20%) and are repaid over a set period (amortization).
-
Mortgages can have fixed or variable rates for a term, and those with less than a 20% down payment must get mortgage insurance.
Additional Home Buying Costs: Consider costs like property taxes, utilities, and maintenance. Real estate agents can help with the process, and companies like RE/MAX and Century 21 are well-known in Halifax.