Are any utilities included in the rent?
The landlord provides heat and hot water to all units. Heat and hot water is supplied by modern German furnaces powered by natural gas or propane. No oil furnaces remain at any property.
Tenants are responsible for communications (internet and cable) and electricity (things your turn on and plug in). In addition, some units have supplementary electric heat in bathrooms.
Nova Scotia Power (902-428-6230) is able to provide you with the power usage for the unit. We suggest setting your power account as an “equal billing account”. Twelve equal monthly payments per year.
Nova Scotia Power Connection
Submit your request to NS Power 10 days or more in advance of your lease start date to ensure your power will be set up in time for move in.
Communications
There are several internet service providers. You might want to inquire with the existing tenants about the quality of their speed and service and which company they use. You might find it most convenient to remain with the existing supplier of the service.
What appliances are in the unit?
Each unit is furnished with a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and washer/dryer. Some units have a second refrigerator or deep freezer
Are pets allowed?
No. Our buildings are not pet friendly
Are the units furnished?
No
Do I need tenant insurance?
Off Campus Halifax requires all tenants provide proof of tenants’ insurance prior to move in. Residential tenants are required to have their own tenants’ property and liability insurance coverage. Tenant property and tenant liability is not covered under the landlords’ building insurance
How can I pay my rent?
Rent is paid by post-dated cheques. Each tenant during the rental process provides the landlord with twelve (12) post-dated cheques at the time of move in.
Co-Sign Agreement
All tenants must provide a co-sign agreement from a parent of guardian.
When is rent due?
Rent is due and payable on the 1st of each month
Is parking available? Is it free?
Parking availability and cost varies from building to building. Please contact us directly for specific information
Can I rent an apartment if I am a student?
Yes, if you have a guarantor who can supply a lease Co-Sign Agreement. The person who signs as a co-signer may be held responsible for the payment of the rent and/or damages
How much is the security deposit?
In Nova Scotia, security deposits are 50% of one month’s rent. The landlord may use your security deposit when you leave the apartment to cover any rent you have not paid, or for any repairs or maintenance that must be done in the unit. This might happen because you caused damage or didn’t report things in need of repair.
What is the lease term?
Leases are set up on a fixed term. a fixed term tenancy will have the end date specified within the lease itself and the lease will end on that date. In other words, the lease is only for a specified period of time
I will have roommates. Does each roommate need to sign the lease?
Yes. In Nova Scotia, residential leases are ‘jointly and severally liable’. This means that each person living in the unit is required to sign the lease and all are fully responsible throughout the entirety of the lease. Multiple tenants of the same rental unit and named on the lease are jointly and severally liable for all of the obligations of the lease. The landlord may take action against any of the parties for their failure to meet the obligations such as rent or repairs.
Am I responsible for my roommate?
Yes! If your roommate signed the lease, then you are also responsible for their actions, as well as your own. If they skip out on you and the landlord, you’re held accountable for their share of the responsibilities and rental payment. If you are living with others, find roommates you trust
Can the unit be sublet?
Yes. The original tenant is still legally responsible for all of the obligations under the lease and under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act.
Do I need to have approval from the landlord to sublet?
Yes. Before subletting, the original tenant must receive consent from the landlord to sublet the property. The landlord may charge the original tenant a $75.00 fee to evaluate a person you wish to sublet to.
Who pays for repairs?
The property owner is responsible for the costs of repairs for anything that wears out or fails due to regular use or defects. If a tenant has misused or abused property and that is the reason for the problem, the tenant will be responsible for the repair or replacement
Can I paint the walls in my unit?
Colors in all units have been selected by an interior designer. If a room requires painting, the expense will be at the cost of the landlord. If the tenant wishes to change colors, prior written approval must be obtained from the landlord before painting.
If a tenant chooses to paint and has approval, please choose a neutral color that is not overly personal. A typical paint job costs $300 to $500 for one bedroom. If you have no previous painting experience and paint is found on the trim and ceiling and a new paint job is required when you move out, it can be costly. Think twice before proceeding.