September 17, 2024
Today, Nova Scotia Liberal Housing Critic Braedon Clark will tabled a bill to address gaps created by the Houston Conservatives in the province’s rental market.
The Residential Rent Stabilization Act aims to remove political interference from the rental market by giving the UARB authority to set the rent cap, and removes a rent cap once the province’s vacancy rate reaches a healthy four per cent. The legislation also follows British Columbia’s model to end the fixed term lease loophole.
“Unregulated fixed term leases and a rent cap system don’t go together, yet this government refuses to do anything about it,” said Clark. “The government’s housing legislation this session will do nothing more but continue to perpetuate a volatile housing market in Nova Scotia. In order to get out of this housing crisis, we need to adopt practical solutions that are based on facts instead of political motives.”
This session was also marked by the government’s failure to enact a residential tenancies enforcement unit, despite a clear recommendation from the Davis Pier report. The enforcement unit, backed by both tenants and landlords, would help Nova Scotians dealing with the result of poor housing policy under this government.
“Instead of pushing bold housing policy that would help Nova Scotians, this government chose the status quo,” said Opposition Leader Zach Churchill. “When it comes to housing, Nova Scotians aren’t getting a good deal from Tim Houston.”
Tell Tim Houston you want a residential tenancies enforcement unit
It’s a critical step that would make a real impact.
It’s time for this government to stop playing games, listen to the opposition, listen to tenants and landlords, and listen to their own consultant’s recommendation, and implement an enforcement unit. Add your name if you agree.
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