Question 1

What are your management fees?

Accepted Answer

Our management fees are percentage-based, calculated as a percentage of the monthly rent collected. The exact rate depends on your property portfolio, location, and specific needs. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your situation.

Question 2

How do you screen tenants?

Accepted Answer

We use Certn for comprehensive background and credit checks. Our screening process includes credit history review, criminal background check, income and employment verification, and previous landlord references. This thorough approach helps ensure quality tenants for your property.

Question 3

What if my tenant doesn't pay rent?

Accepted Answer

We have a structured late payment procedure that complies with the NS Residential Tenancies Act. Day 1: We send a late payment notice. Day 3: If payment isn't received, we escalate with follow-up. We also generate Form D (Notice to Quit for Non-Payment) when necessary. Throughout this process, we keep you informed of all actions taken.

Question 4

How often will I receive reports?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive monthly financial statements detailing income, expenses, and property performance. Additionally, you have 24/7 access to your owner portal where you can view real-time data, payment history, maintenance records, and property documentation at any time.

Question 5

Do you handle evictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we handle the full eviction process in compliance with the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act. This includes serving proper notices, filing applications with Residential Tenancies, attending hearings, and coordinating with enforcement if necessary. We work to resolve issues before they reach this point whenever possible.

Question 6

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve properties throughout Nova Scotia with a focus on Halifax Regional Municipality (Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville) as our primary market. We also maintain strong service in our original markets of Yarmouth and the South Shore. We're continuously expanding to serve more areas including the Annapolis Valley.

Question 7

What can I see in the owner portal?

Accepted Answer

Our owner portal provides real-time access to your property's financial performance, including monthly statements, rent payment history, maintenance records, expense documentation, and property inspection reports. You can log in 24/7 from any device to see exactly how your investment is performing.

Question 8

How do I get started with Nova Solutions?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is simple: contact us for a free consultation where we discuss your property and goals. We then conduct a property evaluation and provide a customized management proposal with transparent pricing. Once you sign a simple management agreement, we take over all day-to-day operations.

Question 9

How quickly do you fill vacancies?

Accepted Answer

Our average tenant placement time is under 14 days. We market your vacancy across multiple platforms, conduct professional showings, and use our comprehensive screening process to find quality tenants quickly. Our proactive approach minimizes your vacancy losses.

Question 10

How do you handle maintenance and repairs?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate all maintenance through our network of trusted local contractors. Tenants submit work orders through their portal, and we handle scheduling, quality control, and billing. For emergencies, we provide 24/7 response. You approve major expenses before work begins, and all maintenance is documented with photos and receipts.

Question 11

Do I need landlord insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive landlord insurance for all properties we manage. This should include property damage, liability coverage, and loss of rental income protection. We can provide guidance on coverage requirements but recommend consulting with an insurance broker who specializes in rental properties in Nova Scotia.

Question 12

Do you handle lease renewals and rent increases?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we manage the entire lease lifecycle including renewals and rent increases. Under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, rent increases are capped at 5% annually and require 4 months' written notice. Our system automatically enforces these rules and generates all required notices.

Question 13

Is there a minimum contract length?

Accepted Answer

We offer flexible management agreements. While we recommend a minimum 12-month term to demonstrate the full value of our services, we can discuss arrangements that fit your needs. There are no hidden cancellation fees or penalties.

Question 14

Can you manage multiple properties for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we manage portfolios of all sizes — from single rental units to portfolios with dozens of properties. Portfolio owners benefit from volume pricing, consolidated reporting, and a single point of contact for all their properties across Nova Scotia.

Question 15

When do I receive my rental income?

Accepted Answer

Owner disbursements are processed monthly after rent collection and expense deductions. You receive a detailed monthly statement alongside your disbursement showing all income, expenses, and net proceeds. Payments are sent directly to your bank account via electronic transfer.

Question 16

How do I pay rent?

Accepted Answer

Rent is collected through automated Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) via Stripe. Once enrolled, your rent is automatically withdrawn on the due date each month. This secure, convenient system ensures on-time payments and eliminates the hassle of manual payments. You can view your payment history in the tenant portal.

Question 17

How do I submit a maintenance request?

Accepted Answer

You can submit maintenance requests 24/7 through your tenant portal. Simply log in, describe the issue, and submit. For emergencies outside business hours, we have a 24/7 emergency line. All requests are tracked and you'll receive updates as work is scheduled and completed.

Question 18

What's the application process?

Accepted Answer

Our application process is fully online. Browse available listings, submit your application through the listing page, and we'll conduct a thorough screening including credit check, background check, income verification, and landlord references. Per the NS Residential Tenancies Act, we do not charge application fees.

Question 19

How do I contact my property manager?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us through multiple channels: your tenant portal (preferred for non-urgent matters), phone at 902-740-7059 during business hours, or email through the contact form. For maintenance emergencies, our 24/7 emergency line is available.

Question 20

How much is the security deposit?

Accepted Answer

Under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, security deposits are capped at half of one month's rent. Your deposit is held in trust and returned at the end of your tenancy, minus any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, as permitted by law.

Question 21

What are the standard lease terms?

Accepted Answer

We typically offer 12-month leases, which automatically convert to month-to-month at the end of the term under NS law. All lease terms comply with the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act. Your lease clearly outlines all rights, responsibilities, and policies.

Question 22

Are pets allowed in your rental properties?

Accepted Answer

Pet policies vary by property and are set by the property owner. Some properties welcome pets with a pet deposit or monthly pet fee, while others may have restrictions. Check individual listings for pet policy details or contact us to find pet-friendly rentals.

Question 23

What counts as a maintenance emergency?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance emergencies include situations that pose immediate danger to health or safety, or could cause significant property damage if not addressed immediately. Examples include burst pipes, no heat in winter, gas leaks, flooding, or electrical hazards. For emergencies, call our 24/7 emergency line immediately.

Question 24

What are my rights as a tenant in Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

Nova Scotia tenants have strong protections under the Residential Tenancies Act. Key rights include: landlords cannot charge application fees, security deposits are capped at half a month's rent, landlords must give 24 hours' notice before entering, rent increases are capped at 5% annually with 4 months' notice, and evictions must follow proper legal procedures through Residential Tenancies.

Question 25

What is the move-out process?

Accepted Answer

When your lease ends or you provide proper notice, we coordinate the move-out process including a final inspection, key return, and security deposit reconciliation. We document the unit's condition with photos and compare to the move-in inspection. Your security deposit is returned within 10 days, minus any lawful deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Question 26

Are utilities included in rent?

Accepted Answer

Utility inclusion varies by property. Some units include heat, water, or electricity in the rent, while others require tenants to set up their own utility accounts. Check the individual listing details for utility information, or contact us for clarification on any specific rental.

Question 27

Is parking included with my rental?

Accepted Answer

Parking availability and inclusion varies by property. Many of our properties include parking, while others offer it as an additional option. Check the individual listing for parking details, or ask us about parking availability for any rental you're interested in.

Question 28

What is the best property management company in Halifax?

Accepted Answer

Nova Solutions Property Management serves Halifax and all of Nova Scotia with a focus on transparency, technology, and NS RTA compliance. We offer automated rent collection via PAD, real-time owner portals, comprehensive Certn tenant screening, and 24/7 emergency maintenance — all with no hidden fees. Our 98% client retention rate speaks to the quality of our service.

Question 29

What sets Nova Solutions apart from other property managers?

Accepted Answer

Three key things differentiate us: our technology platform with real-time owner and tenant portals, our built-in NS RTA compliance (we don't just advise — our system enforces legal requirements), and our transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We also maintain a 24/7 emergency response for tenants and provide detailed monthly financial reporting.

Question 30

What types of properties do you manage?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in residential property management including single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and multi-unit apartment buildings. Whether you own one rental unit or a portfolio of properties across Nova Scotia, we have the systems and team to manage them effectively.

Question 31

How many units does Nova Solutions manage?

Accepted Answer

We currently manage over 150 residential units across Nova Scotia, spanning Halifax Regional Municipality and Southwestern Nova Scotia. Our portfolio continues to grow as more property owners discover the value of professional, technology-driven management.

Question 32

What technology does Nova Solutions use?

Accepted Answer

We built a custom property management platform that includes online owner and tenant portals, automated rent collection via Pre-Authorized Debit (Stripe), digital work order management, automated financial reporting, and digital lease management. Our technology eliminates paperwork and gives you real-time visibility into your property's performance.

Question 33

Is the initial consultation really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. We'll discuss your property, your goals, and how our services can help. We'll also provide a customized management proposal with transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

Question 34

How much does property management cost in Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

Property management fees in Nova Scotia typically range from 8-12% of monthly rent collected, depending on portfolio size and services included. Nova Solutions charges a percentage-based fee with no hidden costs — tenant screening, rent collection, financial reporting, and 24/7 emergency response are all included. Contact us for a custom quote based on your portfolio.

Question 35

What is the rent increase cap in Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

Nova Scotia currently caps annual rent increases at 5% under the Residential Tenancies Act. Landlords must provide tenants with at least 4 months' written notice before any rent increase takes effect. Our system automatically enforces these caps and generates compliant notices.

Question 36

What is the eviction process in Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

Evictions in Nova Scotia must follow the Residential Tenancies Act. The process begins with serving the appropriate notice (e.g., Form D for non-payment). If the issue isn't resolved, an application is filed with Residential Tenancies for a hearing. Only after a formal order can eviction proceed. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal in Nova Scotia.

Question 37

What are the security deposit rules in Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

Under the NS Residential Tenancies Act, security deposits cannot exceed half of one month's rent. The deposit must be held in trust, and landlords must pay interest on the deposit. At tenancy end, deposits are returned within 10 days minus any lawful deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Question 38

When can a landlord enter a rental unit in Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

Under the NS Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering a rental unit, and entry must be between 9 AM and 9 PM. Exceptions include emergencies (fire, flood, gas leak) where immediate entry is permitted. Our system enforces these notice requirements for all property inspections and maintenance visits.

Question 39

Can landlords charge application fees in Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

No. Under the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, landlords and property managers are prohibited from charging application fees to prospective tenants. Nova Solutions fully complies with this requirement — our tenant screening process is included in our management services at no cost to applicants.

Question 40

What must be included in a Nova Scotia lease?

Accepted Answer

A Nova Scotia residential lease must include: the names of the landlord and tenant, the address of the rental unit, the amount of rent and when it's due, the term of the lease, the security deposit amount, and the responsibilities of each party. The lease must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act, and any terms that contradict the Act are void.

Question 41

Do you have an online portal for owners and tenants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide separate dedicated portals for both property owners and tenants. Owners can view financial statements, rent payment history, maintenance records, and property inspection reports in real time. Tenants can pay rent, submit maintenance requests, view their lease, and communicate with management — all from any device.

Question 42

How does automated rent collection work?

Accepted Answer

We use Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) through Stripe for secure, automated rent collection. Tenants enroll once with their banking information, and rent is automatically withdrawn on the due date each month. This system ensures reliable, on-time payments and provides both tenants and owners with detailed payment records.

Question 43

How do you protect my personal and financial data?

Accepted Answer

We take data security seriously. All financial transactions are processed through Stripe, which is PCI-DSS compliant. Our platform uses encryption for data in transit and at rest. We comply with PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) requirements, including 7-year consent retention for PAD enrollments.

Question 44

How does the digital work order system work?

Accepted Answer

Tenants submit maintenance requests through their portal with a description of the issue. Our team reviews each request, assigns it to a qualified contractor, and schedules the work. Both tenants and owners receive status updates throughout the process. All work orders are documented with photos, invoices, and completion notes.

Question 45

Can I access the portal from my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both our owner and tenant portals are fully responsive and work on any device — phone, tablet, or desktop. You can check your property's performance, review statements, or submit maintenance requests from anywhere with an internet connection.

Question 46

Do you manage properties in Halifax?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Halifax Regional Municipality is our primary market. We manage residential properties throughout Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, Cole Harbour, and Eastern Passage. Our local team understands the Halifax rental market and provides hands-on property management with 24/7 emergency response.

Question 47

Do you manage properties in Yarmouth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Yarmouth is where Nova Solutions was founded. We have deep roots in the Yarmouth community and continue to serve property owners throughout Southwestern Nova Scotia, including Yarmouth, Shelburne, Digby, and Barrington.

Question 48

Do you manage properties in rural Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

We are actively expanding our service areas across Nova Scotia. Currently, we serve Halifax Regional Municipality and Southwestern Nova Scotia as our core markets, with growing coverage in the Annapolis Valley, Kentville, Wolfville, Bridgewater, and Lunenburg. Contact us to discuss properties in other areas.

Question 49

Can you manage my property if I live outside Nova Scotia?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many of our property owners live outside Nova Scotia or even outside Canada. Our technology platform provides real-time visibility into your property's performance from anywhere in the world. We handle everything on the ground — tenant relations, maintenance, inspections, and financial management — so you don't need to be nearby.

Question 50

Do you manage properties on the South Shore?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we serve the South Shore including Shelburne, Barrington, and Lunenburg. Our roots in Yarmouth give us deep knowledge of Southwestern Nova Scotia communities. Contact us to discuss your property management needs in the South Shore area.

Question 51

Are you expanding to the Annapolis Valley?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Annapolis Valley is one of our growing markets. We are actively expanding our services to Kentville, Wolfville, and surrounding areas. If you have properties in the Annapolis Valley, contact us to discuss how we can help.

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