The real estate industry in Nova Scotia has been greatly
affected by COVID-19. Consequently, the Nova Scotia government
announced several initiatives intended on supporting Nova Scotia
businesses and residents including an eviction
moratorium and a rent deferral
program.
EVICTION MORATORIUM
Commercial Tenancies
Hon. Chuck Porter, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing, issued a direction on March 27, 2020 (the
"Direction") announcing a moratorium on
commercial tenancy evictions and prohibiting commercial and retail
landlords from exercising a notice to quit or distress under a
commercial lease, commercial agreement or the Tenancy and
Distress for Rent Act. This applies to the non-payment of rent
due on or after March 22nd, 2020 by a retail or
commercial tenant who was required to close their business or whose
business was substantially and directly restricted by a COVID-19
public health order under the Health Protection Act. The
Direction remains in
