Nova Scotia’s major landlords’ association says a two per cent annual cap on rents brought in by the Liberal government won’t solve the shortage of affordable housing and may even make it worse.
Kevin Russell, executive director of the Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia, said in an interview Thursday the temporary protections for renters introduced on Wednesday are acceptable as a short-term measure during the pandemic.
READ MORE: N.S. offers one-time grant for businesses ordered closed as a result of COVID-19 restrictions
Get daily National news
But he says if the measure stays in place after COVID-19 subsides, landlords will struggle to maintain and upgrade their buildings, and it will lead to a decrease in the housing available for low-income tenants.
Housing Minister Chuck Porter has said the cap will be in place until the province lifts its state of emergency order or Feb. 1, 2022, whichever comes first.
- First Nation demands more info on Bell AI data centre near Regina: ‘We have to live here’
- Catholic, Anglican bishops urge Albertans to consider referendum’s impact on vulnerable
- 2nd potential AI data centre worries Saint John residents: ‘We have questions’
- U.S. officials allow liquor deliveries to resume to isolated New Brunswick island
He also has announced that landlords will not be able to obtain an eviction order for renovations, informally known as a “renoviction,” for the same time period, because he says people shouldn’t be forced out of their homes during the pandemic.
Russell speaks for 155 building owners in the province who manage multi-unit apartments.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.