Did you know that the Halifax Regional Municipality recently enacted a new by-law impacting rental properties? On June 12, 2023, By-Law R-400 came into effect. This By-Law requires that all property owners register their rental properties under the Residential Rental Registry by April 1, 2024. I am a Rental Owner, what does By-Law R-400 Mean […]
Category: Real Estate
By-Law M-200 – New Maintenance Requirements for Rental Properties
Did you know that the Halifax Regional Municipality recently enacted a new by-law impacting rental properties? By-Law M-200 outlines the minimum standards that rental owners, including short-term rental owners, will need to ensure that their properties comply with. I am a Rental Owner, what does By-Law M-200 Mean for Me? Under By-Law M-200, and By-Law […]
Airbnb Ban – Understanding the HRM’s New Land Use Restrictions
Did you know that the Government of Nova Scotia recently enacted new laws affecting short-term rental properties? On September 1, 2023, new amendments to land use by-laws came into effect which impact short-term rentals in the Halifax Regional Municipality. These amendments place limitations on where Airbnbs and similar short-term rentals can be operated. What types […]
Buying a House – Getting Started
Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog finally retire from the Muppet Show and decide to purchase a small oceanfront home in Nova Scotia
Buying a home: How does a realtor help?
When we work with clients who are purchasing a home, we take the time to explain the process to them and are always available for any questions they may have.
My House is Haunted, Can I Sue?
This is a hot topic among real estate lawyers and I want to look at some of the issues with buying a haunted house, in the spirit of the Halloween season. In Nova Scotia, when you are purchasing a home, we say that the law is “Buyer beware”. This means that the Seller is required […]
Restrictive Covenants: How will they affect my ownership?
When purchasing a property you will want to know whether there are any covenants attached to your property. Covenants are typically referred to as ‘restrictive covenants.’ A restrictive covenant is normally contained in a deed conveying land. Restrictive covenants are essentially the things you are not permitted to do on, to, over or under land […]
Migrating Your Property into the Land Registry System
Effective December 1, 2004, a new land registry system was rolled out in HRM which is electronically based. Traditionally in Nova Scotia if you were going to purchase a property or re-mortgage, your lawyer’s role would be to certify to you, and your bank, that once you bought the property you would have good marketable […]
Do I need a Real Estate Agent to sell my home?
My clients will ask me on occasion whether they need a real estate agent to sell their home. People are sometimes interested in selling privately to save paying real estate commission which typically will range between 4-7% of the sale price plus hst. I have had clients advertise their properties on Kijiji or put a […]
Appointing a Guardian in Your Will
If you have minor children and are having a will prepared, you are faced with the challenge of deciding whom you will appoint as Guardian for your child. It is important to remember it is not only the people you choose, but also how you distribute your assets that will affect how your child is […]