SUSAN LEBLANC « » : We were shocked to find out recently that this government's temporary rent cap does not apply to university residences. Students living at the Atlantic School of Theology residence are now facing a 25 per cent increase to their rents. As one student explained: "It feels like they're taking advantage of a loophole to exploit students." I will table that. My question to the minister is: Why did this government leave a loophole for universities in the temporary rent cap?
HON. JILL BALSER « » : I thank the member for this important question. We know that it's a difficult time for students, of course, raising the question around the decision that was made by the university in terms of increasing the rent. I just want to make note that university dorms aren't covered under the Residential Tenancies program here in Nova Scotia, but that goes for every jurisdiction across Canada. Nova Scotia is not unique in that sense.
We also want to make sure that we're focusing on student needs, looking at the investments being made in housing, because that is what we've been saying all along: With the improvements in housing, we want to make sure that we're making the right investments and focusing on the needs of students. I appreciate the students asking this question. It's not included in the Residential Tenancies program.
SUSAN LEBLANC « » : The minister's answer just reminds me to ask where the student housing strategy is.
I will change topics slightly. This isn't the only loophole that was left in the rent cap. We also have the fixed-term lease loophole. Fixed-term leases allow landlords to evict tenants at the end of their lease without cause. Some landlords, as we have heard, have been misusing this type of lease to raise rents above the five per cent rent cap every single year. The effects are clear: The cost of housing and tenant evictions are both skyrocketing. I'll table that. Why is this government refusing to end the ability to misuse fixed-term leases in Nova Scotia?
JILL BALSER « » : I want to take the opportunity to remind Nova Scotians if they have any questions about a lease to speak to their landlord, if that's an option, but to come to the Residential Tenancies program with any questions they might have.
Again, our focus on increasing the housing supply is also creating more options for Nova Scotians. We want to make sure Nova Scotians have the ability to be able to move and to be able to choose a home that's important for them. We are also seeing changes in our vacancy rates. We know the investments we have been making are improving. Again, anybody who has a question, come to the Residential Tenancies program. Come to all of us at our constituency offices. We're making sure Nova Scotians have the right information they need.