Am I Eligible?
To qualify for public housing, you (and your household) must meet the eligibility criteria for the public housing program established by the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency (NSPHA).
NSPHA operates on a rent-geared-to-income (RGI) model. This means that tenants pay rent based on their household income and composition. If your household includes at least one adult and one dependent, your RGI rate will be 25% of your total household income before taxes. Most other households have an RGI rate of 30% of total household income before taxes. If you receive Income Assistance, different rental rates apply. Please contact us for more details.
Eligibility Criteria
- Your gross household income must be below the Household Income Limits (HILs)* for the area you apply and the number of bedrooms your household needs.
- You and every member of your household is either a Canadian Citizen or have Permanent Resident status.
- You must be able to live independently.
- You must meet one of the following conditions:
-- You have lived in the municipality where you are applying for 12 consecutive months during the last 23 months.
OR
-- You have lived in the municipality where you are applying for five years since you were 18.
Additional requirements for current or previous public housing tenants:
- If you were previously a public housing tenant and have outstanding arrears, you must commit to a repayment plan.
- If you are currently living in public housing, you must be listed as a household member for that unit.
Priority Access
Some applicants may also qualify for priority access based on their current living situation. Eligibility for priority access includes additional criteria and must be signed by one of the qualified professionals listed on the referral form.
*Household Income Limits (HILS) for 2024/2025
Household Income Limits are established and updated annually by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
*Effective September 1, 2024
| Location | 1 bedroom | 2 bedroom | 3+ bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halifax (Census Metropolitan Area) | $55,000 | $67,500 | $77,500 |
| Small Towns (Cape Breton Regional Municipality) | $31,000 | $45,000 | $52,500 |
| Small Towns (Kentville, Truro & New Glasgow) | $32,000 | $42,000 | $49,500 |
| Rest of Province (Rural Areas) | $62,500 | $73,000 | $84,500 |
Important Information for Applicants
Keep your Application Up-To-Date
You should update your application any time there is a change that affects your household's housing needs, such as an increase in household size and contact information. If you applied online, you can make updates through our Application Portal. If you applied in-person, please contact your District Office.
Maintaining your Eligibility
Applicants must update their household composition and income yearly to maintain their eligibility. If you applied online, you can make updates through our Application Portal. If you applied in-person, please contact your District Office.