Nova Scotia’s new Tourist Accommodations Registration Act
Brian Tabor, QC and Jennifer Murphy
On April 1, 2020, Nova Scotia’s new Tourist Accommodations Registration Act and its regulations come into force, repealing and replacing the Tourist Accommodations Act. With the exception of those who rent short-term roofed accommodation within their primary residence, short-term roofed accommodations hosts and platform operators are required to register through an online system, and can do so starting April 1, 2020.
In March 2019, the Nova Scotia government announced changes to the tourist accommodations legislation, aimed at growing and supporting the tourism industry in Nova Scotia by making it easier for short-term accommodations operators to do business in the province. Under the former Tourist Accommodations Act, short-term rental providers were required to be licensed, and to follow overly specific rules – as specific as ensuring each rental unit is equipped with a shaded lamp that can be turned on or off from the bed, a receptacle to be used as an ashtray even in a non-smoking rental unit, and a closet or wardrobe for hanging clothes with a minimum of 8 coat hangers, among many other requirements.
Now, under the Tourist Accommodations Registration Act, short-term roofed accommodations hosts and platforms that facilitate the rental of short-term roofed accommodations are simply required to register in the Tourist Accommodations Registry (rather than be licensed), and gone are the overly prescriptive rules.
In addition, the annual registration fees due under the Tourist Accommodations Registration Act are reduced and simplified compared to the licensing fees under the predecessor legislation:
- $50 for hosts with 1-4 bedrooms available for short-term rental;
- $150 for hosts with 5 or more bedrooms available for short-term rental; and
- $500 for platform operators.
Annual registration fees would normally be paid on application; however, in recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic, registration fees for hosts and operators are deferred for the 2020-2021 operating year. Hosts and operators are still encouraged to register as close to April 1, 2020, as possible to ensure compliance with the new legislation.
This update is intended for general information only. If you have questions about the above, please contact a member of our Commercial Transactions/Agreements group.
Click here to subscribe to Stewart McKelvey Thought Leadership articles and updates.
Archive
Section 156 of the Excise Tax Act (the “ETA“) provides an election that relieves certain related parties from having to collect Harmonized Sales Tax (“HST“) on the goods and services sold between them. The election deems qualifying…
Read MoreIN THIS ISSUE: More Than Wind – Emergence of Tidal Energy in Atlantic Canada by Sadira Jan Aquaculture and Salmon Farming in Atlantic Canada by Greg Harding The Expanding Atlantic Canada Offshore Industry: Growing Offshore without Going Offside by Stephen Penney and Rebecca…
Read MoreThe Supreme Court of Canada’s unanimous decision in the breach of contract case Bhasin v Hrynew, 2014 SCC 71 was released on November 13, 2014. The case is important in the law of contracts because…
Read MoreOn June 20, 2014, the Government of Canada announced a series of reforms to overhaul the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (“TFWP”). These reforms, many of which are effective immediately, function to: Re-organize the TFWP The…
Read MoreThe Editor’s Corner Clarence Bennett Summer is halfway over, but we know you will want to take this edition along with you while you enjoy more summer weather and time out of the office. Employers…
Read MoreOn June 26, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada released one of the most significant aboriginal law decisions since Marshall – Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia, 2014 SCC 44 (also known as the William decision). This decision could have…
Read MoreIn Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. v. Brine, 2014 NSSC 219, National Life (and later its successor Industrial Alliance) alleged Brine had received undisclosed CPP and Superannuation disability benefits resulting in a substantial overpayment of…
Read MoreAny individual, business or organization that uses email, text messages or social networks to promote their products and services should take note of Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation and its accompanying regulations. Effective July 1, 2014, the…
Read MoreIN THIS ISSUE: Consistent Use: The Collection of Union Members’ Personal Information by their Union by Alison Strachan and Jonah Clements. Single Incident of Offensive and Threatening Facebook Post is Just Cause by Harold Smith, QC. The New Anti-Spam Law –…
Read MoreYesterday, Monday June 2, 2014, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador introduced brand new (and unexpected) amendments to the Labour Relations Act. The full text of the proposed amendment can be accessed here. Bill 22, if it…
Read More