Landlord and Tenant Information Page
The goal of this page is to provide answers to some frequently asked questions from landlords, tenants and residents about housing in Wolfville and to provide clarity for both parties when navigating complex documents such as land use bylaws and municipal planning strategies.
Are there restrictions on the number of rental bedrooms per unit?
Yes. The number of rental bedrooms per dwelling unit (home) depends on which zone the dwelling unit is in. These restrictions are outlined in the Single Room Occupancy section of Wolfville's Land Use Bylaw, described below.
What is a Single Room Occupancy?
A single room occupancy refers to a dwelling unit (house, duplex, etc) where landlords rent out individual bedrooms that include a shared kitchen and bathroom, rather than renting out the entire unit. Wolfville's land use bylaw considers dwelling units with 4 or more rented bedrooms as single room occupancies.
Are they permitted in Wolfville?
Yes, Single Room Occupancies are permitted in the R-2, R-3, R-4 I-2 and C-2 zones subject to the following:
1) A Fire and Life Safety Inspection shall be conducted on the premises before any Development Permit is issued;
2) The maximum number of single room occupancies shall correspond to the underlying zone:
a) R-2 - max 4 bedrooms
b) R-3 - max 6 bedrooms
c) R-4 max 8 bedrooms
d) C-2 max 6 bedrooms
View the Zoning Map below or click here to view a large version.
Is there a fee for operating a single room occupancy?
Yes, a fee must be paid to the Town. Please contact Marcia Elliott at melliott@wolfville.ca to pay this fee of $150.00 plus $25.00 per rental room after four (includes development permit fee). This fee must be paid every 4 years.
View the Municipal Fees Bylaw here.
What are the parking requirements for single room occupancies
In addition to the normal parking requirements for the dwelling, one parking space shall be provided for each bedroom, in excess of three, being used for rental purposes.
What permits are required for Single Room Occupancies?
After a Fire and Life Safety Inspection takes place, a Development Permit is issued.
Are there property minimum standards in Wolfville?
Yes, the Property Minimum Standards Bylaw can be viewed here. These standards apply to all homeowners and landlords in Wolfville and include guidelines on the following:
- Lawn and ground care, walkways, steps, driveways and parking areas,
- Waste storage,
- Accessory buildings such as sheds and garages,
- Fire prevention, structural soundness, drainage and prevention of dampness,
- Pest prevention and control,
- Interior walls, ceiling and floors, foundations and exterior walls, roofs, eavestroughs and gutters,
- Windows and doors, stairs, decks and balconies, egress,
- Heating, electrical services, plumbing, ventilation,
- Bathroom facilities, sleeping rooms, kitchens, cleanliness.
Property Minimum Standards are enforceable and appointed staff persons may carry out an inspection to ensure compliance with this bylaw.
How do I report a property not following the minimum standards?
If you notice a property not complying with the minimum standards and would like to report this to the Town, please contact the Town's Development Officer, Marcia Elliott.
What about existing uses?
Existing uses refer to uses that were approved before the new Land Use Bylaw was adopted in 2020. These uses are permitted to continue under the new Land Use Bylaw. If you are unsure if your use is considered an existing use or would like to change the use, please contact Development Officer Marcia Elliott to confirm.
Business Licensing
Residential rental properties are the biggest business in Wolfville. Therefore, Wolfville Town Council is considering licensing landlords under a business license. Doing so would help Town Staff know who is operating a rental unit in the Town and would help form a directory of landlords which would streamline information sharing when necessary.
The Town has been working on better integration between neighbours and different housing types, Single Room Occupancies are an example of a new type of housing in Wolfville. Learn more about the business licensing process here.
Next Steps for Business Licensing
A Request for Direction was brought to Council on January 11th, 2022 seeking direction for Staff to develop a business license for the Town that includes landlords. Information will be updated on this page as it becomes available.
Council directed staff to move ahead with a business licensing program. Staff will hold engagement sessions with landlords in the coming months as this process evolves.
Letters including an invitation to engagement sessions will be sent to all landlords, if you need to update your address, please email Marcia Elliott at melliott@wolfville.ca
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Lindsay Slade at lslade@wolfville.ca
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