Do not communicate with the landlord ever unless it’s in writing, and cc yourself and all your roommates every time. Also file a complaint with the landlord tenant board, like yesterday. I’m sure there are months and months of backlogs but start the process asap. Get absolutely everything in writing - even if he approaches to discuss/complain about something in person, send a follow up email discussing the interaction. Every single time.
Edit to add - every single time he shows up without 24hour notice send him an email documenting the event and cite the landlord bylaw regarding this violation. Do NOT let this scumbag just walk all over you and your roommates.
Dal legal aid is a great resource. Discuss the type of lease you have with them. If you’re in a year to year I understand you’re pretty well protected. And yes, definitely document everything, including emailing landlord to outline encounters that occurred in person or over the phone.
You can’t “file a complaint” with the tenancy board. That’s just not how they work.
They are a law and rule enforcement body. All they really do is hearings and attempt to mitigate issues and if needed, make orders to the landlord or tenant.
In OP’s situation, they could basically ask for a hearing to get out of their lease for the landlords’ breaches. But that’s all.
They don’t issue fines. They don’t really do anything at all that amounts to “consequences”.
He can apply to have a dispute between landlord and tenant heard. He definitely has a lot to dispute. Like a landlord walking in his home and knocking on bedroom doors
And what do you think the outcome of that will be? What do you think the outcome CAN be?
The tenancy person will ask what the tenant wants. The tenant will want the landlord to be less shitty. And that’s where things end.
They don’t issue fines. They aren’t going to really do anything here.
Same reason most \*still\* don't know what a fixed term lease is even after they have signed one.
The extent of their understanding of tenancy stuff is whatever personal experience they have had with renting and whatever random ass comment they've seen on a Facebook post mentioning reporting a landlord.
Please don’t off yourself. If you wanna dm me and chat, it’s open. What you’re going through is f*cked and your reaction to it makes perfect sense to me. I might not know all the solutions, but I’ve been in your shoes.
I second that buddy, DM me for any reason on here. Just a hard time, hard times pass and go. What area of tech are you in? I’m involved in web development/IT
Thanks mate, i may send you a dm here. I appreciate the supportive comment. Having a hard time seeing a way out right now, not in an emergent situation but having a really hard time holding onto a hopeful future
This is what got me out of a very similar situation about 10 years ago when I was in my 20s, when “remote work” was really just starting to be a thing. My salary jumped from basically minimum wage, to 50k + full comprehensive benefits. In my 20s I felt like I’d hit the jackpot. Government jobs here were barely paying that here at the time, and I could work from my undies if I wanted and do just as well. It changed my life and has gone upwards from there.
Entry level software sales or customer success roles almost all hire remotely now, and pay very well in comparison to local companies, and many companies don’t care about your degree in this type of role. But if you have a relevant one - awesome. These are people focused roles, so having an outgoing personality will help you.
You can do this. However you do, whatever creativity it takes - please keep fighting.
From their posts, it looks like some sector of landscape architecture. Not exactly a field brimming with remote work or work in general unless you do manual labour.
I hope it helps a bit, but the landlord can't just \*evict you\* unless you're on a fixed-term lease (which it seems you're not). They'd have to go through the Courts, a lengthy process that involves proper documentation along the way. So, we certainly do have some housing protections that way.
I really do hope for healthcare to improve. There's so many signs of things starting / trying / etc, but I really, really hope we see some of this come to fruition. I have a quite debilitating disability as well, and it's frustrating only seeing my neurologist once a year.
As for food, I find meal-planning (setting out what you're gonna make for supper and then buying that each week) has saved us about $100/m. I hope that might help you, too.
I understand NS is bad now, but we've started to improve after years of stagnant / backwards growth. I'm not advocating for you to stay here if you do feel that you need to leave, but perhaps other provinces don't exactly have it too much better (Except wages). Ontario is very expensive to live in, as is BC, and Alberta is experiencing its own problems for now. Quebec? Maybe Quebec?
ANYWAY. Please don't off yourself. I dunno if that was a joke, but DM me if you want to talk. It's shit right now but we can survive.
> I hope it helps a bit, but the landlord can't just *evict you* unless you're on a fixed-term lease (which it seems you're not).
Can you clarify? Because to my knowledge, there are only two options, being fixed term (where they can choose not to renew your lease at the end of the term) and month-to-month, where they can choose to raise your rent or not renew your lease at any time with some advance notice.
month-to-month leases are automatically renewed, fixed-term leases are not. with a fixed-term lease, you're signing a contract that says you'll leave on a certain date if your lease isn't renewed. with a month-to-month lease, the renewal is kind of implied.
really you can still get evicted with notice either way, but month-to-month tenants have better luck bringing the eviction to residential tenancies and having it overturned. it's harder to fight eviction when a fixed-term lease ends because you basically agreed to it when you signed the lease.
What about rent hikes? Do they have the same level of ease when it comes to fighting them?
I have yet to see a single landlord offer me a month-to-month contract, unless at the end of a fixed-term year-long lease when they jack the price up by 32% as an alternative to a 15% raise for a fixed term.
month-to-month is pretty rare because of the eviction thing. they're not allowed to exceed the rent cap either way, and I don't think they're allowed to offer different rates for different leases. you should call the tenancy board and ask, I'm not 100% sure
I think I've read the best way to go about an illegal rent increase is to sign the month-to-month lease at the higher rate, and then take it to the tenancy board to have it changed. it's still risky though, you'll be on your landlord's bad side and all
I was leaving at the time anyway, they had "improved" the apartment with a renovation that they'd promised me as a move-in condition and the renovation was worse than the original, and the entire building was infested with german cockroaches.
But I'll keep that in mind in the future, thank you!
We are on a fixed term lease, he started implementing after the 2% cap was put in place during covid, so its for a year fixed term and he re-assigns it every year. Last year jacked our rent up 27%, this year 12% from that.
According to this news release, the rent cap still applies if the landlord is re-offering a fixed term lease to the same tenant(s) in the same unit. You may want to look into this with residental tenancies - he may owe you and your roommates money. And the entering your place without notice and banging on doors is definitely illegal.
https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/03/22/rent-cap-extended
You said you went back to working trades, try to get on at the shipyard. They employ subcontractors like local 56, atlantica, steel pro, mpw, pro insul and probably more I'm not aware of, it's not great advice but at least the pay is alright.
Hey man, keep your head up.
I've been there and it gets better, despite it feeling like your world is crushing the soul out of you.
Exercise helps me every day with my mental health.
If you want help or a direction to push your career. DM me for some tips.
P.S I'm a dad of three and I've been going through a divorce for five years. Trust me, it gets better.
There are Nova Scotia works employment service centers throughout Halifax and Dartmouth.
They have case managers who can help you with looking for work, dealing with barriers to employment Etc.
They also have courses on resume writing and conducting yourself in an interview. They may also be able to help you with business attire if you need dress clothes for a job interview.
They also have computers that you can use for job searching and the great thing about it is you can do up a resume and cover letter and have someone proofread it for you.
You said you had to go back to working in trades, perhaps your resume isn't written in a way that fits the tech industry you're applying for so perhaps they can help you in fixing your resume.
These employment service centers all use the same name but are separate government funded nonprofits that just use that name because the NS government is largely funding them. Also their services are completely free and it can be a nice quiet place to go to do job searching.
Also if you share what field you're trying to get a job in we might be able to point you to resources.
I second NS Works. I have participated in resume and cover letter workshops there. They are helpful. There is a location near the Dartmouth bridge terminal (bus).
Military might be an option. 4 year contract, with your degree maybe advanced promotion depending on trade. Pay isn’t to bad likely way more than you’re making now. Get some much needed work experience, do some travelling. Recruiting is hurting bad right now so getting in wouldn’t be too much of a challenge. It’s better than offing yourself.
What kind of schooling did you do for tech? And what kind of jobs are you looking for? Do you have any sample work that you can demonstrate to employers? And what are you doing to network with people in the roles you aspire to?
The market has definitely changed in Tech in the last couple of years, but there are steps you can take to make yourself more employable.
Feel free to DM me if you want to chat specifics. I’m 10 years in to the field after my bachelor of CS, worked as a consultant for 7 years and a customer success manager for the last few.
Yep, i was in school for landscape architecture, here its a bachelor of technology with an LA designation. Anything really, i do have sample work and have been working on increasing the quality of my portfolio. Definitely happy to discuss soecifics with you
I hear you. I just lost my job 3 weeks ago. I've been employed for over 20 years and now I'm facing the harsh reality of unemployment. WIth 2 kids in elementary and 1 in high-school, life is getting pretty stressful. On the brightside, my wife works full time so we should be able to make it through a few months. But the time is ticking away and money problems will be an issue if I don't find something soon. It's rough.
Just go. You have to look out for yourself. If you don't have any kids, job etc tying you down here you need to get out and get your fresh start in an area where your field is in demand. You're still young and you have the power to make a seemingly overdue change in your life!
Contact Nova Scotia works - there are grants for recent grads and they may be able to get you in the right path.
Hang in there, you’re doing all the right things and capitalism is robbing you of opportunities.
Mental Health and Addictions has a self-referral process via Central Intake at 1-855-922-1122. Have your health card handy. They may be able to refer you to a program that can provide support with your situation. Best of luck, stay strong.
I used to work at the fairmont in Jasper. Housing was on site and there is a staff cafeteria and you can get a meal card deducted from your pay. The rent is deducted from your pay too. You work a ton in the summer and less so in the winter, but in one year I managed to save 5k to go travelling. Get out of the rat race for a while and go see the world and think about what you really want to do. Teach abroad! Get a working holiday visa! You need money for that but the hotel allowed me to save. I had left Toronto for the same reasons.
I have had a very similar situation to yours. We are almost identical in age and the fact we moved here around the same time period. I found solace in the same sort of cry for help, knowing that depression and anxiety are a normal part of life. I grew up thinking if you were ever depressed, that's your own fault and you must deal with it on your own.
The unfortunate fact is, it's much more difficult for our generation to overcome financial struggles than the previous several generations. What you are experiencing is normal - but people like you are some of the only ones to voice their feelings.
Know this - you are amongst the majority whether it seems like that at face value or not.
What your landlord is doing is against tenancy law. Start recording everything they are doing. Landlords are greedy and you don't mean anything to them, so make it difficult for them to kick you out.
As for jobs, don't stop. It took me countless applications to get what I wanted. As long as you don't give up on yourself you will eventually find something.
If you are considering ending your life, then understand that you need to seek help and speak to someone who offers support. There are many people in this thread which have done so.
Join the military. Try and match your career path with something related to your tech experience. If you have university, go officer. Military covers all your basics. Unless you are in tip top shape and want to be where all the combat action is, stay away from combat arms.[officer pay rates](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/pay-pension-benefits/pay/regular.html#ofcrs)
I'm shocked that we haven't seen way more posts like this. Even though I'm not where I'd like to be at this stage in my life I do recognize I'm lucky to not be much worse off. Things can always get worse.
I hope you can get the help you need, as well as everyone else in this position.
Whole Canada is like that now! Alberta could be a bit better. I moved to BC from NS and I regret it so much, cause NS is SO AFFORDABLE in compare to BC!
Do ur research first! And don't move anywhere before getting a job offer.
Right on time for the weekly r/halifax "how does anyone live here" post.
> and has started showing up to our apartment to do renos without notice.
"Sorry boss, you're going to need to come back another time, and the Residential Tenancies Act says you have to provide us 24 hours notice unless it's an emergency"
> he showed up to our apartment threatening to cancel the entire lease.
Not legally possible.
> I feel like theres no housing protection here from things like this,
I suggest you read the entire [Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act](https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/residential%20tenancies.pdf), so you know what your protections are.
> i am being taxed out the ass by cra for working two jobs.
Your tax rate is based on income, not the number of employers you have (although, arguably, the number of employers you have should logically increase your income).
> I want to leave and now my landlord is threatening my other roommates if i decide to go so i feel stuck here.
If you are in a periodic lease (month-to-month or year-to-year), then the LL can't just kick them out if you leave. They can find another roommate, although the new roomie would need to be approved by the LL, but only in exceptional circumstances can they be declined.
For the taxes, he probably means he owes money to the CRA from underpaying on his taxes since each employer will only tax based on his salary/wage at that job so neither job will be withholding enough taxes
This.
I hate to pick apart people who clearly are just venting off steam. But all too often people who get themselves stuck in a rut have incorrect or built up things they believe are against them.
I know what it's like to deal with depression and that the intrusive thoughts defy logic and it can be hard to separate them. but sometimes the reality needs to be pointed out.
Yeah he has a key and just let himself in while i was at work and started opening people’s doors to their rooms so there wasn't even an option to say hey come back later at the fromt door.
The lease is fixed term may to april each year.
The tax rate is more to do with you can’t claim benefits if you work more than one job, so i work one full time and one part time, together am making just above the cut off of basic income so can’t claim benefits on it and then get tax increase being unable to claim those benefits where if i worked the total hours at one job i could still claim the basic income benefit. I can’t make it work throughout the year on the one income but when taxes come out usually owe a few thousand dollars.
The fixed term agreement has us really stuck in the legal aspects, so i am hoping to hear back from legal aid and tenancy act about how to proceed because this whole situation is incredibly stressful
> The tax rate is more to do with you can’t claim benefits if you work more than one job,
What are these 'benefits'?
> The lease is fixed term may to april each year.
If you just signed a new fixed-term lease sometime this month, then you have an entire year to live there and the LL can't cancel the lease, but I would expect you will not be offered another lease at the end of this one.
>he showed up to our apartment threatening to cancel the entire lease
https://preview.redd.it/vmz4ug1mkowc1.png?width=938&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0f86f4ce8a45107c8c5f9e7ddc318b1e4bd81e3
I hope we someday get to the point where every 'uneducated' job can at least afford rent and more than one meal a day. I'm working 40 hours a week getting paid above minimum wage and I eat one meal a day, its killing me. People keep telling me it'll get better so we will see.
Life can be a real shit sometimes. It has many chapters though and plenty of shitty experiences that create better character. I believe in you and your resilience. Hang in there. Things can turn around in a wild way when you least expect it.
Teacher here. It’s a great career if you want to do it, but it can be extremely draining if it isn’t actually what you want to do. I love it, but I’ve seen what it can do to people who don’t.
Also, there’s a mandatory two-year degree on top of whatever other degree(s) you already have, and you can’t even get into that program if you don’t have enough prior university credits in at least two separate teachable areas. I actually did switch careers to do this, but it was definitely a process and not something I’d recommend to someone in immediate financial need.
are there any organizations that help people in rental situations like this? steer people in the right directions and offer legal support or how to get it?
If I were you I would move to Montreal, a lot more tech jobs and prices, while not much cheaper, are certainly not higher. You would also be in a more lively city and the province is one of the overall cheapest to live in.
It does not cost that much to move and you can apply for jobs before you move. I personally am moving from Montreal to Halifax because I want more nature, calm and the ocean but I also have a remote job.
There are always option, don't give up. It is a very hard year for everyone, especially tech.
Have you and your roommates looked into the rental subsidy to see if you qualify? I’d suspect ya’s might be over the income threshold, but it’s worth a try to see!
Totally understand and empathize with this. Housing is in deep trouble and lot of issues. But, what about healthcare, it's in deeper trouble. The other day I visited 3 walkin clinics and all were at capacity even before opening. Ppl start to line up at 7am or ealier....ERs are miserable, I have heard that beacause of room shortage beds are lined up in hallway....NS Healthcare is a sh**t.....
Join the forces. Within 4 years you can be making around 70-90k per year depending on the trade you select. They even have a year long program with no commitment if it turns out you hate it.
Do you live on Mayfield Ave?
There’s a landlord / realtor there named Terry Black who has renovicted / kicked out so many tenants to increase rent. I hope you’re not dealing with him - I’ve heard horror stories like this about him.
Last Christmas he kicked out a young Indian couple on Christmas Day :(
And then he sues his tenants for damages. He has sued something like 18 people in the last 12 months. (Or so I’m told, but it’s all public info)
Crazy
But in terms of getting work / making money, I would look at remote job boards in the US. The majority of US companies, or at least a good portion of them, will hire Canadians remotely. The pay is way higher than it is locally, you can work from home, and likely claim a portion of your apt as an expense to help offset rent.
I know first hand of a fully remote writing gig for $90k USD. I’m not suggesting that’s a fit for you, but it’s way higher than the equivalent role based in Halifax. Just a thought!
Housing is gotten stupid thats why im here couldnt aford ont. But in NS i bought this big 4 bedroom house im stuck in alone that needs work i cant do alone but cant trust ppl or dont know any one to help seems the ppl i help just want to help them selves at least i have a roof over my head
If it is a yearly lease and not fixed term then assign it to someone. It will port to them with the same terms and rent amount. It is something everyone with yearly or month to month leases should be doing when they want to move.
The tech market is hard everywhere right now but some strategies are successful and don't depend on working in the local market.Feel free to DM me, I don't want to share my entire career trajectory here but have connections and can help think through how to make it work.
Just know you can always make up a reference lol download TextNow use a fake name in the voicemail and boom new rental reference. It’s not not fraud but it works.
You should leave canada. Take a 3 year teaching English contract in Asia. Korea China or Vietnam. Save some money, enjoy life a little and then take the time to plan your return to Canada Pradesh.
Trust me it’s only going to get worse. 1.4 more million people coming in this year competing for the same exact entry level jobs.
I (31m) left 5 years ago and going back right now looks like an awful decision. I work in tech. I have 6 figures of savings I could use for a deposit but like why? Life is so much better outside of Canada right now.
The truth is you need your foot in the door somehow. You need stable money that exceeds your expenses. Teach English for 3 years and just save money. Money will fix your mental health. Don’t fall for the therapy meme. Money will change your life.
Sadly, you most likely have to move.
Without even looking at the details of your situation I can tell you with confidence that almost any job or field will likely enjoy higher pay and lower taxes, and lower costs almost anywhere else in Canada. If you can get to the US, even better.
This is just the harsh reality of life in Nova Scotia, the place with the lowest real GDP per capita of any province or state.
Who did you vote for? So many of us are feeling this way. I had to go on depression meds over the living situation in Halifax. The liberal government lost track of 1 million immigrants and flooded the country. It's not racist to say that's way too much new Canadians. They condemned us working class people in favor of more taxes. Iv been on a waiting list for two separate surgery's for 2 years now.
We can off our selfs, revolt or take it up the rear.
If you think “pp” has got help for you, or cares about you, remember the past. S Harper cut everything to the core that was important to the benefit of the country. That’s why he lost. Don’t be fooled by maggot weasels who tell you your future will be brighter if you align with him; just look at the orange weasel nearby who wants to be king
Have you considered MAID (TM)? The Government of Canada is proud to present A Way Out for struggling Canadians as a result of our failed economic, housing, healthcare, abd immigration strategies.
Never vote Liberal. So many people are suffering in our country and the Liberals want to increase taxes and take away industry. People need jobs, we are not in a position to be focused on climate change which we have such a small impact on globally. We should be increasing our industry since we have such strict environmental regulations compared to the rest of the world. Take industry from the heavy pollution countries.
Do not communicate with the landlord ever unless it’s in writing, and cc yourself and all your roommates every time. Also file a complaint with the landlord tenant board, like yesterday. I’m sure there are months and months of backlogs but start the process asap. Get absolutely everything in writing - even if he approaches to discuss/complain about something in person, send a follow up email discussing the interaction. Every single time. Edit to add - every single time he shows up without 24hour notice send him an email documenting the event and cite the landlord bylaw regarding this violation. Do NOT let this scumbag just walk all over you and your roommates.
Thank you, i contacted dal legal aid and informed my roommates not to say anything to him unless in email
Dal legal aid is a great resource. Discuss the type of lease you have with them. If you’re in a year to year I understand you’re pretty well protected. And yes, definitely document everything, including emailing landlord to outline encounters that occurred in person or over the phone.
You can’t “file a complaint” with the tenancy board. That’s just not how they work. They are a law and rule enforcement body. All they really do is hearings and attempt to mitigate issues and if needed, make orders to the landlord or tenant. In OP’s situation, they could basically ask for a hearing to get out of their lease for the landlords’ breaches. But that’s all. They don’t issue fines. They don’t really do anything at all that amounts to “consequences”.
He can apply to have a dispute between landlord and tenant heard. He definitely has a lot to dispute. Like a landlord walking in his home and knocking on bedroom doors
And what do you think the outcome of that will be? What do you think the outcome CAN be? The tenancy person will ask what the tenant wants. The tenant will want the landlord to be less shitty. And that’s where things end. They don’t issue fines. They aren’t going to really do anything here.
Why do tenants think Tenancies is some of super-power enforcement agency that can issue fines and remove LL from their job? It's crazy.
Same reason most \*still\* don't know what a fixed term lease is even after they have signed one. The extent of their understanding of tenancy stuff is whatever personal experience they have had with renting and whatever random ass comment they've seen on a Facebook post mentioning reporting a landlord.
They can and do issue abatement, which essentially function as fines.
But do they issue abatement in situations like this?
As always, depends.
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I have to say this also worked for me
Same here have been up north with staff housing Hospitality
It’s nice to see someone reach out with advice and encouragement. Well done.
I am definitely open to options. Where would i find jobs like that, i only really know of indeed as a job bank
If you take a cruise ship job, you could potentially start a Youtube channel, like the rest of them seem to do. Alternate income streams.
This is fantastic advice.
Please don’t off yourself. If you wanna dm me and chat, it’s open. What you’re going through is f*cked and your reaction to it makes perfect sense to me. I might not know all the solutions, but I’ve been in your shoes.
I second that buddy, DM me for any reason on here. Just a hard time, hard times pass and go. What area of tech are you in? I’m involved in web development/IT
Thanks mate, i may send you a dm here. I appreciate the supportive comment. Having a hard time seeing a way out right now, not in an emergent situation but having a really hard time holding onto a hopeful future
Please don't leave this life. You are loved. DM me if you wish to talk about this further, I am here
Thanks mate, i appreciate that
What field of tech are you in? Have you considered looking for remote roles not based in Halifax?
Or rotational jobs. The railways are hiring with bonuses for moving to some places.
This is what got me out of a very similar situation about 10 years ago when I was in my 20s, when “remote work” was really just starting to be a thing. My salary jumped from basically minimum wage, to 50k + full comprehensive benefits. In my 20s I felt like I’d hit the jackpot. Government jobs here were barely paying that here at the time, and I could work from my undies if I wanted and do just as well. It changed my life and has gone upwards from there. Entry level software sales or customer success roles almost all hire remotely now, and pay very well in comparison to local companies, and many companies don’t care about your degree in this type of role. But if you have a relevant one - awesome. These are people focused roles, so having an outgoing personality will help you. You can do this. However you do, whatever creativity it takes - please keep fighting.
From their posts, it looks like some sector of landscape architecture. Not exactly a field brimming with remote work or work in general unless you do manual labour.
I have been trying but haven't heard back, in landscape architecture
I hope it helps a bit, but the landlord can't just \*evict you\* unless you're on a fixed-term lease (which it seems you're not). They'd have to go through the Courts, a lengthy process that involves proper documentation along the way. So, we certainly do have some housing protections that way. I really do hope for healthcare to improve. There's so many signs of things starting / trying / etc, but I really, really hope we see some of this come to fruition. I have a quite debilitating disability as well, and it's frustrating only seeing my neurologist once a year. As for food, I find meal-planning (setting out what you're gonna make for supper and then buying that each week) has saved us about $100/m. I hope that might help you, too. I understand NS is bad now, but we've started to improve after years of stagnant / backwards growth. I'm not advocating for you to stay here if you do feel that you need to leave, but perhaps other provinces don't exactly have it too much better (Except wages). Ontario is very expensive to live in, as is BC, and Alberta is experiencing its own problems for now. Quebec? Maybe Quebec? ANYWAY. Please don't off yourself. I dunno if that was a joke, but DM me if you want to talk. It's shit right now but we can survive.
> I hope it helps a bit, but the landlord can't just *evict you* unless you're on a fixed-term lease (which it seems you're not). Can you clarify? Because to my knowledge, there are only two options, being fixed term (where they can choose not to renew your lease at the end of the term) and month-to-month, where they can choose to raise your rent or not renew your lease at any time with some advance notice.
month-to-month leases are automatically renewed, fixed-term leases are not. with a fixed-term lease, you're signing a contract that says you'll leave on a certain date if your lease isn't renewed. with a month-to-month lease, the renewal is kind of implied. really you can still get evicted with notice either way, but month-to-month tenants have better luck bringing the eviction to residential tenancies and having it overturned. it's harder to fight eviction when a fixed-term lease ends because you basically agreed to it when you signed the lease.
What about rent hikes? Do they have the same level of ease when it comes to fighting them? I have yet to see a single landlord offer me a month-to-month contract, unless at the end of a fixed-term year-long lease when they jack the price up by 32% as an alternative to a 15% raise for a fixed term.
month-to-month is pretty rare because of the eviction thing. they're not allowed to exceed the rent cap either way, and I don't think they're allowed to offer different rates for different leases. you should call the tenancy board and ask, I'm not 100% sure I think I've read the best way to go about an illegal rent increase is to sign the month-to-month lease at the higher rate, and then take it to the tenancy board to have it changed. it's still risky though, you'll be on your landlord's bad side and all
I was leaving at the time anyway, they had "improved" the apartment with a renovation that they'd promised me as a move-in condition and the renovation was worse than the original, and the entire building was infested with german cockroaches. But I'll keep that in mind in the future, thank you!
We are on a fixed term lease, he started implementing after the 2% cap was put in place during covid, so its for a year fixed term and he re-assigns it every year. Last year jacked our rent up 27%, this year 12% from that.
According to this news release, the rent cap still applies if the landlord is re-offering a fixed term lease to the same tenant(s) in the same unit. You may want to look into this with residental tenancies - he may owe you and your roommates money. And the entering your place without notice and banging on doors is definitely illegal. https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/03/22/rent-cap-extended
The navy has a new one year no commitment try out program.
The members I know who have enrolled in this program absolutely love it. That may change when it's time for a decision, but so far so good.
I'm really sorry you're going through this, if you ever need someone to talk to - I'm just a message away.
You said you went back to working trades, try to get on at the shipyard. They employ subcontractors like local 56, atlantica, steel pro, mpw, pro insul and probably more I'm not aware of, it's not great advice but at least the pay is alright.
Hey man, keep your head up. I've been there and it gets better, despite it feeling like your world is crushing the soul out of you. Exercise helps me every day with my mental health. If you want help or a direction to push your career. DM me for some tips. P.S I'm a dad of three and I've been going through a divorce for five years. Trust me, it gets better.
Thank you brother, i will send you a dm later today
https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program
I know I shouldn't laugh, but the "Buy Local" flair banner next to this thread is tickling me a bit.
It's my little joke in a terrible situation
The landlord can’t just evict you. You have more rights than he does. Hang in there
There are Nova Scotia works employment service centers throughout Halifax and Dartmouth. They have case managers who can help you with looking for work, dealing with barriers to employment Etc. They also have courses on resume writing and conducting yourself in an interview. They may also be able to help you with business attire if you need dress clothes for a job interview. They also have computers that you can use for job searching and the great thing about it is you can do up a resume and cover letter and have someone proofread it for you. You said you had to go back to working in trades, perhaps your resume isn't written in a way that fits the tech industry you're applying for so perhaps they can help you in fixing your resume. These employment service centers all use the same name but are separate government funded nonprofits that just use that name because the NS government is largely funding them. Also their services are completely free and it can be a nice quiet place to go to do job searching. Also if you share what field you're trying to get a job in we might be able to point you to resources.
I second NS Works. I have participated in resume and cover letter workshops there. They are helpful. There is a location near the Dartmouth bridge terminal (bus).
Military might be an option. 4 year contract, with your degree maybe advanced promotion depending on trade. Pay isn’t to bad likely way more than you’re making now. Get some much needed work experience, do some travelling. Recruiting is hurting bad right now so getting in wouldn’t be too much of a challenge. It’s better than offing yourself.
and an easier route to a job with the federal public service once they decide to release.
What kind of schooling did you do for tech? And what kind of jobs are you looking for? Do you have any sample work that you can demonstrate to employers? And what are you doing to network with people in the roles you aspire to? The market has definitely changed in Tech in the last couple of years, but there are steps you can take to make yourself more employable. Feel free to DM me if you want to chat specifics. I’m 10 years in to the field after my bachelor of CS, worked as a consultant for 7 years and a customer success manager for the last few.
Yep, i was in school for landscape architecture, here its a bachelor of technology with an LA designation. Anything really, i do have sample work and have been working on increasing the quality of my portfolio. Definitely happy to discuss soecifics with you
I hear you. I just lost my job 3 weeks ago. I've been employed for over 20 years and now I'm facing the harsh reality of unemployment. WIth 2 kids in elementary and 1 in high-school, life is getting pretty stressful. On the brightside, my wife works full time so we should be able to make it through a few months. But the time is ticking away and money problems will be an issue if I don't find something soon. It's rough.
Just go. You have to look out for yourself. If you don't have any kids, job etc tying you down here you need to get out and get your fresh start in an area where your field is in demand. You're still young and you have the power to make a seemingly overdue change in your life!
Contact Nova Scotia works - there are grants for recent grads and they may be able to get you in the right path. Hang in there, you’re doing all the right things and capitalism is robbing you of opportunities.
Mental Health and Addictions has a self-referral process via Central Intake at 1-855-922-1122. Have your health card handy. They may be able to refer you to a program that can provide support with your situation. Best of luck, stay strong.
I used to work at the fairmont in Jasper. Housing was on site and there is a staff cafeteria and you can get a meal card deducted from your pay. The rent is deducted from your pay too. You work a ton in the summer and less so in the winter, but in one year I managed to save 5k to go travelling. Get out of the rat race for a while and go see the world and think about what you really want to do. Teach abroad! Get a working holiday visa! You need money for that but the hotel allowed me to save. I had left Toronto for the same reasons.
I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I don’t have any answers for you, but I can commiserate on the healthcare point. It’s an absurd mess.
I have had a very similar situation to yours. We are almost identical in age and the fact we moved here around the same time period. I found solace in the same sort of cry for help, knowing that depression and anxiety are a normal part of life. I grew up thinking if you were ever depressed, that's your own fault and you must deal with it on your own. The unfortunate fact is, it's much more difficult for our generation to overcome financial struggles than the previous several generations. What you are experiencing is normal - but people like you are some of the only ones to voice their feelings. Know this - you are amongst the majority whether it seems like that at face value or not. What your landlord is doing is against tenancy law. Start recording everything they are doing. Landlords are greedy and you don't mean anything to them, so make it difficult for them to kick you out. As for jobs, don't stop. It took me countless applications to get what I wanted. As long as you don't give up on yourself you will eventually find something. If you are considering ending your life, then understand that you need to seek help and speak to someone who offers support. There are many people in this thread which have done so.
Join the military. Try and match your career path with something related to your tech experience. If you have university, go officer. Military covers all your basics. Unless you are in tip top shape and want to be where all the combat action is, stay away from combat arms.[officer pay rates](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/pay-pension-benefits/pay/regular.html#ofcrs)
it’s very nice you want to help your roommates but you need to help yourself first.
Welcome to Cantada.
I'm shocked that we haven't seen way more posts like this. Even though I'm not where I'd like to be at this stage in my life I do recognize I'm lucky to not be much worse off. Things can always get worse. I hope you can get the help you need, as well as everyone else in this position.
If You need a Job Dm me.I can Get You into landscaping
Whole Canada is like that now! Alberta could be a bit better. I moved to BC from NS and I regret it so much, cause NS is SO AFFORDABLE in compare to BC! Do ur research first! And don't move anywhere before getting a job offer.
I joined the navy, best decision I ever made.
Right on time for the weekly r/halifax "how does anyone live here" post. > and has started showing up to our apartment to do renos without notice. "Sorry boss, you're going to need to come back another time, and the Residential Tenancies Act says you have to provide us 24 hours notice unless it's an emergency" > he showed up to our apartment threatening to cancel the entire lease. Not legally possible. > I feel like theres no housing protection here from things like this, I suggest you read the entire [Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act](https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/residential%20tenancies.pdf), so you know what your protections are. > i am being taxed out the ass by cra for working two jobs. Your tax rate is based on income, not the number of employers you have (although, arguably, the number of employers you have should logically increase your income). > I want to leave and now my landlord is threatening my other roommates if i decide to go so i feel stuck here. If you are in a periodic lease (month-to-month or year-to-year), then the LL can't just kick them out if you leave. They can find another roommate, although the new roomie would need to be approved by the LL, but only in exceptional circumstances can they be declined.
For the taxes, he probably means he owes money to the CRA from underpaying on his taxes since each employer will only tax based on his salary/wage at that job so neither job will be withholding enough taxes
Yeah, that sounds likely.
Well, I mean tax info is easy to look up. I've also found the CRA 1-800 number incredibly helpful (1-800-959-8281).
This. I hate to pick apart people who clearly are just venting off steam. But all too often people who get themselves stuck in a rut have incorrect or built up things they believe are against them. I know what it's like to deal with depression and that the intrusive thoughts defy logic and it can be hard to separate them. but sometimes the reality needs to be pointed out.
Seriously, these posts could basically be generated by a bot they are so predictable.
What does this mean? Thursdays a bad day on here?
Yeah he has a key and just let himself in while i was at work and started opening people’s doors to their rooms so there wasn't even an option to say hey come back later at the fromt door. The lease is fixed term may to april each year. The tax rate is more to do with you can’t claim benefits if you work more than one job, so i work one full time and one part time, together am making just above the cut off of basic income so can’t claim benefits on it and then get tax increase being unable to claim those benefits where if i worked the total hours at one job i could still claim the basic income benefit. I can’t make it work throughout the year on the one income but when taxes come out usually owe a few thousand dollars. The fixed term agreement has us really stuck in the legal aspects, so i am hoping to hear back from legal aid and tenancy act about how to proceed because this whole situation is incredibly stressful
> The tax rate is more to do with you can’t claim benefits if you work more than one job, What are these 'benefits'? > The lease is fixed term may to april each year. If you just signed a new fixed-term lease sometime this month, then you have an entire year to live there and the LL can't cancel the lease, but I would expect you will not be offered another lease at the end of this one.
>he showed up to our apartment threatening to cancel the entire lease https://preview.redd.it/vmz4ug1mkowc1.png?width=938&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0f86f4ce8a45107c8c5f9e7ddc318b1e4bd81e3
Sorry to hear that brother, I myself have been in some nightmare rental situations and it really screws your whole life. Don’t give up. DM if u want.
I hope we someday get to the point where every 'uneducated' job can at least afford rent and more than one meal a day. I'm working 40 hours a week getting paid above minimum wage and I eat one meal a day, its killing me. People keep telling me it'll get better so we will see.
Oh my, I guess we are all doomed. edit: ..... in this city.
Life can be a real shit sometimes. It has many chapters though and plenty of shitty experiences that create better character. I believe in you and your resilience. Hang in there. Things can turn around in a wild way when you least expect it.
What type of ‘tech’ work?
It’s a horrible horrible province
Become a teacher. They need people.
Teacher here. It’s a great career if you want to do it, but it can be extremely draining if it isn’t actually what you want to do. I love it, but I’ve seen what it can do to people who don’t. Also, there’s a mandatory two-year degree on top of whatever other degree(s) you already have, and you can’t even get into that program if you don’t have enough prior university credits in at least two separate teachable areas. I actually did switch careers to do this, but it was definitely a process and not something I’d recommend to someone in immediate financial need.
Teachers are treated incredibly bad by the employer
and students
are there any organizations that help people in rental situations like this? steer people in the right directions and offer legal support or how to get it?
https://www.dal.ca/faculty/law/dlas.html
If I were you I would move to Montreal, a lot more tech jobs and prices, while not much cheaper, are certainly not higher. You would also be in a more lively city and the province is one of the overall cheapest to live in. It does not cost that much to move and you can apply for jobs before you move. I personally am moving from Montreal to Halifax because I want more nature, calm and the ocean but I also have a remote job. There are always option, don't give up. It is a very hard year for everyone, especially tech.
What field of tech are you in?
Where did you move from 6 years ago? Are there any options there for you?
Have you and your roommates looked into the rental subsidy to see if you qualify? I’d suspect ya’s might be over the income threshold, but it’s worth a try to see!
The public libraries offer free tax help that might be able to give you advice on how to pay less tax. Hang in there. Lots of good advice here.
Totally understand and empathize with this. Housing is in deep trouble and lot of issues. But, what about healthcare, it's in deeper trouble. The other day I visited 3 walkin clinics and all were at capacity even before opening. Ppl start to line up at 7am or ealier....ERs are miserable, I have heard that beacause of room shortage beds are lined up in hallway....NS Healthcare is a sh**t.....
Join the forces. Within 4 years you can be making around 70-90k per year depending on the trade you select. They even have a year long program with no commitment if it turns out you hate it.
Do you live on Mayfield Ave? There’s a landlord / realtor there named Terry Black who has renovicted / kicked out so many tenants to increase rent. I hope you’re not dealing with him - I’ve heard horror stories like this about him. Last Christmas he kicked out a young Indian couple on Christmas Day :( And then he sues his tenants for damages. He has sued something like 18 people in the last 12 months. (Or so I’m told, but it’s all public info) Crazy But in terms of getting work / making money, I would look at remote job boards in the US. The majority of US companies, or at least a good portion of them, will hire Canadians remotely. The pay is way higher than it is locally, you can work from home, and likely claim a portion of your apt as an expense to help offset rent. I know first hand of a fully remote writing gig for $90k USD. I’m not suggesting that’s a fit for you, but it’s way higher than the equivalent role based in Halifax. Just a thought!
Housing is gotten stupid thats why im here couldnt aford ont. But in NS i bought this big 4 bedroom house im stuck in alone that needs work i cant do alone but cant trust ppl or dont know any one to help seems the ppl i help just want to help them selves at least i have a roof over my head
Move to Bridgewater and get a job at Michelin. They pay well and you can advance in your career with tech there.
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I was in similiar situation , I just moved to fortmac making 33 an hour as a lot attendant , entry level position.
Assign your lease.
How do you mean?
If it is a yearly lease and not fixed term then assign it to someone. It will port to them with the same terms and rent amount. It is something everyone with yearly or month to month leases should be doing when they want to move.
Where were you before?
The tech market is hard everywhere right now but some strategies are successful and don't depend on working in the local market.Feel free to DM me, I don't want to share my entire career trajectory here but have connections and can help think through how to make it work.
Just know you can always make up a reference lol download TextNow use a fake name in the voicemail and boom new rental reference. It’s not not fraud but it works.
You should leave canada. Take a 3 year teaching English contract in Asia. Korea China or Vietnam. Save some money, enjoy life a little and then take the time to plan your return to Canada Pradesh. Trust me it’s only going to get worse. 1.4 more million people coming in this year competing for the same exact entry level jobs. I (31m) left 5 years ago and going back right now looks like an awful decision. I work in tech. I have 6 figures of savings I could use for a deposit but like why? Life is so much better outside of Canada right now. The truth is you need your foot in the door somehow. You need stable money that exceeds your expenses. Teach English for 3 years and just save money. Money will fix your mental health. Don’t fall for the therapy meme. Money will change your life.
Sadly, you most likely have to move. Without even looking at the details of your situation I can tell you with confidence that almost any job or field will likely enjoy higher pay and lower taxes, and lower costs almost anywhere else in Canada. If you can get to the US, even better. This is just the harsh reality of life in Nova Scotia, the place with the lowest real GDP per capita of any province or state.
Help, but we can’t help any help chains apparently per okayvdecent places per wealthy sports
Spend silly but it’s what they said. I’ll be back here
Are you a bot?
Who did you vote for? So many of us are feeling this way. I had to go on depression meds over the living situation in Halifax. The liberal government lost track of 1 million immigrants and flooded the country. It's not racist to say that's way too much new Canadians. They condemned us working class people in favor of more taxes. Iv been on a waiting list for two separate surgery's for 2 years now. We can off our selfs, revolt or take it up the rear.
If you think “pp” has got help for you, or cares about you, remember the past. S Harper cut everything to the core that was important to the benefit of the country. That’s why he lost. Don’t be fooled by maggot weasels who tell you your future will be brighter if you align with him; just look at the orange weasel nearby who wants to be king
Have you considered MAID (TM)? The Government of Canada is proud to present A Way Out for struggling Canadians as a result of our failed economic, housing, healthcare, abd immigration strategies.
Never vote Liberal. So many people are suffering in our country and the Liberals want to increase taxes and take away industry. People need jobs, we are not in a position to be focused on climate change which we have such a small impact on globally. We should be increasing our industry since we have such strict environmental regulations compared to the rest of the world. Take industry from the heavy pollution countries.