connect@seniorcareaccess.com My Favourites My Account

Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency

  • Housing
  • by Senior Care Access
  • connect@seniorcareaccess.com

Why this guide matters

The cost of housing has risen faster than incomes across Nova Scotia, and for the 20,000 people already living in public units - and the thousands still on the wait‑list - clear information can shave months off the search for an affordable home. The Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency (NSPHA) is the single gateway to that housing. Understanding how it is organized, who qualifies, and where to apply will put you a step ahead.

What the NSPHA is—and isn’t

Created under the Housing Supply and Services Act, NSPHA replaced five regional housing authorities in 2022. The change streamlined decision‑making, brought one set of rules to the whole province, and put more than 12,200 public‑housing units under a single Crown corporation.

NSPHA does not operate long‑term‑care homes or emergency shelters. Its mandate is rent‑geared‑to‑income housing for low‑income families, seniors, singles, and people with disabilities.

Who can apply

* Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee claimant living in Nova Scotia
* At least one household member 18 or older
* Income within the limits set for household size (varies by region)
* Able to live independently with or without outside supports

See the full criteria at https://nspha.ca/applicants/eligibility

How to start an application

  1. Choose communities or specific buildings you’d accept.

  2. Complete the online form through the Applicant Portal, or download a paper version and deliver it to any district office.

  3. Provide proof of income and identification for everyone on the application.

Application portal and printable forms: https://nspha.ca/applicants/apply‑housing

Rent supplements and other financial help

If you rent on the private market while waiting for a unit, you may qualify for the Canada–Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit, a monthly supplement paid directly to you. Details and forms are at https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply‑rent‑supplement‑canada‑nova‑scotia‑targeted‑housing‑benefit

NSPHA district offices

Contact the district that serves the county where you want to live. Phone lines accept maintenance calls from current tenants as well as new application questions.

Cape Breton Island District
18 Dolbin St., Sydney B1P 6K3
Phone 902‑539‑8520 | Toll‑free 1‑800‑565‑3135

Metropolitan District (Halifax Region)
Suite 3, 3770 Kempt Rd., Halifax B3K 4X8
24‑hour switchboard 902‑420‑6000 | Toll‑free 1‑800‑565‑8859

Northern District
7 Campbell’s Lane, New Glasgow B2H 2H9
Phone 902‑752‑1225 | Toll‑free 1‑833‑776‑0585

Western District
25 Kentucky Ct., New Minas B4N 4N1
Phone 902‑681‑3179 | Toll‑free 1‑800‑441‑0447 

Satellite service points in Middleton, Bridgewater, and Yarmouth remain open; call the Western District to confirm hours.

Five practical tips for seniors and families

  1. Apply even if you’re not ready to move tomorrow. Wait times can run 6–18 months in high‑demand areas.

  2. List more than one community on the application to shorten your wait.

  3. Keep your file current. Report address or income changes within 30 days to avoid being removed from the list.

  4. Check the rent supplement program if you’re paying more than 30 % of your income in private rent.

  5. Save the toll‑free number for your district; it’s the fastest way to track application status or request repairs once you’re a tenant.

Where to learn more

The Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency has simplified what used to be five different systems into one. By gathering your paperwork early, choosing several acceptable locations, and staying in touch with your district office, you will move through that system as quickly as possible—and keep your housing options open while you wait.

TOP