If you own or manage a rental property, Halifax Water is introducing changes to account requirements for rented and leased properties.
As of July 13, 2026, when a Halifax Water account for a rental property is opened, closed, or transferred, the landlord or property owner must be listed as the customer of record.
Please Note: Existing tenant accounts will not automatically transfer to landlords on July 13, 2026. The change will apply only when an account is opened, closed, or transferred after the effective date
Effective July 13, 2026:
- New rental property accounts will be established in the landlord or property owner's name.
- When a tenant account is closed, the landlord or property owner will become the customer of record.
- When an account is transferred, the landlord or property owner will be recorded as the account holder
The Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board approved this change as part of Halifax Water's 2025 General Rate Application.
The change is intended to provide greater clarity regarding responsibility for water, wastewater, and stormwater charges at rented and leased properties.
Existing Tenant Accounts
No action is required for existing tenant accounts solely because of this change. Existing accounts will remain unchanged until they are closed, transferred, or otherwise modified.
Future Account Changes
After July 13, 2026, property owners and landlords will become the customer of record whenever:
- A new account is opened
- A tenant account is closed
- An account is transferred to another party
Will all tenant accounts transfer to landlords on July 13, 2026?
No. Existing tenant accounts will not automatically transfer. The new requirement applies when an account is opened, closed, or transferred after July 13, 2026.
Can tenants still pay for water services?
Property owners should review their lease agreements and billing arrangements to determine how utility costs will be managed with tenants.
Will Halifax Water contact me?
Yes. Halifax Water will notify landlords and property owners when a tenant account closes and the customer of record changes.