We take the health and safety of our residents very seriously. That's why the Town of Yarmouth has a minimum standard for housing acceptable for Town residents, including items the Province of Nova Scotia allows municipalities to regulate.
Our Minimum Housing By-Law is used to protect the right of Town residents to have a suitable standard of living. It can also be used to protect the standards of Town buildings for property owners or landlords who may have tenants or occupants that are causing a dwelling to not meet the Town’s minimum housing standards. All housing within the Town must have:
- solid walls, floors and roof to protect from the elements
- secure working windows and doors
- safe exits
- natural light and ventilation
- electricity for lighting and appliances
- smoke alarms
- plumbing including a flushable toilet, a bath or shower and hot and cold water
- a kitchen
- heat in cold weather
Where there is a conflict with the provision of another Bylaw in force within the Town of Yarmouth, the provision that establishes the higher standards to protect health, safety, and welfare of the general public shall prevail. You can find the full Minimum Housing By-Law on our By-Laws page.
Complaints and inquiries should be directed to the Town’s Building Official at (902) 742-1505 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You can also fill out and return a PDF complaint form here.