Efficiency Nova Scotia — Affordable Multifamily Housing Program

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Affordable Multifamily Housing Program program?

To be eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Affordable Multifamily Housing Program program, you must: • Must be a for-profit owner of multi-unit residential rentals or rooming houses • Must meet affordable rental rate criteria outlined in program agreements • For 1-3 unit properties: must be electrically heated

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Affordable Multifamily Housing Program?

You can contact Efficiency Nova Scotia by email at affordable@efficiencyns.ca or by phone at 1-877-999-6035.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Rebates for energy efficient upgrades in affordable multifamily housing

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Real estate and rental and leasing
Health care and social assistance
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

Efficiency Nova Scotia

Program status

Open

Overview

The Efficiency Nova Scotia — Affordable Multifamily Housing Program offers up to $150,000 or up to 80-100% of eligible project costs in rebates for energy efficiency upgrades in affordable multifamily rental properties, shelters, and non-profit support facilities. The program aims to reduce energy costs and improve comfort through upgrades such as insulation, high-efficiency heating systems, lighting, and window and door replacements.

Financing terms and conditions

Rebates of up to 80% of project costs for energy-efficient upgrades to multi-unit residential rental properties, co-ops, and eligible community support facilities.
Rebates of up to 100% of project costs for energy-efficient upgrades to shelters and transition houses.
For for-profit affordable rentals: rebates are capped at a maximum of $18,356 per affordable unit (if not all units are affordable), or $150,000 per project, or 80% of project cost—whichever is lower.
For for-profit rooming houses: rebates are capped at $6,118 per affordable room (if not all rooms are affordable), or $150,000 per project, or 80% of project cost—whichever is lower.
For not-for-profit properties, including shelters, transition houses, affordable rentals, and non-bed facilities: rebates are capped at $150,000 per project, at 100% (for shelters and transition houses) or 80% (for other non-profits) of eligible project costs, whichever is lower.

Activities funded

Upgrading multi-unit residential rental buildings with energy-efficient measures.
Implementing energy-efficient renovations in shelters and transition houses.
Retrofitting non-profit community support service facilities, such as food banks and community centres, for improved energy performance.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 44,500

Expanding a zero-waste grocery with self-serve technology

$ 74,000

Installing solar panels on a rural community centre rooftop

$ 42,500

Creating an accessible coworking space for remote workers

$ 29,500

Digitalizing a local crafts market with an e-commerce platform

$ 59,000

Upgrading bakery equipment for improved energy efficiency

$ 46,000

Launching a mobile mental health service with telehealth devices

Eligibility

The applicant must be a for-profit or non-profit organization managing multi-unit residential rental properties, cooperatives, or qualifying community support services such as food banks, outreach/support centers, employment, or education centres.
For for-profit affordable rentals and rooming houses (1-3 units), the building must be electrically heated and meet maximum rental rate criteria as specified in the Prescriptive Affordable Housing Agreement.
For for-profit affordable rentals and rooming houses (4+ units), the property must meet rental rate criteria in the Comprehensive Affordable Housing Agreement.
For non-profit organizations, applicants must be registered as a non-profit or charity and have been active for at least 12 months, with the building being electrically heated if it is a support service facility.
Shelters and transition houses must offer rent-free housing to qualify for up to 100% rebates.

Who is eligible?

For-profit multi-unit residential rental property owners
Non-profit housing providers (including registered charities and societies)
Cooperative housing organizations
Shelters and transition houses
Community support service providers (e.g., food banks, outreach, employment, education centres) with electrically heated buildings

Who is not eligible

Military housing providers.
Long-term care facilities.
Health facilities.
Condominiums.
Hospitality lodging businesses, including hotels.
Youth camps and hostels.
Cottages and campgrounds.
Academic dormitories (student housing).
Rental housing that exceeds eligible rental rate cut-offs.
New construction projects.

Eligible expenses

Upgrades to space heating systems (e.g., installation of heat pumps, high-efficiency boilers in electrically heated buildings)
Hot water heating improvements in electrically heated buildings
Window and door replacements for improved energy efficiency
Installation of attic, wall, and basement insulation
Lighting upgrades for common areas and exteriors (for any building type)

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

How to apply

Check program eligibility

Review the program eligibility criteria for your property type
Determine if your building and situation qualify for the program
Contact Efficiency Nova Scotia if you are unsure about eligibility

Prepare and complete application

Download and complete the Affordable Housing Program application form
Gather required supporting documentation, such as proof of non-profit status if applicable
Prepare any additional information requested based on your property type

Submit application and documents

Submit the completed application and required documents to Efficiency Nova Scotia
Wait for a response regarding your preliminary eligibility

Receive pre-approval and rebate details

Obtain pre-approval along with information about your eligible rebate amount
Receive the preapproval document that outlines approved upgrades

Arrange contractors and begin upgrades

Select contractors from the Efficiency Preferred Partners network or your own trusted contractors
Ensure all planned upgrades are preapproved before proceeding
Schedule and initiate installation of the energy-efficient upgrades

Complete upgrades and submit proof

Complete all preapproved energy-efficient upgrades
Collect documentation and invoices for completed work
Submit proof of completion and paperwork to Efficiency Nova Scotia

Verification and receive rebate

Wait for Efficiency Nova Scotia to verify the completion of upgrades
Receive the rebate payment, typically within six weeks after verification and processing

Additional information

All upgrades must receive preapproval from Efficiency Nova Scotia before installation to qualify for rebates.
Participants may receive approval for a maximum of 3 properties for comprehensive upgrades per calendar year, unless a justified project plan is provided for more submissions.
Quality assurance checks may occur at any stage during or after the project agreement period.
The Operating Agreement becomes effective once the project is completed and the rebate is received.

Contacts

affordable@efficiencyns.ca

1-877-999-6035

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Affordable Multifamily Housing Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Affordable Multifamily Housing Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.