How to Get Your Security Deposit Back in Canada (2026 Guide)

Getting your security deposit back after moving out should be straightforward — but disputes over what qualifies as damage vs normal wear and tear are common. This guide covers the rules in each province and how to protect yourself from unfair deductions.

Does Your Province Allow Security Deposits?

The first thing to know is that security deposit rules differ dramatically across Canada:

Ontario: No Security Deposit — But LMR Rules Apply

Ontario landlords cannot collect a security deposit or damage deposit of any kind. The only deposit permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act is a last month’s rent (LMR) deposit.

LMR Rules

• The LMR deposit must be applied to your last month of rent — not used to cover cleaning or damage
• The deposit earns interest each year, equal to the rent increase guideline for that year (2.5% in 2026)
• Your landlord must credit any accumulated interest against rent before or during your last month

What About Damage Claims in Ontario?

If you leave the unit damaged, your landlord cannot deduct from the LMR deposit. Instead, they must file a claim with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) within one year of the tenancy ending. If they don’t, they lose the right to claim.

If you believe your landlord applied your LMR deposit incorrectly or failed to pay interest, file a T1 application with the LTB.

British Columbia

Deposit Rules

• Security deposit: Maximum ½ month’s rent
• Pet damage deposit: Maximum ½ month’s rent (separate from security deposit)
• Deposits earn prescribed interest (currently 0%)

Return Deadline

The landlord must return the deposit within 15 days of the tenancy ending. If there is a dispute, the 15 days runs from the date the dispute is resolved.

The Double-Deposit Rule

If a landlord fails to return the deposit within 15 days without filing for dispute resolution, you are automatically entitled to double the deposit. This is a significant penalty — keep records of when your tenancy ended and when (if ever) you received the funds.

The Move-In Inspection Report

BC law requires landlords to offer a move-in condition inspection. If you request one, the landlord must carry it out. If the landlord refuses, they lose the right to make deductions from your deposit at move-out (except for damage that couldn’t reasonably have been noted at the time).

At move-out, the landlord must also offer a move-out inspection. If the landlord doesn’t give you the opportunity to attend, their ability to make deductions is limited.

Disputing in BC

File online with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). Most applications are heard by teleconference within a few weeks.

Alberta

Deposit Rules

• No statutory maximum for security deposits in Alberta
• A pet damage deposit is permitted (typically ½ month’s rent in practice)
• The deposit must be returned within:
  • 10 days if there are no deductions
  • 30 days if there are deductions (the landlord must provide an itemized statement with receipts)

Move-In Inspection

Alberta requires both landlord and tenant to complete a move-in condition report at the start of the tenancy. If the landlord refuses to do an inspection or give you a copy, they lose the right to claim from the deposit for damage (except hidden damage not reasonably discoverable).

What Can Be Deducted

Only costs that are reasonable and supported by receipts:

• Cleaning beyond normal expectations (e.g., excessive filth)
• Damage beyond normal wear and tear (e.g., large holes in walls, broken fixtures)
• Unpaid rent

Disputing in Alberta

File with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — available online, by phone, or in person. Filing fee is $75. Hearings are typically by teleconference. For amounts over $50,000, use Alberta Provincial Court (Civil).

Saskatchewan

Deposit Rules

• Maximum: 1 month’s rent
• Must be returned within 7 business days after tenancy ends with an itemized statement

Disputing in Saskatchewan

File with the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT). Hearings are held in person or by phone.

Manitoba

Deposit Rules

• Maximum: ½ month’s rent
• Must be returned within 14 days of tenancy ending

Disputing in Manitoba

File with the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB). Note: Manitoba has a different RTB from BC’s.

Nova Scotia

Deposit Rules

• Maximum: ½ month’s rent
• Must be returned within 10 days of tenancy ending, with an itemized statement if deductions are made

Disputing in Nova Scotia

File with the Director of Residential Tenancies.

Normal Wear and Tear vs Damage: The Key Distinction

In every province, landlords can only deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear. This is the most common source of disputes.

Normal Wear and Tear (cannot be deducted)

• Small nail holes from picture hooks
• Minor scuffs and paint fading from normal use
• Carpet worn from everyday foot traffic
• Light scratch marks on hardwood from furniture over years
• Faded curtains from sun exposure

Damage Beyond Normal Wear and Tear (can be deducted)

• Large holes in walls
• Broken doors, windows, or fixtures
• Burns on carpets or counters
• Pet stains or odours
• Excessive mould caused by tenant’s failure to ventilate
• Grease buildup on appliances left unclean

Depreciation Matters

Even for legitimate damage, landlords must account for the age and remaining useful life of the damaged item. If your carpet was 8 years old and had a 10-year lifespan, a landlord cannot charge you for a full new carpet — only 2/10 of the cost.

How to Protect Your Deposit

At Move-In

1. Request a move-in inspection — required in BC and Alberta; recommended everywhere
2. Take timestamped photos and video of every room, including inside appliances and light fixtures
3. Note every pre-existing issue on the inspection report in writing and get a signed copy
4. Email the landlord a summary of pre-existing damage as a paper trail

During Your Tenancy

• Report damage and maintenance issues in writing as they arise
• Keep copies of all maintenance requests and landlord responses

At Move-Out

1. Clean thoroughly — this is the most common deduction and the easiest to avoid
2. Request a move-out inspection and attend it in person
3. Take timestamped photos again in every room immediately after cleaning
4. Return keys on the final day and get written confirmation of the return

If You Haven’t Received Your Deposit

1. Send a written demand by email with a response deadline (5–7 days)
2. If no response, file with your provincial tenancy board (see deadlines below)
3. Bring your move-in photos, move-out photos, lease, and the deposit receipt

Dispute Deadlines by Province

Don’t wait. File promptly — your photos and documentation are freshest right after moving out.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario: No security deposit — LMR deposit only; damage claims go through LTB
• Quebec: Security deposits are illegal; any deposit paid must be returned
• BC: Deposit must be returned in 15 days; late return = double the deposit automatically
• Alberta: Return within 10 days (no deductions) or 30 days (with itemized statement + receipts)
• Everywhere: Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear — only actual damage with proof
• Always do a move-in inspection with photos — this is your most powerful protection

For more on renting in Ontario including eviction rules and LTB processes, see our Ontario tenant rights guide. For BC deposit disputes and the RTB process, visit our BC tenant rights guide. For subletting rules, see our subletting guide. Return to the renting hub for more guides.