How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Canada?

It depends on the province. Ontario allows only a last month's rent deposit. BC allows a security deposit of up to half a month's rent. Alberta allows up to one month's rent. Quebec prohibits deposits entirely. Always verify current rules in your province before paying any deposit.

Can a landlord charge both a security deposit and a last month's rent deposit in Canada?

Usually no. Most provinces restrict what a landlord can collect. In Ontario, for example, the only deposit allowed is last month's rent — a separate "damage deposit" is illegal. In BC, you can be charged a security deposit (half month's rent) and a pet damage deposit (half month's rent), but not both plus last month's rent.

Do landlords have to pay interest on deposits in Canada?

In some provinces, yes. Ontario requires landlords to pay interest on last month's rent deposits annually at the rent increase guideline rate. BC requires interest on security deposits held for more than one year. Alberta does not require interest. Rules vary significantly.

How do I get my deposit back after moving out?

Document the condition of the unit with photos and video when you move in AND when you move out. Give proper written notice of your move-out date. Ensure you leave the unit clean and in the same condition as when you moved in (minus normal wear and tear). If your landlord doesn't return it within the required timeframe, file a dispute with your provincial tenancy authority.

Can a landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?

No. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear — things like minor scuffs on walls, carpet wear from regular use, or faded paint. Deductions are only allowed for damage beyond normal use, such as large holes in walls, stained carpets from spills, or broken fixtures.

Security Deposit Rules by Province in Canada

Deposit rules are one of the most misunderstood areas of tenant law in Canada. Knowing what your landlord can legally charge — and what they cannot — protects you before you hand over any money.

Security deposit rules by province

Ontario

Item	Rule
Security / damage deposit	Not permitted
Last month’s rent deposit	Permitted — maximum one month’s rent
Pet deposit	Not permitted
Interest on deposit	Yes — at the annual rent increase guideline rate
Return deadline	Applied to final month’s rent; refunded if tenancy ends with credit

Ontario is tenant-friendly: your landlord can only ever hold one month’s rent as a deposit — for last month. Demanding a separate damage deposit is illegal. If a landlord charges one, you can file with the Landlord and Tenant Board.

British Columbia

Item	Rule
Security / damage deposit	Permitted — maximum half a month’s rent
Pet damage deposit	Permitted — maximum half a month’s rent (if pets allowed)
Last month’s rent deposit	Not permitted
Interest on deposit	Yes — annually (rate set by Residential Tenancy Branch)
Return deadline	Within 21 days of tenancy end/tenant vacating

BC landlords can hold up to one full month’s rent total across security + pet deposits. They cannot also take a last month’s rent deposit.

Alberta

Item	Rule
Security deposit	Permitted — maximum one month’s rent
Pet deposit	Included within the one-month cap
Last month’s rent deposit	Not permitted separately (part of security deposit)
Interest on deposit	Not required
Return deadline	Within 10 days if no damage claim; 30 days if claiming deductions

Alberta landlords must provide an itemized statement within 30 days if they are keeping any part of the deposit.

Quebec

Item	Rule
Security / damage deposit	Prohibited entirely
Last month’s rent deposit	Prohibited entirely
Pet deposit	Prohibited entirely
Post-dated cheques	Not required — landlord cannot demand them

Quebec is the most tenant-friendly province on deposits. A landlord in Quebec cannot legally accept any deposit. If someone asks you for one, this is a violation of the Civil Code of Quebec.

Manitoba

Item	Rule
Security deposit	Permitted — maximum half a month’s rent
Last month’s rent deposit	Not permitted
Interest	Not required
Return deadline	Within 14 days of tenancy end

Saskatchewan

Item	Rule
Security deposit	Permitted — maximum one month’s rent
Pet deposit	Included within one-month cap
Interest	Not required
Return deadline	Within 7 business days if no damage; up to 30 days if claiming deductions

Nova Scotia

Item	Rule
Security deposit	Permitted — maximum half a month’s rent
Last month’s rent deposit	Not permitted
Interest	Not required
Return deadline	Within 10 days of tenancy end (if no dispute)

New Brunswick

Item	Rule
Security deposit	Permitted — maximum one month’s rent
Interest	Not required
Return deadline	Within 7 days of tenancy end if no deductions

How to protect your deposit

1. Condition inspection report

In most provinces, landlords must complete a written condition inspection at move-in and move-out. Insist on this regardless of whether required — document every pre-existing mark, scuff, or damage before signing.

Take dated photos and video of every room on move-in day.

2. What landlords can and cannot deduct

Deductible	Not Deductible
Broken fixtures or appliances	Faded paint from normal aging
Large holes in walls	Minor nail holes from pictures
Stained or burned carpet	Worn carpet from regular foot traffic
Professional cleaning if unit left dirty	Normal dust and minor cleaning
Missing items from inventory	Normal wear on furniture

3. Give proper written notice

Always provide notice in writing (email is acceptable in most provinces) by the required deadline. Vacating without proper notice can complicate deposit return.

4. What to do if your landlord won’t return your deposit

Province	Dispute Authority
Ontario	Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
BC	Residential Tenancy Branch
Alberta	Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
Quebec	Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
Manitoba	Residential Tenancies Branch
Saskatchewan	Office of Residential Tenancies

Filing fees are low (typically $50–$100) and you can often represent yourself. Bring your move-in report, photos, and written communications.

Key takeaway

Deposits are strictly regulated in Canada — know what your province allows before handing over any money. Document the unit’s condition on day one with photos, get the inspection report in writing, and keep all payment receipts. If your deposit isn’t returned on time, your provincial tenancy authority can order repayment — usually for free.