How to Get Your Security or Damage Deposit Back After Moving Out in Canada in 2026
Learn how to get a security or damage deposit back after moving out in Canada, including province and territory deadlines, move-out evidence, legal deductions and what to do when a landlord does not return the deposit.
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There is no single Canada-wide security deposit rule. Residential tenancy law is mainly provincial or territorial, so the return deadline and dispute process depend on where the rental unit is located. Examples include 15 days in British Columbia after the later of the tenancy ending and the landlord receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing, 10 days in Alberta, 7 business days in Saskatchewan, 14 days in Manitoba, 10 days in Nova Scotia, 15 days in Prince Edward Island, 10 days in Newfoundland and Labrador, 15 days in Yukon, and 10 days in both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Ontario generally permits a last-month rent deposit rather than a damage deposit, while Quebec landlords cannot require a security or key deposit. Keep your lease, deposit receipt, move-in and move-out inspection records, photographs, communications and proof that you returned the keys.
What you need
- Your tenancy agreement or lease.
- Proof that you paid the security, damage or pet deposit, such as a receipt, bank record or electronic payment record.
- Your move-in condition inspection report, photographs or videos, where available.
- Your move-out inspection report, photographs or videos showing the condition of the rental unit when you left.
- Proof of the date the tenancy ended and the date you returned possession and keys to the landlord.
- Your forwarding address in writing where required, particularly in British Columbia and Yukon.
- Copies of messages, emails or letters about the deposit and any proposed deductions.
- Any statement of account, invoices, estimates or damage claims provided by the landlord.
- Proof that the landlord received notices or your forwarding address when service requirements apply.
- The correct application form and supporting evidence if you need to start a dispute with your provincial or territorial residential tenancy authority.
Eligibility
A tenant who paid a lawful refundable security, damage or pet deposit may generally be entitled to have the deposit returned at the end of the tenancy, subject to deductions permitted by the law of the province or territory where the rental property is located.
Rules are not uniform across Canada. Ontario generally allows a rent deposit for the last rental period rather than a damage or pet deposit. Quebec law does not allow a landlord to require additional amounts in the form of a security deposit, key deposit or similar charge. New Brunswick also has a distinct system in which security deposits may be remitted to the provincial residential tenancies authority rather than simply held and returned by the landlord.
A tenant's right to the deposit can be affected by unpaid rent, tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, cleaning obligations, failure to participate in required condition inspections, failure to provide a forwarding address, or other jurisdiction-specific rules.
How to do it
- Identify the province or territory where the rental property is located because there is no federal security-deposit return procedure.
- Review your lease and confirm what type of deposit you paid. Ontario rent deposits and Quebec rental rules differ substantially from the security-deposit systems used in many other jurisdictions.
- Before leaving, clean the rental unit and repair tenant-caused damage for which you are responsible. Ordinary wear and tear is generally treated differently from tenant-caused damage.
- Participate in the required or available move-out inspection. Compare the condition with the move-in inspection report.
- Take dated photographs or video of every room, appliances, floors, walls and other areas that could later become part of a damage claim.
- Return all keys, access cards and other means of entry and keep evidence showing when possession was returned.
- Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing when required. In British Columbia, the 15-day deposit deadline starts on the later of the tenancy ending or the landlord receiving the forwarding address in writing. Yukon also requires the tenant to provide a forwarding address in writing before its 15-day process applies.
- Wait only for the deadline applicable in your province or territory. The landlord may be required to return the deposit, return the undisputed balance and provide details of deductions, obtain your written agreement, or file a formal claim depending on local law.
- If deductions are proposed, ask for an itemized statement and supporting evidence. Compare the deduction with your inspection records, photographs, lease and applicable tenancy rules.
- If the landlord misses the deadline or you disagree with the deduction, send a written demand for the deposit and preserve proof of delivery.
- If payment is still not made, apply to the residential tenancy authority, rental officer, tribunal or court that has jurisdiction over the rental property. Use the required form, meet the applicable filing deadline and submit your evidence.
- Keep the decision or order. If the landlord does not voluntarily comply, follow the enforcement procedure available in that province or territory.
How to get a security deposit back after moving out in Canada
Security and damage deposits are governed mainly by provincial and territorial law, not by one federal Canadian rule. The first step is therefore to identify where the rental property is located and use that jurisdiction's deposit-return rules.
The safest move-out strategy is to document the condition of the rental unit, participate in inspections, return all keys, provide any required forwarding address in writing and keep proof of every communication with the landlord.
Security deposit return deadlines by province and territory
British Columbia
After the tenancy ends, give the landlord your forwarding address in writing. Within 15 days after the later of the tenancy ending and the landlord receiving that address, the landlord must generally return the security and pet damage deposits with applicable interest or apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution. A landlord can retain an amount when the tenant agrees in writing or where an applicable order allows it. If the landlord does not take the required action within the deadline, the tenant may seek an order that can include double the amount of the deposit.
The tenant should also participate in the required condition inspection process because failure to participate in certain inspections can affect the right to the deposit.
Alberta
If there are no lawful deductions, the landlord must return the full security deposit plus applicable interest within 10 days after the tenant gives up possession of the rental premises.
If deductions are made, the landlord must within 10 days either return the remaining balance with a statement of account or provide an estimated statement and return the undisputed amount. When an estimate is used, a final statement and any remaining money owing must be provided within 30 days after the tenancy ends.
Alberta also links damage and cleaning deductions to inspection-report requirements. A tenant who disputes deductions or does not receive the required deposit information can apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service or court.
Saskatchewan
A landlord generally has 7 business days after the landlord knows or reasonably should know that the tenant has vacated to return the security deposit and accrued interest or take the prescribed steps to claim against it.
A tenant may dispute a landlord's security-deposit claim or apply for return of a deposit through the Office of Residential Tenancies online portal. Saskatchewan states that a tenant security-deposit dispute must be filed within 60 days of the tenancy end date. The application fee is $50.
Manitoba
If the landlord has no claim against a deposit, the deposit and prescribed interest must generally be returned within 14 days after the tenancy ends.
If the landlord wishes to make a claim, Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Branch rules require written notice of the claim and return of any unclaimed portion within the applicable statutory period. If the parties cannot agree, either party may ask the Residential Tenancies Branch to determine who is entitled to the deposit.
Ontario
Ontario is different from provinces that use damage deposits. A landlord can generally collect a rent deposit for the last rental period and a refundable key deposit, but cannot require a general damage or pet deposit.
The rent deposit must be applied to rent for the last rental period before the tenancy ends rather than treated as a damage fund. If a tenant paid an amount that was not legally permitted, the tenant can seek recovery through the Landlord and Tenant Board under the applicable rules.
Quebec
A Quebec landlord cannot require additional amounts in the form of a security deposit, key deposit or similar charge as a condition of the lease. A landlord also cannot require payment exceeding one month's rent in advance under the standard residential rental rules.
If a tenant has paid a prohibited deposit and the landlord refuses to reimburse it, the tenant can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement to enforce their rights.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick uses a distinctive security-deposit system. Security deposits may be remitted under the Residential Tenancies Act to the provincial residential tenancies authority. At the end of a tenancy, a tenant seeking a deposit held by the authority follows the provincial reimbursement procedure. Landlords claiming against a deposit must use the process established under New Brunswick residential tenancy legislation.
Because the deposit can be held by the provincial authority rather than the landlord, tenants should verify the deposit registration and use the official New Brunswick residential tenancy process when requesting repayment.
Nova Scotia
A landlord must generally return the security deposit within 10 days after the last day of the tenancy unless there is unpaid rent, damage or the tenant has provided written permission for the landlord to keep some or all of the deposit.
If the landlord wants to keep the deposit without the tenant's written agreement, the landlord must use the applicable security-deposit claim process within the required 10-day period.
A tenant who has not received the deposit more than 10 days after the tenancy ends, or who disputes the landlord's claim, can use Form S, Application to Director to Return Security Deposit. Nova Scotia permits this application online. There is no application fee for the tenant, and the province states that a decision should take about 2 weeks, although complex or incomplete cases may take longer.
Prince Edward Island
Under the current Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord generally has 15 days after the tenancy ends or is assigned to return the security deposit with applicable interest or apply to the Director claiming against the deposit.
A landlord may retain an amount where an applicable prior order remains unpaid, where the tenant agrees in writing at the end of the tenancy, or where the Director orders retention. The Act provides that a landlord who does not comply with the section governing return of the deposit cannot make a claim against the deposit and must pay the tenant double the amount of the security deposit.
Newfoundland and Labrador
A landlord must generally return the security deposit no later than 10 days after the tenant vacates unless the landlord has a claim against all or part of it.
If there is a dispute about the deposit, the landlord and tenant may enter into a written agreement or either party may apply to the Director under the Residential Tenancies Act to determine how the deposit should be distributed.
Yukon
After the tenant moves out and provides the landlord with a forwarding address in writing, the landlord has 15 days to return the security deposit with applicable interest, obtain the tenant's written consent to deductions and return the balance, or apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution.
A landlord who wants to retain part of the deposit without the tenant's agreement must obtain an order allowing the deduction.
Northwest Territories
A landlord who holds a security deposit or pet security deposit must generally return the deposit and provide an itemized statement within 10 days after the tenant vacates or abandons the rental premises.
If the landlord intends to withhold an amount, written notice and an itemized statement are required within the 10-day period, together with the balance that is not being retained, subject to the Residential Tenancies Act.
The Northwest Territories also places importance on entry and exit inspection reports. Failure by a landlord to complete and provide required reports can restrict the landlord's ability to retain a deposit for repair costs.
Nunavut
Nunavut's Residential Tenancies Act generally requires a landlord to return the security deposit with applicable interest and provide an itemized statement within 10 days after the tenant vacates or abandons the rental premises.
A landlord claiming for damage or rent arrears must within that period provide the tenant and Rental Officer with the required notice and itemized information and return the remaining balance. If repair costs cannot yet be determined, the legislation provides for an estimated statement within 10 days and subsequent final accounting within the applicable period.
What evidence should you collect before moving out?
Deposit disputes are often decided on evidence about the condition of the rental property, payment history and communication between the parties. Keep your original lease, deposit receipt, move-in inspection report and photographs taken when the tenancy began.
At move-out, photograph or record every room after cleaning and after your belongings have been removed. Include walls, floors, appliances, bathrooms, windows and any area where damage could be alleged. Keep the original files with their dates where possible.
Complete the move-out inspection required or offered in your jurisdiction and keep a copy of the signed report. If you disagree with the landlord's description of damage, record the disagreement rather than signing an inaccurate statement without qualification.
Can a landlord deduct normal wear and tear?
Residential tenancy rules distinguish tenant-caused damage from ordinary deterioration associated with normal use of a rental property. Provincial and territorial terminology differs, but a landlord generally cannot treat ordinary wear as though the tenant deliberately or negligently damaged the property.
Evidence from the beginning and end of the tenancy is therefore important. It can show whether a mark, worn surface or other condition already existed or developed through ordinary use rather than tenant-caused damage.
Can a landlord deduct cleaning costs?
Cleaning deductions depend on the law and facts in the applicable jurisdiction. A tenant should leave the premises at the cleanliness standard required by local tenancy law and the lease. For example, British Columbia requires a departing tenant to leave the rental unit reasonably clean and undamaged except for reasonable wear and tear.
If cleaning costs are deducted, request an itemized explanation and supporting documentation and compare the claim with your photographs and inspection reports.
What if the landlord wants to keep part of the deposit?
Do not assume that a landlord can simply decide to keep a deposit. Several jurisdictions require written tenant consent, a formal application, an official order or specific notice and accounting procedures before all or part of a deposit can lawfully be retained.
Ask for the exact amount being deducted, the reason for each deduction and any invoices, estimates, inspection reports or photographs used to support the claim.
If you agree with a deduction, keep a written record of the agreement. If you disagree, use the dispute procedure in the province or territory where the property is located.
What should you do if the landlord does not return the deposit?
First check that the legal return period has expired and that you have completed any step that triggers the deadline, such as providing a forwarding address in writing.
Send the landlord a written request identifying the rental unit, the amount of the deposit, the date the tenancy ended and where payment should be sent. Keep proof that the request was delivered.
If the landlord still does not pay, apply to the appropriate residential tenancy authority. Depending on the jurisdiction, this may be the Residential Tenancy Branch, Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service, Office of Residential Tenancies, Residential Tenancies Branch, Landlord and Tenant Board, Tribunal administratif du logement, Residential Tenancies Program, Rental Office, Director, Residential Tenancies Office or Rental Officer.
Can you apply online to recover a security deposit?
Online dispute filing is available in several jurisdictions, but there is no single Canada-wide application. Saskatchewan's Office of Residential Tenancies uses an online portal for security-deposit disputes, and Nova Scotia permits tenants to submit Form S online. British Columbia also provides online Residential Tenancy Branch dispute-resolution services.
Other jurisdictions may use online, paper, in-person or combined processes. Always use the authority responsible for the province or territory where the rental property was located.
What happens after you file a security deposit dispute?
The tenancy authority may review written evidence, obtain responses from the landlord, schedule a hearing or adjudication, or attempt resolution according to its legislation and procedures.
Useful evidence includes your lease, proof of deposit payment, move-in and move-out inspection reports, photographs, videos, correspondence, proof of your forwarding address, proof of key return, the landlord's accounting and any invoices or estimates.
If an order requires the landlord to pay you but the landlord does not comply, you may need to use the jurisdiction's enforcement process. A residential tenancy order may need to be filed or registered with a court before collection measures can be used.
Why the province or territory matters
A search for how to get a security deposit back in Canada can produce conflicting answers because the rules genuinely differ across the country. A 10-day deadline that applies in Alberta or Nova Scotia should not be transferred to a British Columbia tenancy, and Ontario or Quebec deposit rules should not be applied to a Saskatchewan or Yukon rental.
Always identify the jurisdiction first, confirm the current official rule and use the correct local form and dispute authority.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Canada?
There is no single Canadian deadline. Verified examples include 7 business days in Saskatchewan, 10 days in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, 14 days in Manitoba, and 15 days in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon. Conditions that start the deadline can also differ.
Does British Columbia require a forwarding address before the security deposit deadline starts?
Yes. The landlord generally has 15 days after the later of the tenancy ending and receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing to return the deposit with applicable interest or start a claim against it.
How long does an Alberta landlord have to return a damage deposit?
If there are no deductions, the landlord generally has 10 days after the tenant gives up possession to return the full security deposit plus applicable interest. Different accounting requirements apply when deductions are claimed.
How long does a Saskatchewan landlord have to return a security deposit?
A Saskatchewan landlord generally has 7 business days after knowing or reasonably being expected to know that the tenant has vacated to return the deposit or follow the statutory claim process.
How long do I have to dispute a security deposit in Saskatchewan?
The Office of Residential Tenancies states that a tenant can file a security-deposit dispute within 60 days of the tenancy end date. The application fee is $50.
How long does a Manitoba landlord have to return a security deposit?
If there is no claim against the deposit, Manitoba requires the landlord to return the deposit and prescribed interest within 14 days after the tenancy ends.
Can an Ontario landlord charge a damage deposit?
Ontario generally does not allow a standard damage or pet deposit. A landlord can generally collect a rent deposit for the last rental period and a refundable key deposit subject to the Residential Tenancies Act.
Can a landlord require a security deposit in Quebec?
No. The Tribunal administratif du logement states that a landlord cannot require additional amounts in the form of a security deposit, key deposit or similar charge.
How long does a Nova Scotia landlord have to return a security deposit?
The landlord generally has 10 days after the last day of the tenancy to return the deposit unless there is unpaid rent, damage or written permission from the tenant allowing the landlord to retain some or all of it.
What can I do if a Nova Scotia landlord does not return my deposit?
Once more than 10 days have passed after the tenancy ends, an eligible tenant can use Form S, Application to Director to Return Security Deposit. It can be submitted online and the tenant application fee is waived.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Prince Edward Island?
Under Prince Edward Island's current Residential Tenancy Act, the landlord generally has 15 days after the tenancy ends or is assigned to return the deposit with applicable interest or apply to the Director claiming against it.
Can a PEI landlord owe double the security deposit?
Yes. Section 40 of the current Residential Tenancy Act provides that a landlord who fails to comply with the security-deposit return requirements cannot make a claim against the deposit and must pay the tenant double the amount of the security deposit.
How long does a Newfoundland and Labrador landlord have to return a security deposit?
The Residential Tenancies Act generally requires the deposit to be returned no later than 10 days after the tenant vacates unless the landlord has a claim for all or part of it.
How long does a Yukon landlord have to return a security deposit?
After the tenant moves out and gives the landlord a forwarding address in writing, the landlord generally has 15 days to return the deposit, obtain written agreement to deductions or apply for dispute resolution.
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit in the Northwest Territories?
The landlord generally has 10 days after the tenant vacates or abandons the premises to return the deposit and provide an itemized statement, subject to any lawful withholding process.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Nunavut?
Nunavut's Residential Tenancies Act generally requires the landlord to return the security deposit with applicable interest and provide an itemized statement within 10 days after the tenant vacates or abandons the rental premises.
What proof should I keep to get my damage deposit back?
Keep the lease, proof of deposit payment, move-in and move-out inspection reports, photographs or videos, messages with the landlord, proof of the date you moved out, proof you returned the keys and proof that you provided a forwarding address where required.
Can a landlord keep a deposit for normal wear and tear?
Ordinary wear and tear is generally distinguished from tenant-caused damage under residential tenancy rules. The exact legal test and terminology depend on the province or territory, so inspection reports and photographs are important evidence.
Can I recover my security deposit online?
Several jurisdictions provide online dispute processes, including British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia. There is no single federal application, so you must use the authority for the province or territory where the rental unit was located.