How much of a deposit can the landlord request, and what are the conditions for withholding it at the end of the lease?
The maximum amount that the landlord may request varies according to province and type of rental agreement. Provincial legislation also determines whether your landlord may or may not retain the security deposit at the end of the lease. Use the chart below to determine how much your landlord may request as a deposit.
You can also click on ‘’info by province’’ and select the province name to be redirected to the “Renting in…” articles. Then check “Is a deposit is required” for additional information.
TIP: Always provide your landlord with a forwarding address. If your landlord does not receive a forwarding address you nullify his obligation to return the deposit.
Province | Type of Rental Agreement | Maximum Deposit |
---|---|---|
Alberta | N/A | 1 month’s payment |
British Columbia | N/A | ½ of first month’s payment |
Manitoba | N/A | ½ of first month’s payment |
New Brunswick | N/A | 1 month’s payment |
Newfoundland & Labrador | Weekly | First Two Weeks’ Payment |
Monthly | ¾ of first month’s payment | |
6 – 12 months | ¾ of first month’s payment (if payments are made on a monthly basis) | |
Northwest Territories | Weekly | 1 week’s payment |
All other types | 1 month’s payment | |
Nova Scotia | N/A | ½ of first month’s payment |
Nunavut | Weekly | 1 week’s payment |
All other types | 1 month’s payment | |
Ontario | N/A | 1 month’s rent or the equivalent to one payment term * |
Prince Edward Island | Weekly | 1 week’s payment |
All other types | 1 month’s payment | |
Quebec | N/A | No deposit may be requested by the landlord |
Saskatchewan | N/A | 1 month’s payment |
Yukon | N/A | 1 month’s payment |
*Note: (ex: Marc makes weekly rent payments. His landlord may therefore request a maximum deposit equivalent to one week’s payment.
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