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.