Rental deposits by province
Updated 2026-10-23English original
Official source: Provincial tenancy boards ↗
Published 2026-10-23Last checked 2026-10-23Language English
If this page and the official page differ, the official page is right.
The short version
| Province | Deposit rules |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Last month's rent deposit only. No damage deposit. A refundable key deposit is allowed. |
| British Columbia | Security deposit up to half a month's rent, and a pet damage deposit up to half a month's rent. |
| Alberta | Security deposit up to one month's rent. |
| Quebec | Deposits are generally not allowed. |
| Manitoba | Security deposit up to half a month's rent. |
| Nova Scotia | Security deposit up to half a month's rent. |
Rules can change. Your provincial tenancy board has the final word.
Before you pay
- Get a receipt for every payment.
- Do a move-in inspection and take photos of the unit.
- Use your province's standard lease form where one exists.
General information, not legal advice. Every guide links to the official source and shows when we last checked it. For your own case, use IRCC’s tools or a licensed consultant.