Are Key Deposits Legal for Alberta Tenants?

Maintenance & Repairs Alberta published: June 12, 2025 Flag of Alberta

Many renters in Alberta are asked to pay a deposit when they move in, but you might wonder whether landlords can legally charge a separate key deposit. This guide explains Alberta laws, your rights, and what steps you can take to protect your deposit and your peace of mind.

What Are Key Deposits and Are They Legal in Alberta?

Key deposits are payments requested by landlords specifically to cover the cost of lost or unreturned keys at the end of a tenancy. In Alberta, the rules about deposits are very clear under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

Alberta law does not allow landlords to collect both a security deposit and additional deposits for keys or other items. All extra deposits for keys, fobs, or garage door openers must be included in the main security deposit and cannot be charged on top of it. The maximum allowed security deposit—including any key deposit—is one month's rent.[1]

Security Deposit Rules Explained

The security deposit covers:

  • Unpaid rent
  • Damages beyond normal wear and tear (including for unreturned keys)
  • Cleaning if needed to restore the rental to its original condition

If you return all keys and there is no damage or unpaid rent, you’re entitled to a full refund of your deposit plus interest, as required by law.

What If My Landlord Requests a Separate Key Deposit?

A separate key deposit beyond the security deposit is not legal. If you are asked for one, you have the right to refuse and remind your landlord of the rule. For a complete overview of which deposits are allowed in Alberta, review Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

How Security Deposits and Key Returns Work

At the end of your tenancy, you must return all keys, fobs, cards, or electronic devices that grant access to the rental. If you do not, your landlord can deduct the cost of replacements from your security deposit.

If your landlord tries to withhold money for a missing key outside of this process or demands extra deposits, this is not permitted.

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Deposit Refund Timelines and Interest

Alberta landlords must return the security deposit (with interest) within 10 days after the lease ends, unless there is a reason for a deduction (such as cleaning, damages, or lost keys). Learn more about getting your security deposit back with interest as part of How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

Tip: Always get a written receipt or acknowledgment for all keys and fobs returned on move out day. Take photos if possible, and keep copies for your records.

Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Tribunal and Official Forms

Disputes about deposits—including key deposit disputes—are handled through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) in Alberta. If you think your landlord is holding an illegal deposit or making unfair deductions, you can apply to the RTDRS for a decision.

Relevant Official Forms

  • Application for Filing a Residential Tenancy Dispute (Form RTDRS-1): Use this form to start a claim for return of your deposit.
    Find it on the government website: RTDRS Forms Page

Example: If your landlord refuses to return part of your deposit claiming a missing key, you would complete Form RTDRS-1, include proof (like move-out inspection reports or key return receipts), and submit it as described on the RTDRS site.

Extra Steps to Protect Yourself

You can also Browse apartments for rent in Canada and find more resources and support for renters.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can a landlord in Alberta charge me a key deposit on top of the security deposit?
    No. Any deposit (including for keys, fobs, or access cards) must be included in the security deposit, and cannot exceed one month's rent.
  2. What should I do if I already paid a separate key deposit?
    Ask your landlord to treat it as part of your official security deposit and to provide a full receipt. If they refuse, you can apply to the RTDRS for help.
  3. How quickly should I get my security deposit back?
    Your landlord must return it with interest within 10 days after you move out (unless they provide a Statement of Account outlining deductions).
  4. What happens if I lose a key?
    Your landlord can deduct the reasonable, documented replacement cost from your security deposit—but cannot keep all or part of a separate deposit.
  5. Are digital fob and access card deposits handled the same way?
    Yes. The law treats all access devices the same as keys; replacement costs can only be taken from the security deposit.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

  • All deposits—including for keys—must be part of the one security deposit and cannot exceed one month's rent.
  • Landlords must provide receipts and return deposits with interest within 10 days of move-out, minus lawful deductions.
  • If your rights are not respected, Alberta's RTDRS can help resolve deposit disputes quickly and affordably.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. See Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), Section 44 — maximum deposit rules and legal requirements.
  2. Government of Alberta: Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act — deposits, move-out, and dispute resolution.
  3. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — complaint process and forms.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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