Are you moving out of your Alberta rental and wondering when you’ll get your deposit back? Understanding deposit refund timelines helps tenants avoid unnecessary stress and dispute surprises. Alberta’s laws outline when and how security deposits (sometimes called "damage deposits") must be returned, what deductions are allowed, and what you can do if there’s a problem. This guide explains everything Alberta tenants need to know, using plain language and helpful resources.

What Is a Security Deposit and How Does It Work in Alberta?

In Alberta, a security deposit is money your landlord collects at the start of your tenancy to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. This amount cannot exceed one month’s rent. For a complete overview on security deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Key Rules for Deposit Refunds: Alberta Legislation

Under Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)[1], landlords must return your security deposit with any interest accrued, less any allowed deductions, within a strict legal timeline:

• Within 10 days after the tenancy ends and you have given up possession of the rental unit, the landlord must either:
• Refund your full deposit (plus interest), or
• Provide you with a written statement of any deductions made, along with supporting receipts or estimates, and return any remaining balance (plus interest).
• If deductions are for work not yet completed (such as repairs or cleaning), the landlord must provide an estimated deduction amount and then a final statement and any remaining balance within 30 days of the end of tenancy.

If you do not receive your deposit or accounting statement as required, you have options to enforce your rights. The Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) handles these disputes.

Allowable Deductions from Your Security Deposit

A landlord can only deduct legitimate costs from your deposit, such as:

• Unpaid rent
• Damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Unpaid utilities, if your lease makes you responsible for them
• Cleaning, if the unit is left unreasonably dirty

Normal wear and tear is not deductible. Learn more about tenant and landlord responsibilities in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Required Inspection Reports for Deposit Deductions

Landlords must complete both move-in and move-out inspection reports with the tenant present whenever possible. If the landlord fails to provide these reports, they generally forfeit the right to keep any part of your deposit, except for unpaid rent.

For more information, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Official Form: RTDRS Application for Deposit Refund

If your landlord does not return your deposit on time, you can apply to the RTDRS. The official form is:

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service Application Form (RTDRS Form 1B)

Purpose: To start a claim for the return of your rental deposit (plus interest) and resolve other tenancy disputes.

How to use: If the 10-day (or 30-day, if outstanding estimates are involved) deadline has passed and you have not received your deposit or an accounting statement, fill out the RTDRS Form 1B with your tenancy details, attach any relevant documents (inspection reports, lease, communications), and submit online or in person.

Submit the RTDRS Application Form

Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Deposit Is Not Returned

• Confirm the legal refund deadline (usually 10 days after the end of your tenancy).
• Contact your landlord in writing to request the deposit and interest.
• If needed, submit the official RTDRS Application Form (see above).
• Prepare your inspection reports, lease, and any correspondence for your claim.
• Attend your RTDRS hearing (usually held online or by phone).

If you'd like more advice on how to ensure a smooth end to your lease and get your full deposit, consider reading How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

How Interest on Your Security Deposit is Calculated

Landlords must pay interest on your security deposit each year, using Alberta’s prescribed interest rate. This amount is added to the deposit refund unless you and your landlord have agreed in writing for it to be compounded. You can find annual interest rates and a calculator on the Alberta government’s website.

Stay Informed about Your Rights

For a broader view on your province’s laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta. If you're moving across Canada, Canada's best rental listings platform will help you secure your next rental home across provinces.

FAQs: Security Deposit Refunds for Alberta Tenants

1. How long does a landlord have to return my deposit after I move out in Alberta?
   In most cases, landlords have 10 days after you have given up possession of your unit to refund your deposit or provide a statement of deductions.
2. Can a landlord keep my deposit for damages?
   Yes, but only for damage that is beyond normal wear and tear, and only if inspection reports were properly completed.
3. What do I do if my landlord doesn’t return my deposit?
   You can file an application with the RTDRS to recover your deposit. Make sure to document all communication and provide inspection reports.
4. Does my deposit earn interest?
   Yes, landlords in Alberta must add annual interest to your security deposit using the government’s set rate unless a written agreement states otherwise.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Alberta landlords must refund deposits within 10 days after tenancy ends, or give a clear written statement of deductions.
• Inspection reports are required for deductions. Tenants can apply to the RTDRS if refunds aren’t provided properly.
• Your deposit earns interest and only legitimate costs can be withheld.

By knowing your rights, keeping good records, and following the right steps, tenants can protect their deposit when moving out.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) – Full Text and Guides
• Security Deposit Interest Rate Calculator – Government of Alberta
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) – Tenant Rights Information

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1. [1] See the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act for official rules on deposits and timelines.

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