If your building has a new owner or manager and your rental deposit is transferred, you still have rights as a tenant in Ontario. This guide explains practical steps to confirm who holds your deposit, how to document payments and communications, when you can ask for a refund or an accounting, and how to start a claim with the Landlord and Tenant Board if needed. Read on for clear, tenant-focused actions, timelines and official forms to use so you can protect your money and avoid delays. Keep copies of lease pages, rent receipts and messages to speed any request or application.
What happens when ownership changes?
When a property is sold the new landlord usually assumes existing tenancy obligations, including any deposit or last months rent held for your unit. You should be told who now holds your deposit and given updated contact details. If you don't receive that information within a reasonable time, ask the new landlord in writing for confirmation and proof of the transfer. If you need to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board, you can find information on procedures and forms on the Boards site [1].
Practical steps to protect your deposit
- Gather proof of payments: bank records, rent receipts, and the lease that shows deposit amounts.
- Request written confirmation from the new landlord that they received and recorded your deposit.
- Send a dated written request (email or letter) asking for an accounting of the deposit and updated contact details.
- Keep a communication log with dates and names of people you speak to in case you need evidence.
- If your deposit is withheld improperly, prepare to file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
When to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board
If the new landlord denies holding your deposit, refuses to account for it, or deducts amounts you disagree with, you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for a decision. The Board handles disputes about deposits and enforcement of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 [2]. Before filing, try to resolve the issue directly: send a clear written request with a deadline and say you will apply to the Board if you do not receive a response.
What evidence helps your case?
Strong evidence includes a copy of your lease, rent receipts, bank transfers, text or email exchanges with the previous and new landlords, and photos of the unit if deductions are disputed. Organized records make it easier to show whether deductions were justified or if the deposit was transferred correctly.
How the process typically works
- Try written communication first: request an accounting and set a reasonable deadline (for example, 14 days).
- If there is no reply, send a formal notice or letter stating you will apply to the Board.
- File an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and attach your evidence.
- Attend any scheduled hearing and be prepared to explain and show documents.
Internal resources for tenants
Learn more about what counts as a deposit and how interest may apply by reading Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know. If youre moving out and want tips on getting your deposit back with interest, see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out. For help finding housing options while you resolve a dispute, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Can a new landlord legally keep my deposit without telling me?
- No. The new landlord must honour existing deposits or provide proof that the funds were transferred; tenants should request written confirmation and can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board if the issue is not resolved.
- How long do I have to complain about a deposit transfer?
- You should act as soon as you notice a problem. Send a written request with a deadline (for example, 14 days) and file with the Board if there is no satisfactory response.
- What if the new landlord deducts for damages I didnt cause?
- Gather evidence such as move-in inspection reports, photos, and receipts, then apply to the Board to dispute improper deductions.
How-To
- Gather all documents: lease, receipts, bank records and any messages about the deposit.
- Contact the new landlord in writing and request confirmation of the deposit transfer and an accounting.
- Send a formal written request with a clear deadline saying you will apply to the Board if not resolved.
- File an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and attach evidence if the landlord does not respond or disputes the amount.
- Attend the hearing, present documents, and request an order for repayment if the Board finds in your favour.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (official legislation)
- Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
