Rent & Deposits in Canada

Learn about your rights as a tenant in Canada regarding Rent & Deposits. Understand landlord responsibilities, how to request repairs, and how to resolve disputes effectively to protect your rental home and your legal rights.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

How much rent deposit can a landlord ask for in Alberta?
A landlord can only ask for a security deposit up to one month’s rent.
When can a landlord request the security deposit?
Landlords can ask for it at the time the tenancy agreement is signed or before move-in.
Does a landlord have to put the security deposit in a trust account?
Yes, by law, deposits must be put in a trust account within two banking days.
Can my landlord charge a non-refundable deposit or fee?
Non-refundable deposits are not allowed except for optional services.
How often can my landlord increase the rent?
Once every 12 months after your tenancy starts or after the last increase.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

Who regulates rent and deposits for tenants in BC?
How much can my landlord increase the rent in BC?
For 2024, rent can increase by up to 3.5%, with proper notice. Check current limit.
How much notice is required for a rent increase?
At least 3 full months' written notice is required before the increase takes effect.
What form must my landlord use for a rent increase?
Landlords must use the Notice of Rent Increase (Form RTB-7).
How do I respond if I think my rent increase is illegal?
File a dispute using the Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12) within 1 year of the increase.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

What is the maximum rent increase allowed in Manitoba for 2024?
In 2024, the maximum rent increase guideline is 3.0%. Special approval is needed for more.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
Landlords must give at least 3 months’ written notice before increasing rent.
Can my landlord ask for a damage/security deposit?
Yes, but it cannot exceed half a month’s rent.
How soon does my landlord have to return my deposit after I move out?
Within 14 days after you move out or provide a forwarding address.
What can my landlord deduct from my deposit?
Only for unpaid rent or repairing damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

Who regulates residential tenancies in New Brunswick?
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick regulates rentals and disputes.
What law covers rent and deposits in New Brunswick?
The Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick sets the rules for rent and deposits.
Is there a limit on how much rent my landlord can charge?
There is no provincially set rent limit, but rent increases must follow strict notice requirements.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
Landlords must give at least 3 months' written notice before increasing rent in New Brunswick.
Can my landlord increase rent during a fixed-term lease?
No, rent cannot be increased during the term of a fixed-term lease unless agreed in writing by both parties.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

Who regulates landlord-tenant issues in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) handles tenancy matters in Newfoundland and Labrador.
What law regulates rent and deposits in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (read full Act).
How much notice is required for a rent increase?
At least 8 weeks' written notice is required before a rent increase takes effect.
How often can my landlord increase my rent?
Once every 12 months for existing tenants.
Does the landlord have to use a specific form to increase rent?
Yes. The "Notice of Rent Increase" (Form L) is required (view official forms).

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

Who oversees rental disputes in Northwest Territories?
The Rental Officer handles rental disputes in Northwest Territories. Learn more.
What law governs rent and deposits in Northwest Territories?
The Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories) governs rental rights. View Act.
How much security deposit can a landlord charge?
A landlord can charge up to one month’s rent as a security deposit.
When must my security deposit be returned?
Within 10 days after the tenancy ends and you vacate the unit.
Can my landlord increase my rent?
Yes, with three months’ written notice and only once every 12 months.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

Who regulates rent and deposits in Nova Scotia?
Residential Tenancies are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Program under the Nova Scotia Department of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services.
What law governs rent and deposits in Nova Scotia?
The Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia) governs rental agreements, rent, and deposits in the province.
How much security deposit can a landlord charge?
No more than one half month's rent for the security deposit.
When must my security deposit be returned?
Within 10 days of the tenancy ending, unless there are deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
Can the landlord deduct cleaning fees from my deposit?
Only for cleaning beyond normal wear and tear. The unit must be left reasonably clean.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

How much notice does a landlord need to raise the rent in Nunavut?
Landlords must give at least 3 months written notice before increasing rent.
Is there a limit on how much rent can be increased?
No, Nunavut does not have rent control, but increases must be reasonable and follow proper notice.
Can a landlord ask for a security deposit?
Yes, up to one month’s rent as a security deposit.
When is my rent due?
Rent is usually due on the first day of the month, unless the lease says otherwise.
What happens if I pay my rent late?
Your landlord can give you a notice to end your tenancy for late payment and may apply to end the tenancy if late payment continues.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

Can my landlord increase my rent?
Yes, but only once every 12 months and within the provincial rent increase guideline unless exempt.
How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising rent?
At least 90 days’ written notice is required before a rent increase.
What is Ontario’s rent increase guideline for this year?
For 2024, the guideline is 2.5%. Check the Ontario government site for updates.
Can my landlord demand a security deposit?
No, only a rent deposit (for last month's rent) is allowed, not a security deposit.
What is a rent deposit and how much can my landlord ask for?
Only up to one month’s rent (or one rental period) as a last month's rent deposit is allowed.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

How much can my landlord increase my rent in PEI?
The annual rent increase limit is set by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC). For 2024, the limit is 3%. Special approvals may allow more. Learn more.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
Landlords must give at least 3 months' written notice before increasing rent.
Is there an official form for rent increases?
Yes. Form 10: "Notice of Increase of Rent" is used. Your landlord must provide this form. Download Form 10.
Can I dispute a rent increase in PEI?
Yes. You can apply to IRAC within 20 days of receiving the rent increase notice using Form 2. Download Form 2.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge?
Security deposits cannot be more than one month's rent in Prince Edward Island.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

How much can my landlord increase my rent each year in Quebec?
Landlords and tenants can agree on an increase, but if tenants refuse, landlords must apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL); Quebec does not have a fixed rent increase guideline.
Can my landlord ask for a security deposit in Quebec?
No, security deposits are prohibited by law in Quebec.
Is a key deposit allowed in Quebec?
Only refundable key deposits are permitted, and only in the amount equal to the cost of replacing the key.
Can my landlord require first and last month’s rent in advance?
No, only the first month’s rent can be required before moving in.
How do I contest a rent increase?
Notify your landlord in writing if you refuse the increase; the landlord must then apply for a rent adjustment at TAL. See Formulaire Requête for details.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase in Saskatchewan?
At least 12 months written notice is required for periodic (month-to-month) tenants in most cases.
Is there a limit to how much my landlord can increase my rent?
No specific limit, but increases must be reasonable. Most landlords can only raise rent once per year with proper notice.
Can my landlord ask for a security deposit?
Yes, but it cannot be more than one month's rent.
How soon does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
Within 7 business days after you move out and provide a forwarding address.
What can my security deposit be used for?
Unpaid rent, cleaning costs, damage beyond normal wear, or unpaid utilities.

Top 5 Most Rent & Deposits Asked Questions in

Who regulates rental housing in Yukon?
The Office of the Residential Tenancies Officer manages rental issues in Yukon. Visit official site.
What law protects tenants in Yukon?
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon) covers tenant and landlord rights.
How much notice is needed for a rent increase?
Landlords must give at least 3 months' written notice for rent increases.
Can rent be increased during a fixed-term lease?
No, rent cannot be increased until the fixed-term lease ends.
How often can my landlord increase my rent?
Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.

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