Quick answer: in British Columbia, a landlord can generally charge a security deposit of up to half one month’s rent. A separate pet damage deposit can also be up to half one month’s rent. At the end of the tenancy, the landlord normally has 15 days from the later of the tenancy end date or receiving your forwarding address in writing to return the deposits with interest or apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to keep some or all of them.
Last verified: 1 October 2026 against the B.C. Residential Tenancy Act and Regulation.
How much can a landlord charge?
- Security deposit: maximum 50% of one month’s rent.
- Pet damage deposit: maximum 50% of one month’s rent.
The landlord cannot require more than one security deposit for the same tenancy. A pet deposit is separate and is only for damage caused by a pet unless the tenant agrees otherwise.
When can the pet deposit be charged?
It can generally be charged when the tenancy starts or later if the tenant acquires a pet and the landlord agrees that the pet may live at the rental property.
Do deposits earn interest?
Yes. B.C. requires interest to be paid on security and pet damage deposits using the formula in the Residential Tenancy Regulation. The rate is tied to the provincial government’s principal banker prime rate and changes by calendar year. Use the official Residential Tenancy Branch deposit-interest calculator rather than an old blog percentage.
The 15-day return rule
The 15-day clock starts on the later of:
- the date the tenancy ends; or
- the date the landlord receives the tenant’s forwarding address in writing.
Within that period, the landlord must normally either return the deposits and interest or make a Residential Tenancy Branch dispute-resolution application claiming against them.
Can the landlord simply deduct money?
Not just because they want to. A landlord may keep an amount if the tenant agrees in writing, if the RTB has ordered payment, or in another situation permitted by the Act. For damage claims, condition-inspection requirements are especially important.
Why the condition inspection matters
Move-in and move-out condition inspections protect both sides. B.C. law can extinguish a landlord’s right to claim against the deposit for damage if the landlord does not follow the required inspection/report process. Tenants can also lose certain deposit rights if they fail to participate after being properly given opportunities.
Normal wear and tear vs damage
A tenant must leave the unit reasonably clean and undamaged except for reasonable wear and tear. Normal aging from ordinary use is not the same as tenant-caused damage. Keep the move-in report and your own dated photos so you can show what condition existed before you moved in.
What if the landlord misses the deadline?
Section 38 of the Residential Tenancy Act says that if the landlord fails to comply with the 15-day rule, they can lose the right to claim against the deposit and may owe the tenant double the deposit amount, subject to the Act’s exceptions.
Can you use the deposit as last month’s rent?
Not automatically. The standard tenancy terms say a tenant may use the security deposit and interest as rent only with the landlord’s written consent.
Move-out deposit checklist
- Attend the move-out inspection.
- Take dated photos and video.
- Return all keys/access devices.
- Give your forwarding address to the landlord in writing.
- Keep proof that the address was delivered.
- Do not sign an agreement allowing a deduction unless you accept it.
- Track the 15-day deadline.
- If needed, use the RTB dispute-resolution process.
Related guides: renting in Canada without credit history, tenant insurance in Canada and the Canada hub.
Official sources
- B.C. Residential Tenancy Act
- B.C. Residential Tenancy Regulation
- B.C. Residential Tenancy Branch deposit-interest calculator
