Security Deposits in Residential Tenancies (19:VI): Difference between revisions

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LSLAP Manual
This page is from the Law Students' Legal Advice Program Manual. See the full contents.
LSLAP Manual
Introduction
Chapters
1. Criminal Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary
2. Youth Justice · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Youth Justice Act · Appendix A: Glossary
3. Family Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary
4. Victims · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Abuse of the Seniors & Disabled · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. TIP & Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up
5. Public Complaints · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Police Conduct Complaints · VI. Security Guard Conduct Complaints · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints & Appeals UBC · IX. Complaints & Appeals SFU · X. Complaints against Other Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · XIII. Complaints against other Professionals · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter
6. Human Rights · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role · VIII. Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings
7. Workers' Compensation · I. Introduction · II. Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Worker Compensation Claims · IV. LSLAP's Role at Initial Decision · V. Limitation Periods & Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits & Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. WCB Fair Practices Office · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Small Claims Flow Chart · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form
8. Employment Insurance · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist
9. Employment Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary
10. Creditors and Debtors · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist
11. Consumer Protection · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts & Security Agreements · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Checklist for Consumer Transactions
12. Auto Insurance (ICBC) I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Enhanced Care System · IV. Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. ICBC's Previous Autoplan Insurance System · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Compulsory Coverage
13. Motor Vehicle Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Driving Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent of Motor Vehicle Prohibitions · IX. Alcohol & Drug Driving Offences · X. Federal Driving Offences · XI. Provincial Driving While Prohibited Offences · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles & Motor Assisted Cycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines
14. Mental Health Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted Patients · VIII. Mental Health Act and Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP Program Information
15. Adult Guardianship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse and Neglect · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree on Adult Abuse and Neglect
16. Wills and Estate Administration · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Making and Executing a Will · IV. Will Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. Estate Administration · XI. Duties of Personal Representative · XII. Tax: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Will Instructions Questionnaire · Appendix B: Will Drafting and Execution Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary
17. Citizenship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Citizenship Advantages & Responsibilities · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation of Citizenship · VIII. Proof of Citizenship · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals
18. Immigration Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Immigration Players · IV. Categories of Persons under IRPA · V. Applying for Permanent Residency · VI. Identification for PR · VII. Immigration and Refugee Board · VIII. Loss of PR Status · IX. In-Canada Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Immigration Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts
19. Landlord and Tenant Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Residential Tenancy Act & Laws · IV. Tenancy Agreements · V. Moving In & Moving Out · VI. Security Deposits · VII. Repair & Service · VIII. Rent Increase · IX. Tenant's Rights · X. Subletting & Assignment · XI. Termination & Eviction · XII. Dispute Resolution · XIII. Common Law · XIV. Strata & Condos · XV. Assisted Living · XVI. Manufactured Homes · XVII. Guidelines & Resources
20. Small Claims and the CRT · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial Applications · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial & Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · XVIII. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal
21. Welfare Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments & Fraud · VIII. Rates & Payment Issues · IX. Additional Allowances & Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals
22. Strata Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property & Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws & Rules · XI. Rentals & Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair & Maintenance · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts
23. Referrals · I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others
v • d • e

Chapter 5 MOVING IN

A. Condition Inspection: Move In

The landlord and tenant together must inspect the condition of the rental unit on the day the tenant is entitled to possession of the rental unit or on another mutually agreed day (RTA, s 23 (1)). Both the landlord and the tenant must sign the Condition Inspection Report and the landlord must give the tenant a copy of that report. The RTA requires that certain standard information be included on a condition inspection report. Generally the landlord should use RTB official forms, which contain all of the information required by law. Landlords can use their own forms so long as the forms used contain all the information required in s 20 of the RTR. Landlords must give tenants a copy of the signed condition inspection report within seven days after the condition inspection is completed.

NOTE: RTA s 23, Condition Inspection Report: start of tenancy, and s 24: consequences if report requirements are not met, RTA do not apply to a landlord or tenant in respect of a tenancy that started before January 1, 2004.

1. Landlord

The landlord must make the inspection and complete and sign the report even if the tenant refuses to participate. The right of a landlord to claim against a security or pet damage deposit for damage to residential property is extinguished if the landlord does any of the following acts or omissions contained in RTA ss 23 and 24(2):

fails to offer the tenant at least two opportunities for the inspection;
does not participate in the inspection; or
does not complete the condition inspection report and give the tenant a copy of it in accordance with the regulations.

2. Tenant

The right of a tenant to the return of a security deposit or a pet damage deposit, or both, is extinguished if the landlord has complied with s 23(3), given two opportunities for inspection, and the tenant has not participated on either occasion.

A. Re-keying Locks for New Tenants

At the request of a tenant at the start of a new tenancy, the landlord must re-key the locks or other means of access given to the previous tenant, and pay all costs associated with the changes. If the landlord at the end of the previous tenancy altered the locking system, the landlord need not do so again (RTA, s 25).

B. Duty to Provide a Copy of the Agreement

Section 13(3) of the RTA provides that within 21 days after a landlord and tenant enter into a tenancy agreement, the landlord must give the tenant a copy of the agreement.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.clicklaw.bc.ca/index.php?title=Security_Deposits_in_Residential_Tenancies_(19:VI)&oldid=30707"

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = landlord}}
+Chapter 5 MOVING IN
+=A. Condition Inspection: Move In=
-== A. General ==
+The landlord and tenant together must inspect the condition of the rental unit on the day the tenant is entitled to possession of the rental unit or on another mutually agreed day (RTA, s 23 (1)). Both the landlord and the tenant must sign the Condition Inspection Report and the landlord must give the tenant a copy of that report. The RTA requires that certain standard information be included on a condition inspection report. Generally the landlord should use RTB official forms, which contain all of the information required by law. Landlords can use their own forms so long as the forms used contain all the information required in s 20 of the RTR. Landlords must give tenants a copy of the signed condition inspection report within seven days after the condition inspection is completed.
-A requirement that a tenant pay a security deposit is an express term of the model agreement. Security deposit is defined in s 1 of the RTA very broadly. It can include money or property or almost any other item of value to be held by a landlord for the purpose of securing the performance of a tenant’s obligations under the agreement and the RTA (e.g. the payment of rent and the obligation to leave the rental unit in the same condition they were received). A security deposit is a deposit which may cover a variety of costs to the landlord: see ''Balfour v. Thomson'', Vancouver Registry F771652 (BC  Co Ct). A security deposit does not include: a post-dated cheque for rent, a pet damage deposit, or a fee prescribed under RTR ss 6 and 7. See RTB Policy Guideline 29: Security Deposits.
+NOTE:	RTA s 23, Condition Inspection Report: start of tenancy, and s 24: consequences if report requirements are not met, RTA do not apply to a landlord or tenant in respect of a tenancy that started before January 1, 2004.
-A landlord can only request a security deposit from a tenant as a condition of entering into a tenancy agreement, not after the agreement has been formed.  However, pursuant to s 20, if a landlord permits a tenant to keep a pet on the residential property the landlord may require the tenant to pay a pet damage deposit in accordance with s 19 at the time the tenant moves in with a pet, or at the time a tenant acquires a pet.
+==1. Landlord==
-== B. Requirements Under the RTA ==
+The landlord must make the inspection and complete and sign the report even if the tenant refuses to participate. The right of a landlord to claim against a security or pet damage deposit for damage to residential property is extinguished if the landlord does any of the following acts or omissions contained in RTA ss 23 and 24(2):
-=== 1. Amount ===
+*fails to offer the tenant at least two opportunities for the inspection;
+*does not participate in the inspection; or
+*does not complete the condition inspection report and give the tenant a copy of it in accordance with the regulations.
-A security deposit demanded or received must not exceed one half of the monthly rent (RTA, s 19(1)). Only one security deposit can be required for each rental unit (s 20(b)). A landlord can also ask for an additional ½ month rent as a pet damage deposit (s 19(2)). The tenant may, '''with the landlord’s permission''', set off all or part of a security deposit against the rent that is due from him or her (s 21). Any excess security deposit paid (more than ½ of the amount payable as rent at the beginning of the tenancy) to the landlord may be set off by the tenant, presumably without the landlord’s permission (s  19(2)). Failure to pay a lawful security deposit is a ground for ending the tenancy (s 47(1)(a)). The landlord may give a one-month end of tenancy notice if the tenant fails to pay the security deposit within 30 days.
+==2. Tenant==
-=== 2. Inspection Reports ===
+The right of a tenant to the return of a security deposit or a pet damage deposit, or both, is extinguished if the landlord has complied with s 23(3), given two opportunities for inspection, and the tenant has not participated on either occasion.
-The RTA requires landlords and tenants to do move-in (ss 23 and 24) and move-out (ss 35 and 36) condition inspection reports. The rights to the security  deposit of a landlord or tenant who does not participate in the condition inspection process may be extinguished.
+===A. Re-keying Locks for New Tenants===
-== C. Return of Security Deposit and Pet Damage Deposit ==
+At the request of a tenant at the start of a new tenancy, the landlord must re-key the locks or other means of access given to the previous tenant, and pay all costs associated with the changes. If the landlord at the end of the previous tenancy altered the locking system, the landlord need not do so again (RTA, s 25).
-When a tenant moves out, he or she must provide his or her landlords with a forwarding address in writing. The security deposit must be returned to the tenant, '''with interest''', or the landlord must file for dispute resolution to retain the deposit, within 15 days after the date at which the tenancy ends, or the date the landlord receives the tenant’s forwarding address, which '''must be in writing, whichever is later'''.
+===B. Duty to Provide a Copy of the Agreement===
-If a landlord does not comply with s 38(1) of the RTA (fails to return deposits within 15 days, and fails to file for dispute resolution) and the tenant still has a valid right to the deposit, (the tenant may apply for dispute resolution) the landlord may not make a claim against the security deposit or any pet damage deposit, '''and must pay the tenant double the amount of the security deposit, pet damage deposit''', or both (s 38(6)).
+Section 13(3) of the RTA provides that within 21 days after a landlord and tenant enter into a tenancy agreement, the landlord must give the tenant a copy of the agreement.
-Interest on a security deposit is calculated from the date the tenant pays the deposit to the day before the security deposit is paid back to the tenant.  If the deposit is disputed at dispute resolution, the interest is calculated from the date the tenant paid the deposit up until the date the Arbitrator orders its return (usually the date of the hearing). Interest on a security deposit is calculated as follows. For each one-year period beginning on January 1, the rate will be 4.5% below the prime lending rate of the principal banker to the province on January 1st of that year, compounded annually. The current and past rates are:
-*Jan 1/2009 - Dec 31/2013 - 0.00% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/2008 - Dec 31/2008 - 1.50% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/2006 - Dec 31/2007 - 0.50% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/2002 - Dec 31/2005 - 0.00% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/2001 - Dec 31/2001 - 3.00% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/2000 - Dec 31/2000 - 2.00% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/99 - Dec 31/99 - 2.25% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/98 - Dec 31/98 - 1.50% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/97 - Dec 31/97 - 0.25% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/96 - Dec 31/96 - 3.00% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/95 - Dec 31/95 - 3.50% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/94 - Dec 31/94 - 1.00% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/93 - Dec 31/93 - 2.75% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/92 - Dec 31/92 - 3.50% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/91 - Dec 31/91 - 8.25% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/90 - Dec 31/90 - 9.00% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/89 - Dec 31/89 - 7.75% compounded annually
-*Jan 1/88 - Dec 31/88 - 5.25 % compounded annually
-*Feb 1/87 - Dec 31/87 - 5.25% compounded the last day of that period
-*July 1/84 - Jan 31/87 - 8.00% per annum
-*April 1/83 - June 30/84 - 8.00% compounded annually
-*June 1/80 - March 31/83 - 12.00% compounded annually
-*Dec 1/74 - May 31/80 - 8.00% compounded annually
-'''NOTE:''' A tenant has only one year from the time the tenancy ends to supply the landlord with his or her forwarding address. If the tenant fails to forward the address within the one year limit the landlord may retain the security or pet damage deposit or both. The RTB website provides a [http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/content/calculator/calculator.aspx | Deposit  Interest Calculator] which calculates the interest payable on a security deposit during any specific time period.
-'''NOTE:''' A landlord does not have to return a deposit within 15 days if the tenant’s right to the return of the deposit (pet or security) has been extinguished for failing to  participate in the condition inspection procedures.
-'''NOTE:''' A pet damage deposit may be used only for damage caused by a pet to the residential property, unless the tenant agrees otherwise.
-== D. Extra Deposits and Non-Refundable Fees ==
-The RTA allows landlords to charge a deposit for additional access devices (a device so long as it is not a tenant’s only means of entry to one’s building).
-Administration fees for returned cheques ($25) or moving between rental units on a single property can only be charged if the tenancy agreement specifically allows for it (RTR, s 7(1)(d)).
-=== 1. Allowable Non-Refundable Fees ===
-*Direct costs of replacement keys;
-*Direct costs of any additional keys that a tenant requests;
-*Bank service fees for NSF cheques plus a maximum late fee of $25; and
-*Parking fees.