Difference between revisions of "Security Deposits in Residential Tenancies (19:IV)"

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 written 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.