How much can a landlord charge for a deposit in BC?

A security deposit can be no more than half of one month's rent. If pets are allowed, the landlord can also collect a pet damage deposit of up to another half month's rent. Together they can't exceed one month's rent. Landlords can't demand extra 'cleaning' or 'key' deposits.

When does my landlord have to return my deposit in BC?

Within 15 days of the later of the day the tenancy ends and the day you give your forwarding address in writing. Within that window the landlord must either return the full deposit (with interest) or apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to keep some or all of it.

What if the landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?

If the landlord misses the 15-day deadline and hasn't applied to the RTB, they generally must pay you double the deposit. You can file for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancy Branch to recover it.

Can the landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?

No. Landlords can only deduct for damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, unpaid rent, or amounts you agree to in writing — and only through a proper move-out condition inspection or an RTB order. Faded paint, worn carpet, and minor marks are normal wear and tear.

Home BlogBC Security Deposit Rules

British ColumbiaSeptember 11, 20266 min read

BC Security Deposit Rules: Damage Deposits & Getting It Back

Unlike Ontario, British Columbia lets landlords collect a real security deposit — but it's capped, tightly regulated, and must come back to you fast. Here's exactly what a landlord can charge, what they can deduct, and how to get every dollar back.

By the LeasePlain Editorial Team · Checked against Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act per our editorial standards·Last reviewed September 2026

How Much Can They Charge?

In BC a security deposit is capped at half of one month's rent. If the landlord allows pets, they can collect a separate pet damage deposit of up to another half month's rent. Combined, deposits can't exceed one month's rent.

Landlords cannot demand extra deposits for cleaning, keys, or "administration." If your lease asks for more than the legal maximum, that term isn't enforceable.

The Condition Inspection Matters

BC requires a move-in and move-out condition inspection report, done together by you and the landlord. This report is your best protection. If the landlord doesn't offer you two opportunities to do the move-out inspection, they generally lose the right to claim against your deposit for damage. Always get a copy.

The 15-Day Return Rule

After your tenancy ends and you've given your forwarding address in writing, the landlord has 15 days to either return your full deposit (plus any interest owed) or apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) to keep some or all of it.

You can also agree in writing to let them keep a specific amount. Anything else, and the clock is against them.

Miss the Deadline? They Owe You Double

This is the rule landlords forget. If the 15 days pass and the landlord hasn't returned the deposit or applied to the RTB, they generally must pay you double the deposit amount. To claim it, file for dispute resolution at the RTB. Keep proof of the date you gave your forwarding address — that starts the clock.

What They Can (and Can't) Deduct

A landlord can only make deductions in specific situations:

Can: unpaid rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, and amounts you agree to in writing.
Can't: normal wear and tear — faded paint, worn carpet, minor scuffs, small nail holes.
Can't: routine cleaning if you left the unit reasonably clean.