Alberta Security Deposits Laws (2026)
About this article
Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
This is the area where Canadian rules diverge the hardest. What a landlord can take, what they have to return, and the deadline for returning it depend entirely on which side of a provincial border you live on.
- British Columbia: half a month's rent maximum, returned within 15 days of move-out.
- Ontario: last month's rent only — straight damage deposits are banned.
- Alberta: one month's rent cap, returned within 10 days.
- Quebec: security deposits are illegal — a landlord can't collect one at all.
One rule does carry across the country: a landlord can only deduct for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear. Faded paint, light scuffs, worn carpet from years of walking on it — none of that is yours to pay for.
When does it apply?
- At lease signing, when the deposit is collected.
- At move-out, when it should come back or deductions get itemised.
- Covers all residential tenancies in the province whose rules apply.
What to Do If Your Canadian Landlord Won't Return Your Security Deposit
Photos win deposit cases. Take them before you do anything else.
- Photograph and video everything at move-in and move-out — date-stamped, every room, every defect.
- Request a condition inspection with the landlord at both ends of the tenancy.
- If the deposit isn't returned on time, send a written request by email or registered mail.
- Wrongful withholding goes to the provincial tribunal. Filing fees are low and the process is built for tenants without lawyers.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't skip the move-in inspection. No baseline, no proof.
- Don't withhold rent to "use up" the deposit. It's a lease breach and a fast track to eviction.
- Don't pay more than the provincial cap. If a landlord asks, point them to the statute and walk if they push back.
- In Quebec, don't pay a deposit at all. It's illegal for them to ask, full stop.
How Alberta differs from federal law
Security deposit rules in Alberta are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, SA 2004, c. R-17.1. Alberta has clear limits on how much landlords can collect and how deposits must be handled.
- The maximum security deposit a landlord can collect is one month's rent. Landlords cannot charge a damage deposit that exceeds this amount, regardless of what the lease says.
- Landlords must hold the deposit in a trust account at an Alberta financial institution for the duration of the tenancy. The deposit earns interest at a rate set annually by regulation.
- Within 10 days of the tenancy ending, the landlord must return the deposit plus accrued interest, provide a written statement of deductions with receipts or estimates, or apply to the RTDRS or court for permission to retain the deposit.
- Landlords can only deduct for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or unpaid utility charges the tenant agreed to pay. Normal wear and tear (faded paint, worn carpets, minor scuffs) is not deductible.
- A move-in and move-out inspection report is highly recommended. If the landlord does not conduct an inspection, it is harder for them to justify deductions.
Additional Steps in Alberta
If your landlord does not return your deposit within 10 days, or if you disagree with the deductions, apply to the RTDRS at rtdrs.alberta.ca or call 780-644-3000 (Edmonton) / 403-297-3811 (Calgary). The RTDRS can order the landlord to return the deposit. Take photos of the unit at move-in and move-out, and keep copies of your lease, inspection reports, and all correspondence.
Relevant Law: Residential Tenancies Act, SA 2004, c. R-17.1, ss. 37–46 (Security Deposits); Security Deposit Interest Rate Regulation, Alta. Reg. 366/2003
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What is the security deposits right in Canada?
This is the area where Canadian rules diverge the hardest. What a landlord can take, what they have to return, and the deadline for returning it depend entirely on which side of a provincial border you live on.British Columbia: half a month's rent maximum, returned within 15 days of move-out.Ontario: last month's rent only — straight damage deposits are banned.Alberta: one month's rent cap, returned within 10 days.Quebec: security deposits are illegal — a landlord can't collect one at all.One rule does carry across the country: a landlord can only deduct for actual damage beyond normal wear...
When does security deposits apply?
At lease signing, when the deposit is collected.At move-out, when it should come back or deductions get itemised.Covers all residential tenancies in the province whose rules apply.
What should I do if my landlord in Canada is refusing to return my security deposit?
Photos win deposit cases. Take them before you do anything else.Photograph and video everything at move-in and move-out — date-stamped, every room, every defect.Request a condition inspection with the landlord at both ends of the tenancy.If the deposit isn't returned on time, send a written request by email or registered mail.Wrongful withholding goes to the provincial tribunal. Filing fees are low and the process is built for tenants without lawyers.
What mistakes should I avoid with security deposits?
Don't skip the move-in inspection. No baseline, no proof.Don't withhold rent to "use up" the deposit. It's a lease breach and a fast track to eviction.Don't pay more than the provincial cap. If a landlord asks, point them to the statute and walk if they push back.In Quebec, don't pay a deposit at all. It's illegal for them to ask, full stop.
Security Deposits in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.