Security Deposits in Alberta
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. 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?
Security deposit rules vary significantly across Canada. What your landlord can collect — and what they must return — depends entirely on your province.
- British Columbia: Maximum of half a month's rent. Must be returned within 15 days of move-out.
- Ontario: Landlords can only collect a last month's rent deposit. Damage deposits are not allowed.
- Alberta: Maximum of one month's rent. Must be returned within 10 days.
- Quebec: Security deposits are illegal. Landlords cannot collect any deposit at all.
In all provinces, landlords can only deduct for actual damages beyond normal wear and tear. Faded paint, minor scuffs, and worn carpet from regular use are not your responsibility.
When does it apply?
- At lease signing — when your landlord collects the deposit.
- At move-out — when the deposit should be returned or deductions applied.
- Applies to all residential tenancies in the province where the rules are set.
What should you do?
- Take detailed photos and videos of the unit at move-in and move-out. Date-stamp everything.
- Request a condition inspection with your landlord before you move in and before you move out.
- If your deposit is not returned on time, send a written request to your landlord by email or registered mail.
- If your deposit is wrongfully withheld, file a claim with your provincial tribunal.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't skip the move-in inspection — without it, you have no proof of the unit's original condition.
- Don't withhold rent to "use up" your deposit. That is a lease violation and can lead to eviction.
- Don't pay more than the legal maximum for your province.
- In Quebec, don't pay any deposit at all — it is illegal for your landlord to ask for one.
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
Common Questions
When does security deposits apply?
At lease signing — when your landlord collects the deposit.At move-out — when the deposit should be returned or deductions applied.Applies to all residential tenancies in the province where the rules are set.
What should I do about security deposits?
Take detailed photos and videos of the unit at move-in and move-out. Date-stamp everything.Request a condition inspection with your landlord before you move in and before you move out.If your deposit is not returned on time, send a written request to your landlord by email or registered mail.If your deposit is wrongfully withheld, file a claim with your provincial tribunal.
What mistakes should I avoid with security deposits?
Don't skip the move-in inspection — without it, you have no proof of the unit's original condition.Don't withhold rent to "use up" your deposit. That is a lease violation and can lead to eviction.Don't pay more than the legal maximum for your province.In Quebec, don't pay any deposit at all — it is illegal for your landlord to ask for one.
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