How long does a landlord have to return a damage deposit in British Columbia?
This answer covers the law of British Columbia.
A landlord in British Columbia generally has 15 days to return your deposit with interest or apply for dispute resolution to claim against it. The 15 days start from the later of the tenancy's end date or the date the landlord receives your forwarding address in writing.
If the landlord does nothing in that time, they may not claim against the deposit and must pay you double the deposit. You can then make a direct request application, and the landlord may be ordered to pay double the deposit. Interest may be owed, and the Province lists the rate as 0% for 2026.
Give your forwarding address in writing, since the deadline depends on it. If you do not give one within one year after the tenancy ends, the landlord may keep the deposit and your right to it ends. Skipping the move-out condition inspection when the landlord asks may cost you the deposit, and a landlord who skips inspection duties can lose the right to claim against it. Your details can change the outcome, so a lawyer can confirm.
Key takeaways
- The landlord has 15 days after the later of the tenancy's end date or receiving your forwarding address in writing to return the deposit with interest or apply for dispute resolution.
- A landlord who misses the deadline may not claim against the deposit and must pay you double the deposit.
- If you do not give a forwarding address within one year after the tenancy ends, the landlord may keep the deposit and your right to it ends.
- Skipping the move-out condition inspection when the landlord asks can cost you your right to the deposit, and a landlord who skips inspection duties can lose the right to claim against it.