- The landlord has 15 days after the later of the tenancy's end date or receiving your forwarding address in writing to repay the deposit or apply for dispute resolution.
- If the landlord does neither, they 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.
After you move out, the deposit is often the last thing left to sort out. The rules set a clear deadline for the landlord, but your own steps affect when it starts.
This article explains how the deadline works for residential tenancies in British Columbia, how deposits are capped, and what you can do if the landlord does not act.
This article covers the law of British Columbia.
The 15-day deadline
Within 15 days after the later of the tenancy's end date or the date the landlord receives your forwarding address in writing, the landlord must either repay the deposit with interest or apply for dispute resolution to claim against it.
The landlord cannot charge a fee for returning the deposit. Interest may be owed, and the landlord must calculate it before returning the deposit or applying for deductions. The Province lists the rate as 0% for 2026 and 0.95% for 2025.
How much a deposit can be
It helps to know what a landlord was allowed to collect in the first place. A security deposit cannot be more than half of one month's rent. The same cap applies to a pet damage deposit, so the two together can total a full month's rent.
The deposit is collected at the start of the tenancy, and the tenant must pay within 30 days of signing the tenancy agreement. Only one security deposit and one pet deposit may be taken.
| Deposit | Limit | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | Half of one month's rent | Only one may be taken |
| Pet damage deposit | Half of one month's rent, regardless of the number of pets | Only one may be required |
| Certified guide or service dog | No pet damage deposit | These dogs are not pets, and certification is voluntary in B.C. |
If you overpaid a deposit, you can withhold the difference from your next month's rent, but you must tell the landlord in writing. Otherwise you can seek dispute resolution to recover the overpaid amount.
Give your forwarding address in writing
The 15 days depend on the landlord having your forwarding address in writing. If you leave without giving one, the clock may not start.
Do not wait too long. 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.
What happens if the landlord does not act
If the landlord fails to repay the deposit or apply for dispute resolution within the 15 days, the landlord may not claim against the deposit and must pay you double the deposit.
If the landlord takes no action in 15 days, you can make a direct request application, and the landlord may be ordered to pay double the deposit. The Province says you have up to one year after the tenancy ends.
- Landlord repays the deposit with interest within the deadline: the matter ends there.
- Landlord applies for dispute resolution within the deadline: an arbitrator decides the claim.
- Landlord does nothing: double the deposit may be owed.
When a dispute goes to a hearing, the arbitrator's decision must be given promptly and in any event within 30 days after the proceedings conclude. It is final and binding on the parties, except as otherwise provided.
Move-out inspections can affect your rights
A tenant who does not take part in the move-out condition inspection when the landlord asks may lose the right to have the deposit returned. A landlord who skips inspection duties can lose the right to claim against the deposit. Attend the inspection, or arrange another time in writing if you cannot.
If you had a pet and the pet damage deposit does not cover the damage, the landlord can request an order for the tenant to pay additional costs.
What to do next
- Send your forwarding address to the landlord in writing and keep a copy.
- Note the later of your move-out date and the date the landlord received the address, then count 15 days.
- Keep photos, the inspection report and your original deposit receipt.
- Check the amount you paid against the half-month-of-rent cap for a security deposit.
- If the deadline passes with no repayment or application, consider a direct request application.
- If the landlord has applied to keep part of the deposit, or amounts are disputed, speak to a lawyer about your position.
How all of this applies depends on your situation, including the dates, what was agreed in writing and what the landlord has done so far, so it is worth confirming with a lawyer if the amounts or timing are unclear.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a BC landlord have to return a damage deposit?
15 days after the later of the tenancy's end date or the date the landlord receives your forwarding address in writing. In that time the landlord must repay the deposit with interest or apply for dispute resolution.
What if my landlord ignores the deadline?
The landlord may not claim against the deposit and must pay you double the deposit. You can make a direct request application.
Can a landlord charge a fee to return my deposit?
No. A landlord cannot charge a fee for returning the deposit.
Is there a time limit for me to ask for the deposit back?
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. Give the address as soon as you move out.
Sources
- Residential Tenancy Act, s. 77 — bclaws.gov.bc.ca
- gov.bc.ca – Tenancy deposits and fees — www2.gov.bc.ca
- gov.bc.ca – Pets and tenancy — www2.gov.bc.ca
- gov.bc.ca – Moving out of rental units — www2.gov.bc.ca
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
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