Leases and deposits: know your rights

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a dispute, your provincial Rental Housing Tribunal can help, for free.

Before you sign

• You're entitled to a written lease. Read all of it, ask about anything you don't understand, and keep a copy.
• Check the rent, deposit, lease dates, notice period and who pays for electricity and water.
• Under 18? The lease must be signed with your parent or guardian's assistance.

Deposits

• Never pay a deposit before you've viewed the room and have a written lease.
• Ask how the deposit is kept. Landlords generally have to keep it in an interest-bearing account and pay it back, with interest, after you move out, minus the cost of any damage.
• Do a walk-through inspection when you move in and when you move out. Take dated photos of everything.

Discrimination

Landlords may not unfairly discriminate against you, for example because of your race, gender, religion or disability. Report it to us and to the Rental Housing Tribunal.

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