BC security and pet damage deposits: the limits and the 15-day return

BC deposits are capped at half a month's rent. When they must be returned, the double-deposit rule and which deductions need your written OK.

Last checked November 8, 2026. Every rule below names its source; the official pages are listed at the end with their own dates.

In short

A security deposit, and a pet damage deposit, can each be at most half of one month's rent (RTA s.19).
Within 15 days after the later of the tenancy ending and getting your forwarding address in writing, the landlord repays the deposit with interest or applies for dispute resolution (s.38).
If not, the landlord must pay the tenant double the deposit.

Canadian cities: rents and vacancy BC home prices by city and town

How much a landlord can ask for

Section 19 of the Residential Tenancy Act caps each deposit, the security deposit and the pet damage deposit, at half of one month's rent. If a tenant paid more, the tenant may deduct the overpayment from rent.

Live data: the deposit cap on average BC rents

City	Average two-bedroom rent	Highest security deposit	Highest pet damage deposit
Vancouver, BC	C$2,364	$1,182	$1,182
Victoria, BC	C$2,121	$1,060	$1,060
Kelowna, BC	C$2,098	$1,049	$1,049

Half of the average two-bedroom rent, as an example: the cap is half of your own rent.

Source: CMHC Rental Market Survey via Statistics Canada (October 2025 survey). Data updated November 08, 2026.

All Canadian cities

Getting it back: the 15-day rule

Within 15 days after the later of the date the tenancy ends and the date the landlord receives the tenant's forwarding address in writing, the landlord must either repay the deposits, with interest, or apply for dispute resolution to claim against them (s.38(1)). A landlord who does neither must pay the tenant double the amount (s.38(6)).

The Residential Tenancy Branch says the forwarding address can be given within one year of when the tenancy ends. It also has an online calculator for the interest owed on deposits.

Deductions

The landlord may keep an amount if, at the end of the tenancy, the tenant agrees in writing (s.38(4)(a)).
That does not apply to damage if the landlord's right to claim for damage was extinguished by a missed condition inspection (s.38(5)); see the condition inspection guide.
A pet damage deposit may be used only for damage caused by a pet, unless the tenant agrees otherwise (s.38(7)).

Questions

What is the maximum security deposit in BC?

Half of one month's rent. A pet damage deposit has the same cap, separately (RTA s.19).

How long does a BC landlord have to return the deposit?

15 days after the later of the end of the tenancy and receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing, unless the landlord applies for dispute resolution in that time (s.38(1)).

What if the landlord misses the deadline?

The landlord must pay the tenant double the amount of the deposit (s.38(6)).

Can the landlord keep part of the deposit?

Only with the tenant's written agreement at the end of the tenancy, or with an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch.

Sources

Track prices, rates and your own numbers in one place

Free members get the live market board, the Market Screener, News & Global Markets and Housing Markets. No card needed, and your money always stays on your own exchange.

Create a free account

Last checked November 8, 2026. General information only - not financial, legal, tax or real estate advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source or a licensed professional before you act.