Security Deposits in Newfoundland and Labrador

Under Newfoundland and Labrador's Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord cannot charge more than 75% of one month's rent as a security deposit. If your rent is $1,200 a month, the maximum deposit is $900.

A deposit can only be collected once a tenancy agreement is in place, and the landlord must give the tenant a receipt.

Newfoundland and Labrador landlords must hold a tenant's security deposit in trust for the duration of the tenancy. It cannot be used as last month's rent or spent before the tenancy ends.

When a tenancy ends, the landlord has 10 days to return the deposit or apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies to keep some or all of it for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. If the landlord does neither, the tenant can apply to have the deposit released.

A written move-in and move-out condition report is the strongest evidence either side can bring if a deposit dispute arises.

Either party can apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies for a hearing. A hearing officer reviews the evidence from both sides before issuing a written order on how the deposit is to be released.