Burlington Security Deposit Return Rules

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

In Burlington, Ontario, tenants and landlords must follow provincial rules for security deposits and last-months-rent, with municipal offices available for information and complaint referrals. This guide explains who holds deposits, required accounting and interest obligations where applicable, timelines for returns, steps to raise disputes, and how Burlington departments and provincial bodies interact in enforcement. Where city guidance points to provincial law, the Residential Tenancies Act and the Landlord and Tenant Board set formal dispute and remedy processes.[1][2]

What the law covers

In Ontario the Residential Tenancies Act governs deposits commonly called "last months rent" rather than a generic security deposit. Landlords may require a last-months-rent deposit in writing and may be required to pay interest at a rate set by the province; detailed procedures for disputes and orders are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board.[2][3]

Return timelines & calculation

When a tenancy ends, landlords must return any deposit or apply it to last months rent in accordance with the lease and provincial rules. Calculations should deduct only for unpaid rent or lawful damage beyond normal wear and tear; landlords should provide an itemized accounting and receipts for deductions.

Keep written evidence of condition and receipts to speed resolution.
  • Timeframe for return: not specified on the cited page; tenants should request return promptly and document the date requested.[2]
  • Interest on deposits: rate and application not specified on the cited page; check the Residential Tenancies Act and provincial guidance.[2]
  • Permitted deductions: unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear, with itemized bills required.

Penalties & Enforcement

Municipal staff provide information and may refer tenancy disputes to provincial bodies, but enforcement of deposit returns and related remedies is principally through provincial processes; monetary fines specifically for mishandling deposits are not specified on the cited municipal guidance and the Residential Tenancies Act page should be consulted for statutory remedies.[1][2]

If a landlord refuses return, start a documented request and consider filing with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
  • Enforcer: Landlord and Tenant Board for tenancy disputes; municipal By-law Enforcement for local bylaw matters or fraud referrals.[2][1]
  • Complaints and inspections: contact Burlington By-law Enforcement or seek an LTB application for unpaid deposits or disputed deductions.[1]
  • Non-monetary orders: the LTB may order repayment, set-off, or other remedies; specific orders on municipal pages are not specified on the cited page.[2]

Applications & Forms

The Landlord and Tenant Board provides application forms to bring a claim about deposits or unpaid rent; the City of Burlington does not publish a separate provincial claim form for deposit returns. For LTB application forms, filing instructions and fees, consult the Tribunal website.[3]

Use the LTB application form and attach the lease, receipts and photos of condition.

Action steps for tenants

  • Request return in writing, keep a copy, and set a reasonable deadline.
  • Gather evidence: lease, photos, receipts for repairs, and any communications.
  • If unresolved, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board with supporting documents.[3]

FAQ

Can a Burlington landlord keep a security deposit for cleaning?
Only for reasonable cleaning beyond normal wear and tear; the landlord should provide an itemized deduction and receipts for costs.
How long before I must get my deposit back?
Ontario provincial materials and the Residential Tenancies Act govern timelines; the municipal page does not specify a fixed return period, so tenants should request return and, if needed, apply to the LTB.[2]
Where do I file a complaint if a landlord refuses to return a deposit?
File an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board; Burlington By-law Enforcement can advise and refer where local bylaws or fraud issues arise.[3][1]

How-To

How to request and, if necessary, recover a last-months-rent deposit in Burlington.

  1. Write a signed request to the landlord demanding return of the deposit and state the deadline for payment.
  2. Collect evidence: lease, photos of the unit at move-out, and receipts for any repairs.
  3. Contact Burlington By-law Enforcement for advice and referral if there are suspicious practices.
  4. If unresolved, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board including all evidence and the landlords contact information.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Deposits in Ontario are governed by provincial tenancy law; municipal pages provide local guidance and referrals.
  • Document everything and use the Landlord and Tenant Board for formal claims.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burlington - Housing and Building Standards
  2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Government of Ontario
  3. [3] Landlord and Tenant Board - Tribunals Ontario

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.