Guelph Security Deposit Rules for Tenants

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published May 26, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Guelph, Ontario tenants should know what deposits a landlord may lawfully require, how deposits may be used, and where to raise disputes. This guide explains provincial rules that apply in Guelph, the role of the Landlord and Tenant Board, and municipal enforcement paths for property standards and bylaw concerns so renters can act quickly and correctly when a deposit is withheld or misapplied.

Overview

In Ontario most rules about rental deposits come from provincial law rather than municipal bylaws. Common deposit types include the last months rent deposit and limited key or damage deposits where permitted by statute or written agreement. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 governs many aspects of deposits and dispute resolution in Ontario; tenants in Guelph should consult provincial guidance and the Landlord and Tenant Board for formal remedies. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006[1]

Allowed deposits

Under provincial rules landlords commonly take only a last months rent deposit or other limited payments specified by the Act or regulation. Exact permitted deposit types and any limits are set out in provincial sources rather than city bylaws.

A written lease that clarifies any deposit helps prevent disputes.

What landlords cannot require

Landlords cannot require payments that are not permitted by the Residential Tenancies Act or its regulations; any additional "security" beyond the types allowed by provincial law may be challengeable at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Taking and using last months rent

Last months rent deposits must be accounted for according to the tenancy agreement and provincial rules; landlords may apply a lawful deposit only as allowed by statute or a board order. For procedures to file if a landlord withholds a deposit or applies it improperly, tenants use Landlord and Tenant Board processes and application forms. Landlord and Tenant Board application forms[2]

Keep written receipts and a record of communications about any deposit.

Returning deposits

When a tenancy ends, landlords must follow the tenancy agreement and applicable provincial rules for returning deposits or providing accounting; tenants who disagree may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order for return or compensation.

Photograph the unit at move-out to support a deposit return claim.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for improper use or withholding of deposits can involve provincial hearings or municipal action for related bylaw breaches (for example, if property standards are implicated). The primary enforcement and dispute route for deposit complaints is the Landlord and Tenant Board; municipal By-law Enforcement in Guelph handles property standards, licensing, or other bylaw violations that may accompany tenancy disputes. City of Guelph  Housing & Building Standards[3]

  • Monetary fines for improper deposits or related municipal bylaw breaches: not specified on the cited page.
  • Board orders for return of deposits or compensation: may include repayment plus interest or costs as ordered by the Landlord and Tenant Board (amounts vary and are set by order).
  • Escalation: initial complaints proceed to the Landlord and Tenant Board; repeat or continuing municipal bylaw offences may lead to municipal charges under local bylaws (specific escalation fines or ranges are not specified on the cited pages).
  • Enforcers: Landlord and Tenant Board for tenancy disputes; City of Guelph By-law Enforcement for property standards and local bylaw matters.
  • Inspection & complaint pathways: file an LTB application for deposit disputes; contact Guelph By-law Enforcement for property standards complaints.
  • Appeals/review: decisions of the Landlord and Tenant Board may have internal review or judicial review routes; specific time limits for filing appeals or reviews are not specified on the cited pages and vary by procedure.
  • Defences/discretion: the Board or a court may consider reasonable excuses, written agreements, or prior approvals; availability depends on the facts and statutory provisions.

Applications & Forms

Use the Landlord and Tenant Board application forms and instructions available from Tribunals Ontario to start a formal dispute about a deposit; the Boards forms page lists current application types and submission guidance. Specific form names or numbers are on the linked LTB forms page. LTB forms & instructions[2]

Action steps

  • Collect your lease, receipts and move-in/move-out photos as evidence.
  • Request an itemized accounting from the landlord in writing and keep copies.
  • If informal resolution fails, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board using the forms on Tribunals Ontario.
  • For property standards or bylaw issues tied to the tenancy, contact City of Guelph By-law Enforcement to report and seek inspection.
  • Follow Board orders to collect awards; if a municipal ticket is issued follow the municipal payment or appeal instructions.

FAQ

Can a landlord in Guelph ask for a security deposit beyond last months rent?
No. Only deposits permitted by the Residential Tenancies Act are typical; if a landlord asks for other security a tenant can seek remedy at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
How do I get a withheld deposit back?
Ask the landlord in writing for an accounting and return; if unresolved, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to request return or compensation.
Who enforces deposit rules in Guelph?
Deposit disputes are enforced through the Landlord and Tenant Board; related property standards or bylaw matters are handled by City of Guelph By-law Enforcement.

How-To

  1. Gather lease, receipts and move-in/move-out photos as evidence.
  2. Send a written request to the landlord for return or an itemized accounting.
  3. If the landlord does not comply, download and submit the appropriate Landlord and Tenant Board application form available from Tribunals Ontario.
  4. Attend the Board hearing with evidence, and follow any order the Board issues for repayment or compensation.

Key Takeaways

  • Provincial law mainly controls deposit rules; municipal bylaws may apply to related property issues.
  • Keep written records and photos to support any deposit dispute.
  • Use the Landlord and Tenant Board to seek formal remedies; contact Guelph By-law Enforcement for bylaw or property standards complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Ontario e-Laws
  2. [2] Landlord and Tenant Board forms - Tribunals Ontario
  3. [3] City of Guelph - Housing & Building Standards

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