Security Deposit: The Most You Can Take, and When It Is Due Back
For a tenancy in Newfoundland and Labrador. Landlord or tenant, check the numbers: if you rent, see the most you can be asked for and the date your deposit is due back. Fill in what you know; the answer updates as you type. Free, no sign-up, and nothing you type leaves this page.
Enter the rent to see the most you can collect.
Enter the move-out day to see the date the deposit is due back: 10 days after the tenant vacates (s.14(9)).
You may keep any part of it only where
- the tenant agrees in writing to how the deposit is disposed of, or
- you apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies to decide it (s.42).
Without one of these within the 10 days, it goes back in full (s.14(9); Residential Tenancies Policy 10-001). A list of deductions sent to the tenant is neither.
Interest is owed on top. This page does not work it out; use the province's own calculator and rate schedule.
The Rules It Applies
- The maximum (s.14(1)): 3/4 of the first month's rent for a month-to-month or fixed-term tenancy; the first 2 weeks' rent for week to week.
- Any money taken beyond the rent counts as part of the deposit (s.14(2)), so a key, pet or damage deposit counts toward the same limit. If the total is over it, the tenant may deduct the overpayment from rent (s.14(3)).
- Due back within 10 days after the tenant vacates, with its interest (s.14(9)), unless the tenant agrees in writing to how it is disposed of or you apply to the Director to decide it (s.14(10)). If the tenant applies first, you have 10 days from being served with their application to make your own (s.14(11)–(13)).
- Interest is set each year under the Security Deposit Interest Regulations (s.14(7)). This page does not work it out; the province publishes a calculator and the rate schedule.
- Security Deposit Interest Calculator (Government Services), gov.nl.ca(opens in a new tab)
- Schedule of Security Deposit Interest Rates (Residential Tenancies), gov.nl.ca(opens in a new tab)
- Application for Dispute Resolution (official form, gov.nl.ca)(opens in a new tab)
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (official text)(opens in a new tab)
In the Newfoundland Landlord Guide
Where Dweller Helps
In Dweller, each lease keeps its deposit record: the amount, the account it is held in, the interest, and the return deadline, which goes on your agenda when a move-out is opened. Keeping any part of it asks which s.14(10) ground applies.
More Free Tools
The Landlord's Post
A free email with record-keeping tips, NL tenancy law changes and seasonal maintenance reminders.