How do I get my security deposit back in BC?

To get your security deposit back, you must provide your landlord with your forwarding address in writing within a year of moving out (though as close to the move out date is better). The landlord then has 15 days to

1. return your deposit;
2. get your written permission to keep some or all of your deposit, and return any amount owed to you; or
3. apply for dispute resolution to keep some or all of your deposit.

The landlord cannot simply keep part of the deposit. If the landlord does not return the deposit in time, you can apply to the Branch to get your money back. More details are available here (opens in a new tab).

This response assumes that the RTA applies to your tenancy. See “Does the Residential Tenancy Act apply to my situation?”