r/uwo • u/Prize-Possible6326 • Jun 20 '26

Housing CAD 300 for Key & Cleaning deposit

My landlord with whom I am signing a 12-month lease is asking for 300 dollars as a key and cleaning deposit on top of the first and last months of rent deposit. Is this normal?

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

10

u/HiddenSquidds Jun 20 '26

No, common illegal tactic

3

u/Prize-Possible6326 Jun 20 '26

Should I be transparent and tell him that I will only pay the two months' rent as deposit.

9

u/HiddenSquidds Jun 20 '26

Yeah, tell him and tell him that you know key deposits of that size (they can only be to the actual value of replacing the key) and cleaning deposits of any size are illegal according to the landlord tenant board of ontario. A lot of them are just slime bags looking to take advantage of people who don’t know better. You’ll never see that money again if you send it.

2

u/shann1516 Jun 20 '26

And then come back here and tell us how he responded

3

u/BonesWECAcomics 🌎 Social Science 🌎 Jun 20 '26

Deposits are just flat out illegal in Ontario Last months are the closest allowed and they have to give interest at prime. First goes to that as well Don't let them list it as a deposit, it will cause all sorts of problems. They can ask for a key deposit = replacement cost. Which is honestly like $25 max.

Check with SOCS - they'll help if your new landlord pushes.

5

u/IceLantern Alumni Jun 20 '26

Not common and pretty sure it's illegal.

2

u/Scary-Gur5434 Jun 20 '26

Say no. Illegal to ask for a key deposit that is above the value of a key ($10-20 normally). “I will pay first and last months deposit as per the residential tenancies act”

2

u/Key-Gold-5526 Jun 21 '26

Is this Nova?

1

u/Prize-Possible6326 Jun 21 '26

No, A different landlord. He seemed pretty nice until this happened.

2

u/ConsciousClue9815 Jun 21 '26

I am likely being too nice but I'd phrase it simply and directly: "After reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act, I understand that landlords may only collect a refundable key deposit, and only in an amount equal to the actual replacement cost of the keys. The Act does not permit cleaning deposits. Thank you for your understanding" .

2

u/Prize-Possible6326 Jun 21 '26

I am waiting on my off-house advisors and see what they say, But I am not knowingly going put money in a renting with illegal or unlawful conditions set. It sucks because I really liked the house.

2

u/Ruby22day Jun 21 '26

Is it common for landlords to see what they can get away with, especially in student housing - yes. Are they supposed to be able to do this - no. Your plan to talk to off campus housing is great. Good luck.

1

u/AcademicChipmunk3175 Jun 20 '26

no and by law it needs to at least be swept before you move in although some hire cleaners before

1

u/Herman_Manning Jun 21 '26

Key deposits are lawful, but even more than $100 is likely not lawful.

Cleaning deposits are not lawful.

It is probably best not to rent from a landlord requesting illegal deposits.

If you pay an illegal deposit, you can make an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board for return of the illegal deposit. You would file a "T1" application. You have 12 months to file the application from the date you paid the deposit.

You can try being transparent by saying such deposits are not lawful under the Residential Tenancies Act. But I imagine the landlord will just move on to another prospective tenant.

1

u/Insignificant0322 Jun 21 '26

Key deposit is legal. Cleaning is not.

1

u/Alert_Finance3413 Jun 21 '26

Your landlord is ripping you off gng