Is Security Deposit Illegal??

[hell911]

Is Security Deposit Illegal??

bec. i will be sharing kitchen and washroom, i dont think security deposit law applies here? or does it?

any1 care to explain.

tnx

 

[scylla]

Are you sharing the bathroom and kitchen with the landlord or with other tenants? If you are sharing the bathroom and kitchen with other tenants then I'm pretty sure the landlord can demand a deposit.

 

[hell911]

yes, im sharing kitchen + bathroom. i guess its ok to demand security deposit.

 

[hell911]

the landlord said i can have either written agreement or verbal agreement, which is best?

 

[scylla]

Written. Always get things in writing.

 

[hell911]

he said i need to stay for 4 months minimum. is that legal?

 

[scylla]

he said i need to stay for 4 months minimum. is that legal?

Yes - that's certainly legal. Leases are typically 1 year - so 4 months is pretty short.

 

[hell911]

^
oh ok, i think the landlord is somewhat ok.

but cant be 100% sure.

 

[Wain Ho]

Security Deposit is legal in Canada as this is a guarantee to the landlord that they are able to recover some losses if anything in the house is being tampered with in the wrong way. Note that they are only able to collect 1/2 months rent as a security deposit and if 1 month is collected, it has to be under certain circumstances.

In a short term lease i.e., less than 1 month, they will still need to collect the deposit and return once you moved out and they have inspected the place. Note that there are some landlords that require you to return the house in the state that they hand it over to you on your first day so please make sure you clarify this with the landlord.