9. Moving Out: Protecting Your Deposit

How you leave determines if you get your money back.

Giving Notice

• • Month-to-Month: You must give written notice at least one full rental month in advance. If you want to move on July 1st, your landlord must have your letter by May 31st.
  • Fixed Term (Lease): You generally cannot leave before the end date without a “mutual agreement to end tenancy” or by “assigning” the lease to someone else.

Cleaning: The “Reasonably Clean” Standard

You don’t need to hire a professional crew, but the unit must be “reasonably clean.”

• • Carpets: If you had a pet or lived there for more than a year, you are generally expected to steam-clean the carpets.
  • Appliances: Pull out the fridge and stove (if they are on rollers) and clean behind them.
  • Walls: Wipe down scuff marks. You don’t have to fill tiny nail holes from pictures—that is considered “normal wear and tear.”

Getting Your Deposit Back

1. 1. Forwarding Address: Give the landlord your new address in writing.
   2. The 15-Day Clock: Once the landlord has your address and the tenancy has ended, they have 15 days to either return your deposit (plus interest) or apply to the RTB to keep it.
   3. The “Double” Penalty: If they miss the 15-day deadline without your written permission or an RTB order, they may be ordered to pay you double the deposit.