Start here: Under section 38 of the Residential Tenancy Act, the usual 15-day response period runs after the later of the tenancy ending and the landlord receiving the tenant’s forwarding address in writing. The landlord normally returns deposits with interest or makes an RTB claim.
Document the two trigger dates
- The usual 15-day deadline starts after the later of the tenancy ending and the landlord receiving the tenant’s forwarding address in writing. Keep evidence of how and when the address was served.
- Do not miss the one-year rule: A tenant normally must give a forwarding address in writing within one year after the tenancy ends, or their right to the deposit can be lost under section 39. The method and timing of service matter.
- A landlord generally must return the deposit with required interest or apply to the RTB for a claim; a deduction usually requires lawful authorization or an order.
- Inspection-related exceptions can affect remedies. The possibility of a double-deposit order does not mean every late payment automatically doubles.
What to check first
Document the tenancy end, forwarding-address receipt and any written consent to deductions or condition-inspection issues.
Next steps
If the timeline passes, check direct-request eligibility and the official interest calculator before seeking repayment.
Important exception or mistake
Double-deposit remedies are conditional, not automatic; statutory exceptions and the inspection process matter.
Keep for your records
Keep the original notice or agreement, messages with dates, payment records, proof of delivery and any hearing confirmation. The rules can differ depending on the request and how the papers were delivered.