How to Get Your Security Deposit Back: A Complete Moving Out Guide for Alberta Tenants
Written By Power Properties
Moving out can be one of life's most stressful experiences, ranking right up there with divorce according to some experts. But here's the thing, it doesn't have to be a nightmare, especially when it comes to getting your security deposit back.
If you're renting in Alberta, particularly in Calgary or Edmonton, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to maximize your chances of getting every penny back.
Understanding Your Security Deposit Rights in Alberta
Before we dive into the how-to, let's clear up what you're entitled to under Alberta law. Your security deposit (also called a damage deposit) can't exceed one month's rent at the start of your tenancy. This includes everything – refundable pet deposits, refundable key deposits, you name it. The total can only equal one month's rent, period.
Here's something many tenants don't know: even if your rent increases during your lease, your security deposit amount stays the same. Your landlord is also required to hold your deposit in a trust account and pay you interest.
The Foundation: Your Move-In Inspection Report
This is absolutely crucial, so pay attention: without a written move-in condition report that's been signed, your landlord cannot deduct anything from your security deposit. I don't care how many photos or videos they have – if there's no written, signed report, you're protected.
When you moved in, you should have done a thorough walk-through with your landlord documenting every scratch, stain, and blemish. If you didn't get this done properly, or if you're currently moving in somewhere, make sure this happens. Most reputable property management companies will photograph and video everything in addition to the written report.
Before You Start Packing: Financial Housekeeping
Before you even think about cleaning, check your rental account for any outstanding issues. This is where most security deposit deductions happen, and they're usually the first things taken out:
Late fees you might have forgotten about
Missed rent payments
Outstanding utility bills
Any other charges on your account
These financial items get deducted before anything else, so clear them up first if possible.
The Art of Moving Out: Giving Yourself Time
Here's some advice that can save you hundreds of dollars: try to arrange possession of your new place before you have to move out of your current home. This overlap gives you precious time to fix things properly and clean thoroughly without the pressure of having nowhere to go.
When you're rushed, you make mistakes. When you make mistakes, you lose money from your security deposit. It's that simple.
Fixing What's Actually Broken
Let's be clear about something: normal wear and tear is not your responsibility. That means faded paint, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, or minor scuffs are part of living in a home. However, actual damage is different.
If you've got a cracked drawer from overloading it, a hole in the wall from moving furniture, or a broken screen door, fix these things yourself. Why? Because you control the cost. That $50 drawer part becomes a $150 repair when your landlord has to call a service technician.
Take a walk around your place and honestly assess what's damage versus wear and tear. If you caused it, own it and fix it. Your wallet will thank you.
The Deep Clean: Your Security Deposit's Best Friend
Most landlords provide a move-out cleaning checklist, and here's my advice: follow it religiously. These aren't suggestions – they're requirements if you want your deposit back.
Don't Miss These Commonly Forgotten Areas:
Baseboards – they collect dust and grime like you wouldn't believe
Window sills and tracks – these are dirt magnets
Behind and under appliances – pull out that stove and see what's hiding back there
Inside the oven – every spill, every splatter
Furnace filters – change them
Humidifier filters – change these too
The Yard Deserves Love Too
Not everyone has a green thumb, and that's okay. But you're still responsible for the yard's condition. Mow the lawn, weed the garden beds, and please – clean up after your pets. Nobody wants to deal with someone else's "landmines," and professional cleanup isn't cheap.
Do this work the day before your move-out inspection so everything looks fresh and shows you cared about the property.
A Word About Walls
Picture hook holes? Totally fine. That’s normal wear and tear and you don’t need to fix them. But if you’ve used drywall anchors, screws, or mounted a TV, you’ll need to patch and paint those spots.
Pro tip: you can cut a small paint chip from a hidden area—like behind a light switch, outlet cover, or inside a closet—and bring it to a paint store for a perfect match.
The Move-Out Inspection: Documentation is Everything
Just like your move-in inspection, the move-out inspection must be in writing and signed by everyone involved. The property manager will likely photograph and video any issues they find. If it's bad enough to show up clearly in a photo or video, you can expect to be charged for it.
This is where all your preparation pays off. If you've followed the cleaning checklist, fixed the actual damage, and taken care of the yard, there should be no surprises during this inspection.
The Money Trail: Understanding the Timeline
Alberta law gives landlords a specific process they must follow, and knowing these timelines protects you:
Within 10 Days: Your landlord must provide an interim statement of account. If there are deductions, they'll estimate the costs (usually on the high side) and refund you the difference.
Within 30 Days: They must complete all repairs and provide a final statement. If the actual costs were less than estimated, they owe you the difference.
For example: If your $1,500 deposit has an estimated $300 in damages, you'd get $1,200 back initially. If the repairs only cost $250, you'd get another $50 back in the final statement.
Don't be surprised if they hold back money for utility confirmation or condominium fees – these are routine holdbacks that get returned once everything checks out.
Busting the "Scummy Landlord" Myth
Here's something that might surprise you: landlords don't want to keep your security deposit. It's not some bonus revenue stream. In fact, it's the opposite of what they want.
Think about it, when they have to deduct from your deposit, it creates work. They have to document problems, hire repair people, coordinate with contractors, and explain delays to new tenants. All of this takes time away from their actual money-making activities, like renting properties.
Most property managers would much rather hand you back your full deposit with a smile and move on to the next tenant. If they're deducting money, there's usually a legitimate reason, even if it's hard to accept (especially when it was an accident).
Your Action Plan for Success
Here's your step-by-step roadmap to getting your full security deposit back:
6-8 Weeks Before Moving:
Clear any outstanding fees or charges on your account
Arrange overlap time between your old and new places if possible
Order any replacement parts for broken items
2-3 Weeks Before Moving:
Complete any necessary repairs yourself
Start deep cleaning room by room
Address any yard maintenance needs
1 Week Before Moving:
Finish all cleaning tasks
Complete final yard work
Do a final walk-through with your own camera
Day of Move-Out:
Be present for the inspection
Ask questions if you don't understand something
Get your copy of the signed inspection report
Ready to Get Your Deposit?
Getting your security deposit back isn't about gaming the system or fighting with your landlord. It's about understanding your responsibilities, following through on them, and knowing your rights under Alberta law.
Clean your place so well that you'd be happy to move into it yourself (even though you're moving out). Fix what's actually broken, not what's just worn from normal living. Give yourself enough time to do things right, and document everything along the way.
Remember, that security deposit represents real money – often $1,500 to $3,000 or more. It's worth investing a weekend and maybe a few hundred dollars in supplies and repairs to get it all back.
Moving is stressful enough without losing money you're entitled to. Follow this guide, know your rights, and you'll be well on your way to getting every penny of your security deposit returned where it belongs, in your pocket.
This guide is based on Alberta rental law and may not apply to other provinces. Always consult your lease agreement and local regulations for specific requirements in your area.
About Power Properties Ltd.
Founded in 1980, Power Properties has been providing hassle-free property management services to property owners, property investors and non-residents with homes in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat for over 45 years. Our full-service property management includes everything from move in to move out, so you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day operations of your rental property. With a team of licensed professionals, years of experience, and award-winning service, you can rest assured that your property is in good hands.
