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Housing: Deposit Withheld / Repairs Ignored

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General information, not legal advice. First check coverage: institution-owned and operated student housing and accommodation sharing a kitchen or bathroom with the owner can be outside the Residential Tenancy Act. Your agreement and the applicable process matter. The steps below do not guarantee a remedy.

⏱️Time: Preparation and resolution times vary
HousingRightsLegal

✓What to Do Now

1

Check coverage and deadlines first

Read the Act's coverage exclusions and check the applicable RTB process. If your housing is excluded, ask your school housing office or a qualified adviser which rules apply. Do not let informal discussions make you miss a filing deadline.

2

Keep your evidence

Save the tenancy agreement, deposit receipts, condition inspection reports, dated photos, repair requests and communications. Record when the tenancy ended and when and how you provided your forwarding address in writing.

3

Understand the deposit-return rule

For covered tenancies, section 38 generally requires return with required interest or an application for dispute resolution within 15 days after the later of tenancy end and receipt of the tenant's written forwarding address. Exceptions include valid written consent to a deduction or an applicable order. An itemized list alone does not authorize the landlord to keep the deposit. Check the full rules and any effect of inspection requirements with RTB.

4

Request repairs in writing

Describe the issue, urgency and impact, and ask for a repair plan. Keep copies. For emergencies, prioritize safety, contact the landlord's emergency contact and check the Act's emergency-repair procedure. Do not withhold rent or deduct costs without confirming the legal requirements.

5

Ask for help or use the applicable dispute process

Check RTB's current application instructions, deadlines, fees and fee-waiver rules. TRAC may help you understand your options; check its service scope and availability. A follow-up letter is not a substitute for a required application or notice.

📞Who to Contact

Your School's Housing Office

📋 Contact: Find it on your school's official website
When: For institution-owned or operated student housing and its complaint process

TRAC - Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre

🌐 Website: tenants.bc.ca/
When: For tenant information; check current contact options, hours and eligibility for individual help

Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) BC

When: To check coverage and the applicable dispute process; use the official site for current contact details

🚩Red Flags

  • ⚠️Being asked to sign consent to deposit deductions you do not understand or agree with
  • ⚠️A landlord treating a list of deductions as permission to keep a deposit
  • ⚠️Unanswered repair requests involving health or safety
  • ⚠️Threats or pressure to give up your rights
  • ⚠️Missing tenancy documents, deposit receipts or condition reports

📝Templates

Click "Copy" to copy any template to your clipboard, then paste and customize it.

Security Deposit Return Request

Subject: Deposit return request — [PROPERTY ADDRESS] Dear [LANDLORD NAME], The tenancy ended on [DATE]. I provided my forwarding address in writing on [DATE] by [METHOD]. My deposit was $[AMOUNT]. Please confirm the status of its return, including any required interest. If you propose a deduction, please explain its basis and provide supporting documents. This request is not consent to deductions. My forwarding address is [ADDRESS]. I have kept copies of the condition report and relevant communications. Thank you, [YOUR NAME]

Repair Request

Subject: Repair request — [PROPERTY ADDRESS] Dear [LANDLORD NAME], I am reporting [ISSUE] at [LOCATION], first noticed on [DATE]. Its impact is [FACTUAL DESCRIPTION]. Attached are [PHOTOS / RELEVANT RECORDS]. Please confirm receipt and your proposed repair plan. I can be reached at [CONTACT] to arrange access in accordance with applicable requirements. Thank you, [YOUR NAME]

Follow-up Request

Subject: Follow-up — [PROPERTY ADDRESS / ISSUE] Dear [LANDLORD NAME], I am following up on my request of [DATE] about [ISSUE]. The current situation is [FACTS]. Please respond with the status and your proposed next steps. I am checking the applicable tenancy process and deadlines. This letter does not replace any required formal notice or application. Thank you, [YOUR NAME]

🎓Watch / Learn

🌐

BC Residential Tenancy Act

Coverage (section 4), emergency repairs (section 33) and deposit rules (section 38). Read the full applicable provisions.

Visit resource →
🌐

BC Government: Deposits and fees

Official deposit information; check linked inspection and return procedures.

Visit resource →
🌐

TRAC tenant information

Tenant information and current support options from a BC non-profit.

Visit resource →