Rental Deposit Dispute Checklist

Helps a tenant check whether a deposit was handled as the Rental Housing Act requires and prepares a written demand or Tribunal complaint.

What you will need

Deposit paid (R): From your lease or proof of payment.
Date the lease ended (date): The date you moved out and handed back keys.
Amount refunded so far (R): Enter 0 if nothing has been paid.
Deductions claimed by the landlord (R): Ask for receipts or quotes for each one.
Were there joint inspections at move-in and move-out? (text): Yes, No or Only one.

How it works

days_since_end = today - lease_end_date. outstanding = deposit_paid (+ interest earned, to be confirmed by landlord) - amount_refunded - deductions_listed. If no deductions and days_since_end > 7: flag 'Refund appears late'. If deductions and no receipts provided: flag 'Ask for proof of the cost of repairs'. If no joint inspection at move-in: note that the landlord may struggle to prove damage was caused by you. Build a demand letter: tenant details, property, lease dates, deposit amount, amount claimed, request for refund plus interest within 7 days, statement that you will lay a complaint with the Rental Housing Tribunal. Timelines are as understood under the Rental Housing Act and must be confirmed.

What you get

Amount you may still be owed (before interest)
Issues found
Draft demand letter

What it means

You appear to be owed money; send the demand in writing and keep proof you sent it.
Your deposit looks fully accounted for, but you can still ask for proof of interest earned.

Next step: Want help interpreting this? Contact the Rental Housing Tribunal in your province (free) or Legal Aid SA. For amounts within the limit, the small claims court is another option.

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