In Alberta, a landlord has 10 days after the day the tenant gives up possession of the rental to return a security deposit with any interest owed, or to send the balance with a written statement of account for any deductions (Residential Tenancies Act, s.46(2)). If the landlord cannot work out a deduction in time, they send an estimate within the 10 days and a final statement within 30 days.
At a glance
- Deadline: 10 days after the tenant gives up possession (s.46(2)).
- Estimate route: balance plus an estimated statement within 10 days, then the final balance and statement within 30 days (s.46(2)(c)).
- No deductions for: normal wear and tear (s.46(5)), or damage when the inspection reports were not done (s.46(6)).
- Interest: part of the deposit; the 2026 rate is 0% (alberta.ca).
- If it does not come back: claim it at the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or in court (ss.46(3), 54.2).
This FAQ is for Alberta tenants waiting on a deposit, and for landlords who want to get the refund right. The full life of a deposit, from the one-month cap to the trust account, is in our Alberta security deposits guide.
Alberta Deposit Return Checklist
Track your security deposit from move-out day to refund under the Residential Tenancies Act, s.46.
Get Free PDF →When does the 10-day clock start in Alberta?
The 10 days start the day after the tenant gives up possession of the unit, not the last day on the lease and not the day the landlord finishes cleaning (s.46(2)). Giving up possession usually means moving out and handing back the keys.
A tenancy that ends by notice or at the end of a fixed term finishes at 12 noon on its last day unless the landlord and tenant agree on another time (s.20(1)). A tenant who leaves early gives up possession on the day they actually leave.
Example: a tenant moves out and returns the keys on October 31. Counting October 31 as day zero, day 10 is November 10. A landlord who sends the money on November 10 is at the very edge of the deadline. Sending it sooner leaves room for mail.
What exactly must the landlord send within 10 days?
Within the 10 days, an Alberta landlord must do one of three things under s.46(2):
| Situation | What the landlord sends | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| No deductions | The full deposit, with interest owed | 10 days |
| Deductions known | The balance, if any, and a statement of account showing what was used | 10 days |
| Deductions not yet known (for example, waiting on a repair invoice) | The balance the landlord does not intend to use, and an estimated statement of account | 10 days |
| Then, on the estimate route | The remaining balance, if any, and a final statement of account | 30 days |
The Act lets the landlord "deliver" the money and the statement in person, by regular mail or registered mail, or any other way both sides agreed to in writing (s.46(1)(a)).
Does the deposit include interest?
Yes. For the return, "security deposit" includes any interest owed to the tenant under s.45 when the tenancy ends (s.46(1)(c)). Alberta sets the rate each year: it is 0% for 2026, 0.5% for 2025 and 1.6% for 2024, according to the annual rate page on alberta.ca. A tenancy that ran through 2024 or 2025 may still have interest owing. Our guide to security deposit interest in Alberta shows how to work it out.
What can an Alberta landlord deduct from the deposit?
An Alberta landlord can deduct only under the conditions the tenant agreed to, usually in the lease (s.46(2)(b)). Typical examples are unpaid rent or the cost of repairing damage the tenant caused. Two limits apply to every deposit:
- No deduction for normal wear and tear (s.46(5)). The Act defines it as the deterioration that happens over time with use even though the premises receive reasonable care (s.46(1)(b)).
- No deduction for damage without the inspection reports (s.46(6)). If the move-in and move-out inspections required by s.19 were not done, the landlord cannot deduct for damage at all. See Alberta's inspection report rules.
What can a tenant do if the deposit is not returned?
A tenant whose deposit is late, short or missing can apply to recover it, whether or not a statement was sent (s.46(3)). The decision-maker works out what the landlord was entitled to deduct and orders the rest paid back (s.46(4)). You can choose either forum:
- The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). A tenant may apply there instead of court (s.54.2(2)). The filing fee is $75 for a claim of $7,500 or less and $150 for a claim over $7,500 (alberta.ca/rtdrs-apply). See RTDRS filing fees and the claim limit.
- The courts. The Alberta Court of Justice or the Court of King's Bench (s.48).
RTDRS asks for applications within 2 years from the date a claim is discovered. Before you file, write to the landlord, quote s.46 and set a short date to pay. Many deposits come back at this step.
Is a late refund an offence in Alberta?
Yes. Contravening s.46(2) (the deadlines) or s.46(6) (deducting for damage without inspection reports) is an offence with a fine of up to $5,000 (s.60(1)). A justice who convicts the landlord may also order the deposit repaid with interest (s.60(3)).
Frequently asked questions
Does the 10-day deadline include weekends?
Section 46 says "within 10 days" and does not exclude weekends. Treat every calendar day as counting and send the refund early, especially by mail.
Can my landlord keep the deposit until they find a new tenant?
No. The deadline runs from the day you give up possession. If you owe rent under the lease, the landlord can deduct it under the lease terms and show it on the statement of account.
Can the landlord charge for repainting after a long tenancy?
Not for paint that has simply aged with reasonable use; that is normal wear and tear (s.46(5)). Damage beyond that can be deducted only if the inspection reports were done (s.46(6)).
Does a new owner have to return my deposit?
Yes. A person who buys the landlord's interest takes on the obligations for the deposit (s.47). Our Alberta tenant guide covers your rights through a sale.
Is e-transfer allowed for the refund?
Only if both of you agreed to it in writing. Otherwise the Act lists personal delivery, regular mail and registered mail (s.46(1)(a)).
How Tenon10 helps landlords meet the deadline
Tenon10 runs the Alberta move-in and move-out inspection reports, so a damage deduction has the record s.46(6) requires. It also tracks each deposit and its 10-day return date from the move-out day you record.
Alberta Deposit Return Checklist
Track your security deposit from move-out day to refund under the Residential Tenancies Act, s.46.
Get Free PDF →Never miss the 10-day deposit deadline
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