First establish the applicable regime
OCPB’s 28 May 2026 explanation for covered rental businesses states a combined deposit/advance ceiling of three months’ rent and return within seven days without damage, or fourteen days where actual damage justifies deductions. Normal wear is distinguished from damage. Before asserting these deadlines, confirm that the landlord and lease are covered; other arrangements need their own contract and legal analysis.
Turn the dispute into a verifiable account
Keep the original inventory, move-in/out photographs, termination notice, key-return record and payments. Request repayment with a clear deposit balance and account details. For each deduction, ask for the specific damage and evidence of cost. Use OCPB 1166 or its official complaint channel where appropriate; a complaint does not guarantee repayment or suspend court deadlines.
Next steps
- Check whether the OCPB regime covers the lease.
- Collect photos, inventory and key-return evidence.
- Request every deduction in writing.
- Keep the complaint number and monitor deadlines.
Official sources
- Office of the Consumer Protection Board — Residential lease and deposit guidance, 28 May 2026 ↗
Checked: 2026-10-19 · Published: 2026-05-28
- Office of the Consumer Protection Board — Investigation of unfair residential leases, 29 December 2025 ↗
Checked: 2026-10-19 · Published: 2025-12-29