How Soon Before Moving In Do You Pay a Deposit?
What’s Due Before Move-In? First Month, Last Month & Key Fees Explained
There’s a moment in every rental journey when excitement meets uncertainty.
You’ve found the place. The application is approved. The lease is ready.
Then comes the question almost every renter asks:
“How soon do I actually have to pay the deposit?”
It’s a simple question, but in Canada, the answer depends on where you live, what kind of deposit is allowed, and how the tenancy is structured. Understanding the timing and legality of deposits isn’t just about budgeting. It’s about protecting yourself.
Let’s break it down clearly.
The Short Answer: You Usually Pay at Lease Signing
In most Canadian provinces, deposits are due when you sign the lease, or within a short window after acceptance. That payment secures the unit and legally confirms the tenancy.
In practical terms:
- Deposit: Paid at lease signing (or very shortly after).
- First month’s rent: Often due at signing or on move-in day.
- Keys released: Once funds are received and cleared.
However, and this is critical, what qualifies as a “deposit” varies significantly by province.
What’s Legally Allowed by Province?
Ontario
- Landlords can collect a rent deposit equal to one month’s rent.
- It must be applied to the last month’s rent, not damages.
- Damage deposits and pet deposits are illegal.
- In practice, landlords usually collect first and last month’s rent at lease signing.
British Columbia
- Security deposit: Up to 50% of one month’s rent.
- Pet damage deposit (if applicable): Up to 50%.
- Both are typically due within 30 days of signing.
Alberta
- Security deposit (commonly one month’s rent) is usually paid at signing or before move-in.
- It is refundable if no damage or unpaid rent exists.
Quebec
- Security or damage deposits are not permitted.
- Only the first month’s rent can be requested in advance.
The key takeaway?
Deposits are regulated, and capped — by law.
If someone asks for more than your province allows, that’s a red flag.
What’s Normally Due Before Move-In?
Here’s what a typical payment schedule looks like in Ontario (as an example):
Lease signed for $2,000/month starting May 1
At signing:
- $2,000 first month’s rent
- $2,000 last month’s rent deposit
- $75 refundable key/fob deposit (if applicable)
On May 1:
- You receive the keys.
- No additional rent is due until June 1.
That’s the standard rhythm in many professional rental transactions.
What About Holding Deposits?
In competitive markets, landlords may request a small holding deposit during the application stage to demonstrate serious intent.
Best practice:
- Ensure it’s documented in writing.
- Confirm it applies toward your rent or deposit.
- Never pay before seeing the unit and reviewing the lease.
How to Protect Yourself Before Paying
Rental scams remain one of the most common forms of consumer fraud. Follow these safeguards:
✔️ Tour the property in person (or via verified live showing).
✔️ Never wire money internationally.
✔️ Sign the lease before transferring funds.
✔️ Request a receipt immediately.
✔️ Confirm the deposit amount complies with provincial law.
If something feels rushed, vague, or overly urgent, pause.
A legitimate landlord will never pressure you to bypass documentation.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Paying a deposit isn’t just a transaction. It’s the financial handshake that begins your tenancy.
Handled properly, it protects both tenant and landlord.
Handled carelessly, it can create risk.
Understanding what’s due, when it’s due, and why it’s legal puts you in control.
And control, in today’s rental market — is confidence.
Final Takeaway
In Canada, expect to pay any lawful deposit at lease signing or shortly before your tenancy begins. The amount and type depend entirely on your province.
Know your rights.
Document everything.
Pay only what the law allows.
Because renting isn’t just about finding a place to live.
It’s about building your Rent Life, informed, prepared, and protected.
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🔎 Top 10 Trusted Sources on Rental Deposits in Canada (Know Before You Pay)
Here are the most credible and practical resources referenced in the blog — covering provincial laws, deposit limits, tenant protections, and official government guidance across Canada:
- CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)
Rental Payments & Deposits Guide
https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/consumers/renting-a-home/i-want-to-rent/rental-payments-and-deposits - Tribunals Ontario – Landlord and Tenant Board
Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act
https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/Guide%20to%20RTA%20(English).html - Government of British Columbia
Residential Tenancy Deposits & Fees
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/deposits-fees - Liv.rent
What Is Rent and Security Deposit in Canada?
https://liv.rent/blog/rental-laws/what-is-rent-and-security-deposit-in-canada/ - CMHC – Renting in Canada Overview
https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/consumers/renting-a-home - Legal Line (Ontario)
Rent & Security Deposits – Legal Overview
https://www.legalline.ca/legal-answers/rent-and-security-deposits-and-interest/ - CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario)
What Do I Have to Pay Before I Move In?
https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/rent-en/what-else-do-i-have-pay-i-move - Hale Tale
Complete Guide to First & Last Month’s Rent in Ontario
https://haletale.com/complete-guide-first-and-last-month-rent-deposits-ontario/ - Fox Marin Realty (Ontario Rental FAQ)
First & Last Month’s Rent Explained
https://foxmarin.ca/faq/do-i-need-to-pay-first-and-last-months-rent-in-ontario/ - Royal York Property Management
Understanding Ontario Rent Deposit Rules
https://royalyorkpropertymanagement.ca/news-article/understanding-the-ontario-rent-deposit-rules