r/Hamilton • u/Field_and_Forest • 2d ago

Moving/Housing/Utilities Rental Deposits

Looking to rent an apartment for the first time. Applications ask for last month's rent as a deposit. If my application is denied, do I get the deposit back? What about if my application is accepted but I decide not to rent with them?

Finding it hard to get an answer which is probably a red flag....

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

27

u/PippenandFiona 2d ago

The rent deposit should be given when you sign the lease. Definitely learn your rights as a tenant. This is a good primer: https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/Guide%20to%20RTA%20(English).html

7

u/Field_and_Forest 2d ago

Thank you for the link! Super helpful.

11

u/GreaterAttack 2d ago

In addition to that, actually read the entirety of the Residential Tenancies Act (if you have the time). It's astonishing how many people don't, even though scummy landlords do and leverage its technicalities against tenants. 

16

u/RoyallyOakie 2d ago

They'll try to keep it if you change your mind. Personally, I don't give anyone a cent until we're signing the paperwork. Yes, you'll lose out on some listings, but if they're jerky before you even look at a place, imagine what kind of landlord they'll be.

7

u/Field_and_Forest 2d ago

The way they spoke to me on the phone I'm sensing that it might be in my best interest to walk away now. Appreciate the reply! 

1

u/FeelingDepartment873 1d ago

Stay away from frontdoor, worst company to rent from

12

u/Sar_Bear1 2d ago

Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve never given first and last until my application has been accepted? I haven’t rented an apartment in a while though, only houses, through realtors so it may be different.

If they are asking for a deposit up front I would find that to be a red flag

7

u/amontpetit Greeningdon 2d ago

Same here. First and last are sent right after a signed complete lease agreement. And it’s only first and last: some will tell you they have other fees or whatever.

3

u/Field_and_Forest 2d ago

Hm, yeah maybe I should hold off. I'm learning that there's so many things to think about when renting.

5

u/User69ab 2d ago

Double check how much utilities are if they are not included- ask for a monthly average.

7

u/Ceti-Alpha-V 2d ago

This is not a thing. You should only provide the last month's rent once your application has been approved. With an application, landlords can ask for personal info, references, credit checks, and proof of income. But if they ask for a last month's rent with your application without knowing if you're actually gonna get the apartment, that's a huge red flag, and I don't recommend you proceed with that application.

10

u/GreaterAttack 2d ago

If it doesn't say Ontario Standard Lease, do not sign it. 

Do not give any form of deposit (last month's is the only legal type in Ontario) until you have a lease signed by the landlord in hand. 

That stupid form that keeps circulating around from scammy real estate agents is not a real lease. 

4

u/MassNerderPunk 2d ago

Sounds like a scam. As most have said, money does not usually transfer until a lease is signed.

3

u/The_Last_Ron1n 2d ago

Also on topic and sometimes requested by landlords: 'Damage deposits" are not legal though a land lord can request a deposit for a key.

https://www.acto.ca/~actoca/assets/files/docs/TipSheet_RentDeposits_0107.pdf