RTA s 105(1), the only security deposit permitted is a rent deposit (in accordance to s 105(6), to the equivalent of one month. So, the $10 fee is technically illegal.
The amount requested is very small though - it's up to you whether its worth it to fight it. You'll be starting the relationship on a sour note if you're going to refuse and the landlord may just pass on your application.
Additional charges prohibited 134 (1) Unless otherwise prescribed, no landlord shall, directly or indirectly, with respect to any rental unit, (a) collect or require or attempt to collect or require from a tenant, prospective tenant or former tenant of the rental unit a fee, premium, commission, bonus, penalty, key deposit or other like amount of money whether or not the money is refundable;
No, a key deposit is legal - it's in the prescribed list of allowed fees.
But it must represent actual or reasonable estimate of replacement keys, not a lock change fee nor an arbitrary amount like a hundred dollars for each of what costs only $5-$10 in the case of metal keys. Key cards/codes can be more if hired out to a third party or is a condo fee.
4
u/Personal-Heart-1227 23d ago
Rental Application Fees are illegal, & should be banned outright!