Free Legal Tool

Move-In Cost Calculator

Calculate exactly how much cash you need to move into an Ontario rental — first and last month's rent, plus any key deposit and moving budget.

Estimate only — not legal advice. Ontario landlords cannot legally require a security or pet deposit.

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Move-In Details

Monthly Rent ($)

Key / Fob Deposit ($) (optional — must not exceed actual replacement cost)

Additional Moving Budget ($) (optional — movers, truck rental, supplies)

Move-In Cost Breakdown

Enter your rent details and click Calculate Move-In Cost.

📋 What Ontario Landlords Can Legally Charge

Under RTA s.106, an Ontario landlord can only require first month's rent and a last month's rent deposit (equal to one rent period, most commonly one month) at move-in. This deposit must be applied toward your actual last month of tenancy — it cannot be used for damage, cleaning, or any other purpose, and it earns annual interest at the guideline rate for as long as you remain a tenant.

⚠️ No security deposit, damage deposit, or pet deposit is legal in Ontario. RTA s.106(3) makes it illegal for a landlord to require any deposit beyond first and last month's rent (aside from a key/fob deposit limited to actual replacement cost). A landlord who asks for a “security deposit” or “pet deposit” on top of first/last month's rent is asking for something the law does not permit.

A landlord can still pursue a tenant through the LTB or Small Claims Court for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear — the prohibition is on collecting money up front as a deposit against that possibility, not on recovering proven damages after the fact.

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Last Month's Rent Earns Interest

Your last month's rent deposit accrues annual interest at the guideline rate — see our Last Month's Rent Interest Calculator.

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No Pet Deposits

A "no pets" clause can be unenforceable in Ontario, and a pet deposit is illegal regardless — landlords cannot charge extra for pets.

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Get a Receipt

Always get a written receipt for every payment made at move-in, including the last month's rent deposit.

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Budget for Utilities

Hydro, gas, water, and internet are often separate from rent — factor these into your true monthly housing cost.

🔗 Embed This Calculator On Your Site

Free to use on your own website or blog — just copy the code below. Includes attribution back to Legal Solutions Law Firm.

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<p style="font:12px/1.4 -apple-system,sans-serif;text-align:center;margin:6px 0 0;">
  <a href="https://legalsolutionslawfirm.ca/move-in-cost-calculator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Powered by Legal Solutions Law Firm</a>
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Being Asked for an Illegal Deposit?

If a landlord is asking for more than first and last month's rent, our Toronto team can help you understand your rights. Free 30-minute consultation.

📞 Call 416-274-2222 Free Consultation

Move-In Cost Calculator

Last Month's Rent Earns Interest

No Pet Deposits

Get a Receipt

Budget for Utilities

Being Asked for an Illegal Deposit?

Speak With a Landlord & Tenant Lawyer Today

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