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

In Ontario, the only deposit a landlord can lawfully require to move in is a last month's rent deposit of no more than one month's (or one rental period's) rent, on top of the first month's rent. Damage deposits, pet deposits, and non-refundable key deposits are not allowed. A key or fob deposit is permitted only if it is refundable and does not exceed the actual replacement 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.

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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 416-274-2222Free Consultation

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