Tenant Wins Double Security Deposit Refund in Residential Tenancy Case
⚖️ Legal holding
A tenant is entitled to recover double the amount of their security deposit plus interest if the landlord fails to return it within fifteen days as required by law.
📚 Full judgment
The summary, holding and questions above are VadeLab’s own material. The official decision itself is published by the court, and we do not reproduce it on this page.
📊 How courts decide similar cases
Among 12 similar decisions in this collection:
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Tenant wins double security deposit and filing fees in dispute with landlor…
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Tenant Wins Double Security Deposit and Filing Fee Recovery
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Tenant Wins Double Security Deposit in Tenancy Dispute
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Tenant Wins Double Security Deposit Return Against Landlord
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Tenant Wins Double Security Deposit from Landlord
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Landlord Wins Order of Possession for Tenant's Failure to Pay Rent
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Landlord Secures Order of Possession for Unpaid Rent
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Tenant Wins Dispute Over Incomplete 10 Day Notice
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Landlord Wins Eviction Case Over Unpaid Rent
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Landlord Wins Unpaid Rent Case: Tenant Owes $11,521.77
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Landlord Secures Unpaid Rent Order from Tenant
- Residential Tenancy Branch (British Columbia) Tenant Wins Double Security Deposit Claim Against Landlord
A snapshot of this collection — not a prediction of your case's outcome.
⚖️ What tends to weigh in cases like this
✅ Tends to be accepted
- The landlord did not return the security deposit within 15 days.
- The landlord did not return the security deposit or file a dispute claim within 15 days.
- The landlord did not return the security deposit within 15 days of getting the tenant's new address or at the end of the tenancy.
- The landlord claimed for unpaid rent or damages caused by the tenant.
- The landlord did not return the pet damage deposit in addition to the security deposit.
❌ Tends to be rejected
- The tenant did not follow specific legal rules for how to send official documents.
Patterns observed in similar cases in this collection — every case is unique.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Who was involved?
A Tenant who rented a property from a Landlord.
How did the court decide, and why?
The Court decided in favour of the Tenant because the Landlord failed to return the security deposit within fifteen days as required by law.
What was the argument that mattered most?
The Tenant argued that the Landlord failed to return their security deposit within fifteen days as required by law, entitling them to double the amount plus interest.
Was the decision for or against the person who brought the case?
The decision was in favour of the Tenant.
What does this mean for someone in a similar situation?
Someone in a similar situation may be entitled to recover double their security deposit if the Landlord fails to return it within fifteen days as required by law.
What evidence or documents mattered?
The Tenant provided a copy of the tenancy agreement, Move-out Condition Inspection Report, Proof of Service form, and Direct Request Worksheet.
Can a decision like this be appealed?
Yes, decisions from the Residential Tenancy Branch can typically be appealed to the Provincial Court of British Columbia (Small Claims Court).
Is it worth getting a lawyer for a case like this?
It is recommended to seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer for specific cases involving disputes over security deposits.