The Residential Tenancies Act does not prohibit landlords from charging application fees. If there is an application form, the tenant should review it carefully before signing it and handing over any money. If the application form says that the application fee is non-refundable, then the money will not be paid back. This is the case even if the tenant decides not to move in or if the landlord does not accept the tenant’s application.
Tip 1: Be sure to have in writing whether an application fee is refundable or not.
Tip 2: Not all landlords charge an application fee. If you do not want to pay an application fee to rent, then you may want to look for a different property to rent.
February 2020
