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Landlord and Tenant Information for Albertans

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You are here: Home / Security Deposits / FAQ – If two tenants rent an apartment together and one of them moves out, does the landlord need to return half of the security deposit?

FAQ – If two tenants rent an apartment together and one of them moves out, does the landlord need to return half of the security deposit?

No. If tenants are sharing a rental property and each paid part of the security deposit, the landlord does not have to return part of the security deposit if one tenant moves out early. The landlord usually only returns the security deposit when the tenancy ends. When the landlord returns the security deposit at the end of the tenancy, the landlord must make the cheque out to all of original tenants named on the lease, even if one of the tenants already left the premises.

If the landlord does agree to return some of the security deposit early, the agreement should be in writing.

Tenants may also want to create a roommate agreement to specify what happens to the security deposit if one person leaves early.

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  • About
    • About CPLEA and Disclaimer
    • Copyright Statement
  • Topics
    • Legislation
    • Leases and Agreements
    • Security Deposits
    • Inspection Reports
    • Responsibilities
    • Shared Accommodation
    • Repairs
    • Notices
      • Eviction Notice (Notice of Termination of Tenancy for Substantial Breach)
      • Notice of Objection to an Eviction Notice
      • Notice of Entry by the Landlord
      • Notice of Landlord
      • Notice of Rent Increase
      • Notice of Termination of a Periodic Tenancy for Allowable Reasons
      • Notice to End a Periodic Tenancy
      • Tenant’s 14 Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy
    • Dispute Resolution
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • Glossary
  • Find Help
    • Forms
    • Legal Advice
    • Government & Court Services