Note: this calculator provides a general, informational estimate only — not legal advice and not a guarantee of any outcome. Use it as a starting point, and confirm anything that matters against your own records.
Which Forum Handles Your Deposit Dispute
Not every deposit dispute belongs in Small Claims Court. A last month's rent deposit between a landlord and residential tenant generally goes through the Landlord and Tenant Board instead — see landlord and tenant-related claims for where that line falls. Deposits in other contexts — a private sale, an event booking, a service contract, or a real estate transaction — are typically Small Claims Court matters. If your dispute is specifically about a home purchase or sale deposit, see real estate deposit disputes for that specific scenario.
What You'll Need to Use It
- The total deposit amount you paid.
- The amount actually withheld or refused, if it's less than the full deposit.
- The reason given for withholding it, if one was provided.
- Any documentation — a receipt, contract, or written agreement about the deposit's terms.
Common Deposit Dispute Scenarios
- A wedding or event vendor kept a deposit after cancelling or failing to deliver — see wedding and event vendor disputes.
- A home purchase or sale fell through, and the deposit's fate is disputed — see real estate deposit disputes.
- A private sale deposit wasn't returned after a deal fell through — see online marketplace and private sale disputes.
What to Do With the Result
Once you have a clear estimate, a written demand letter is usually the next step — see the demand letter builder. If the other party doesn't respond, the Start a Claim guide walks through filing a Plaintiff's Claim.
Official sources
- Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98 — the procedural rules governing claims, defences, settlement conferences, trials and enforcement.
- ontario.ca: Suing Someone in Small Claims Court — the official overview, including the current monetary limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes — it's provided as a free informational tool, with no account or payment required.
Should a rent deposit dispute go to Small Claims Court or the Landlord and Tenant Board?
Most last month's rent deposit disputes between a landlord and tenant go through the Landlord and Tenant Board rather than Small Claims Court. This calculator and Small Claims Court are generally a better fit for deposits in other contexts, such as a private sale or a service deposit — see our landlord and tenant-related claims guide for where the line falls.
What if the deposit was for something other than rent?
Deposits for services, event bookings, or private sales generally fall under Small Claims Court rather than the Landlord and Tenant Board. This calculator is built with those situations in mind.
What if only part of my deposit was withheld?
You can generally claim just the disputed portion. Enter the amount actually withheld, and be ready to explain why you believe it was withheld unfairly.