Not all landlords take the rent upfront, some take just the damage deposit then payment of rent upon move it.

Everywhere I have rented, the landlords only wanted the deposit at signing, and then rent at time of move in.

Just my experience.


BC is better then Ontario, took a hell of a time collecting enough money to rent a place, first and last months rent upfront, very difficult to do on a low wage.


Alberta security deposits can\t exceed 1 months rent since that is where the OP is going, figured I would add it in. If the rent goes up after tenancy, the deposit cannot be raised, the deposit is based on the rent at the time you enter into the agreement.

Here is a link to some common questions for Alberta

http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/618.cfm