“One Ontario resident learned the hard way about the importance of inspections. When she initially moved in, neither she nor her landlord formally inspected the property. When she moved out, she found herself legally and financially responsible for removing a wall that the previous tenants had constructed in the unit.”

It is critical that the condition of the rental unit be documented on moving day.

This will help:

  • Note previous damage
  • Establish a baseline to evaluate normal wear and tear
  • Decide who is responsible for paying for any potential damages that might occur in the future.

For tenants, it will also waive any liability for damages that existed prior to moving in.

Tenants and landlords should always conduct the move-in inspection together.

Download the Initial Inspection Worksheet

[call-out: Did you know? In some provinces, the security deposit is only repayable if the move-in inspection matches the one completed upon moving out.]

Located in British Columbia or the Yukon?

A Condition Inspection Report is required by law. Both the tenant and landlord should complete, sign and date the form at move-in and move-out.

Download a Condition Inspection Report for British Columbia

Download a Condition Inspection Report for the Yukon

Final inspections

When a tenant moves out, they will have to prove that the condition of the rental meets with the landlord’s approval.

Refer to the initial inspection that was completed upon moving in, and compare it with the condition of each room on moving out.

If the rental unit passes the landlord’s final inspection, the lease deposit will be returned.

If the property is in disrepair or unacceptably dirty, the lease deposit, and interest will be used to pay for cleaning and repairing damages.

 

TIPS FOR TENANTS…

Contact your local fire department to see if they have recently inspected your rental unit for fire safety. If not, many will inspect your place free of charge. They will deal directly with your landlord to make sure your rental is safe.

Also, consider enlisting the help of a friend to make sure your move-in day inspection is as thorough as possible. Use your smartphone to record or take pictures of any problems you find, and make sure to save a back-up of the file for safe keeping.

TIPS FOR LANDLORDS…

Make sure both you and your tenant sign the pre-inspection form and note any building items that need repair or replacement on a room-by-room basis.

Consider taking photographs or even recording both move-in and move-out inspections to help document the condition of the unit.