Tenant Resources

Resources - Tenants - Moving Out

5. Moving Out

A tenant must move out by 1 p.m. on the last day of the tenancy (usually the last day of the month). A landlord and tenant may agree on another time or date – as long as it’s in writing and signed by both parties.

Clean the Unit

A tenant is expected to clean the inside of their rental unit – even if it wasn’t clean at the beginning of the tenancy:

  • Carpets must be steam cleaned or shampooed for tenancies that lasted longer than a year – tenants must pay any carpet cleaning costs
  • Appliances must be cleaned in the unit – including behind or under the fridge and stove, if they’re on wheels
  • Window coverings provided with the unit should be clean and in reasonable condition at the end of the tenancy
  • Windows, including the inside tracks, should be cleaned
  • Balcony doors, windows and tracks should be cleaned on the inside and outside
  • Walls must be washed so that there are no scuff marks or finger prints left behind, unless the texture of the walls doesn’t allow for this
  • Nail holes do not need to be filled if the landlord’s rules for hanging and removing pictures have been followed – however, tenants must pay to repair excessive nail holes or deliberate damage
  • Baseboard heaters should be vacuumed or wiped down
  • Fireplaces should be cleaned out, if they’ve been used
  • Light bulbs and fuses should all be working

Before the Move-Out Inspection

Tenants should make sure the unit is prepared for the final condition inspection – that means they must remove all belongings, clean the unit and fix any damage. Otherwise, the landlord may ask to keep some or all of a deposit to cover cleaning or repair costs.

Inspecting the Rental Unit

At the end of a tenancy, a landlord and tenant must inspect the rental unit together – this is sometimes called a “walk-through.” This should be done:

  • When the unit is empty
  • Once the tenant moves out and before the new tenant moves in

Comparing the move-in and move-out Condition Inspection Reports allows the landlord and tenant to see if the rental unit was damaged and who is responsible for paying for repairs. The tenant isn’t responsible for reasonable wear and tear of the rental unit.

STEP 1: Schedule the Inspection

It’s the landlord’s responsibility to schedule the condition inspection (or “walk-through”). Both landlords and tenants should be flexible and reasonable when arranging a suitable time for the inspection together. It’s acceptable for a tenant to authorize another person to attend the inspection on their behalf – as long as they notify the landlord before the inspection.

STEP 2: Bring the Move-In Inspection Report

The landlord should bring along a printed copy of the Condition Inspection Report (PDF, 1.6MB) that was completed at the start of the tenancy. That completed report will serve as an official record of the rental unit’s condition.

STEP 3: Conduct the Inspection

Walk through the rental unit and write down any damages on the inspection report – this doesn’t include damages from normal wear and tear.

Be sure all damages and concerns are noted in the report – it’s a good idea to take photos, if possible. These items can be submitted as evidence if there’s a dispute about the rental unit’s condition at the end of the tenancy.

STEP 4: Sign the Condition Inspection Report

The landlord and tenant must sign and date the inspection report. If a tenant disagrees with the landlord’s assessment, they should note any concerns or comments on the report before signing it.

STEP 5: Distribute Copies

Within seven days of the inspection, the landlord must provide a copy of the completed Condition Inspection Report (PDF, 1.6MB) to the tenant(s). If there are more than two landlords or two tenants, the landlord should include the additional names on a separate form called the Schedule of Parties (PDF).

Moving Fees

A landlord can charge a fee for moving between units in a multi-tenanted building if the tenant requests the move. This must be stated in the tenancy agreement, and the fee cannot be more than $15 or 3% of the monthly rent – whichever is greater.

A landlord can also charge the tenant if a fee is required by a strata corporation for moving out of a strata building.