At the start and end of a tenancy, the tenant and landlord should walk through the rental unit and complete a condition inspection report. This is a chance to fill out a checklist and document the condition of the rental unit. Completing this report when the tenant moves in, and then again when they move out, can help determine how much damage, if any, has been caused during the tenancy.
Your landlord must offer you at least two opportunities – between 8am and 9pm – to complete a move-in condition inspection. If you do not accept their first offer, your landlord is required to give you Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) form, Notice of Final Opportunity to Schedule a Condition Inspection. If you are still unavailable for this second opportunity, you can ask someone else to participate on your behalf. In fact, you may want to consider bringing a friend or family member even if you are available to participate in the inspection. Ideally, the move-in condition inspection report should be completed on the day your tenancy begins while the unit is still empty of your belongings.
During the inspection, it can be a good idea to take photos and videos – especially if you disagree with your landlord’s assessment of the unit. Once you have completed the condition inspection, make sure to sign and date the report. If you disagree with your landlord about any part of the inspection, there should be space on the form to list your concerns. Your landlord must give you a copy of the completed report within seven days of completing the inspection. Keep your copy of the report in a safe place and take photos so it can be backed up digitally.
If your landlord does not give you a chance to participate in a move-in condition inspection, or does not provide you with a copy of the report within seven days, they lose the right to claim against your security or pet damage deposit for damage to the rental unit. Conversely, if you fail to participate in an inspection after receiving two opportunities, you may lose the right to have your deposit(s) returned.
Resources
- TRAC Webpage – Condition Inspection Reports
- TRAC Template Letter – Copy of Condition Inspection Report
- RTA Section 23 – Condition inspection: start of tenancy or new pet
- Residential Tenancy Regulation – Condition inspection report
- RTB Form – Notice of Final Opportunity to Schedule a Condition Inspection
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