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-out condition inspection. If you do not accept their first offer, your landlord is required to give you an approved 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 inviting a friend or family member even if you are available to participate in the inspection. Ideally, the move-out condition inspection report should be completed on the day your tenancy ends, once all your belongings have been removed from the rental unit. On the last day of your tenancy, you are expected to move out and return all keys and access devices by 1pm – unless you and your landlord agree on a different time.
During or before the condition inspection, it can be a good idea to take photos and videos – especially if you disagree with your landlord’s assessment of the rental 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 15 days of completing the inspection and receiving your forwarding address in writing for the return of your deposit(s). 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-out condition inspection, or does not provide you with a copy of the completed report by the 15-day deadline, 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.
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