A Canadian Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist is a detailed condition report that documents the state of a residential rental property at the beginning or end of a tenancy. The report records the condition of each room, area, and fixture in the unit, including walls, flooring, windows, appliances, plumbing, and safety equipment. By establishing a baseline at move-in and comparing it to the condition at move-out, both landlords and tenants have objective evidence of whether damage occurred during the tenancy.

In British Columbia, the Residential Tenancy Act (R.S.B.C. 2002, c. 78) and Regulation make condition inspection reports mandatory. The Residential Tenancy Branch provides Form RTB-27 (Condition Inspection Report), though landlords may use their own form provided it contains all required information. The landlord must offer the tenant at least two opportunities to participate in the inspection, between 8 AM and 9 PM. The completed report must be signed by both parties, and the landlord must provide a copy to the tenant within seven days. If the landlord fails to comply with any of these requirements, they forfeit the right to claim against the tenant’s security deposit or pet damage deposit.

In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act (S.A. 2004, c. R-17.1) requires landlords and tenants to inspect the premises within one week before or after the tenant takes or gives up possession. The landlord must provide a copy of the inspection report immediately following the inspection. Failure to complete inspection reports, include required signatures, or provide copies to the tenant makes it an offence for the landlord to deduct from the security deposit. Alberta landlords must retain inspection reports for at least three years after the tenancy terminates.

Ontario does not have a mandatory condition inspection report requirement under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. However, because Ontario prohibits damage deposits entirely (only a last month’s rent deposit is permitted), the inspection report serves as important evidence for any Landlord and Tenant Board hearing where the landlord seeks compensation for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

The distinction between normal wear and tear and tenant-caused damage is critical across all provinces. Normal wear and tear includes minor scuff marks on walls, faded paint, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, and small nail holes from hanging pictures. Tenant-caused damage includes holes in walls, broken windows, stains from spills, pet damage to flooring, and unauthorized alterations. Only damage beyond normal wear and tear can be charged to the tenant or deducted from a deposit.

When a new tenant is taking possession of a rental unit and the landlord needs to document the existing condition of the premises before the tenant moves in, establishing a baseline for future comparison.

When a tenant is vacating a rental unit and the landlord needs to assess whether any damage occurred during the tenancy that goes beyond normal wear and tear, particularly in provinces where the inspection is required before deposit deductions can be made.

When a landlord in British Columbia needs to comply with the mandatory condition inspection requirements of the Residential Tenancy Act, ensuring they do not forfeit their right to claim against the security or pet damage deposit.

When an Alberta landlord needs to complete the required inspection within the one-week window and provide the tenant with a copy immediately, as failure to do so is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act.

When an Ontario landlord plans to bring an application before the Landlord and Tenant Board for compensation for tenant-caused damage and needs documented evidence of the property’s condition at move-in and move-out.

When either party anticipates a dispute about the condition of the property and wants a signed, dated record that both parties agreed upon during a joint inspection.

Without a completed inspection report, landlords in BC and Alberta lose the legal ability to make deposit deductions regardless of the actual damage. In Ontario, while not legally mandated, the absence of an inspection report significantly weakens a landlord’s case before the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Inspection Type and Date — Whether this is a move-in or move-out inspection, the exact date and time, and confirmation of whether the tenant was present. In BC, documenting that the tenant was offered two inspection opportunities is essential to preserving the landlord’s right to claim against the deposit.

Room-by-Room Assessment — A systematic evaluation of every room and area in the unit, including the entrance, hallway, living room, kitchen, bathroom(s), bedroom(s), and any laundry or storage areas. Each room should be assessed for walls, ceiling, flooring, windows, electrical outlets, and fixtures.

Appliance Condition — The working condition of all provided appliances, including refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Note whether appliances are functioning properly and are clean.

Safety Features — Verification that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are present and functional, as required by provincial fire codes and building regulations. Note the presence of fire extinguishers if provided.

Keys and Access Devices — A complete inventory of all keys, fobs, garage door openers, and access cards provided to or returned by the tenant, with a total count.

Deposit Information — The amount of the security deposit and pet damage deposit held, and any proposed deductions at move-out. In BC, the landlord has 15 days after the tenancy ends to apply to the RTB if the parties disagree on deductions. In Alberta, the landlord must deliver a statement of account within 10 days.

Normal Wear and Tear Notice — A reminder that deductions for normal wear and tear are prohibited across all provinces. The checklist should distinguish between normal wear (which cannot be charged to the tenant) and actual damage (which can).

Provincial Compliance Notes — Province-specific requirements for BC (7-day copy deadline, two inspection opportunities), Alberta (one-week inspection window, immediate copy, 3-year retention), and Ontario (no mandatory form, no damage deposits).

Signatures and Copies — Both the landlord and tenant should sign and date the report. Each party receives a copy. Unsigned reports carry significantly less evidentiary weight at provincial tenancy tribunals.