Move-Out Guide
A clean, practical summary of tenant and landlord responsibilities for move-out in British Columbia. Keep documentation, reduce disputes, and close files faster.
Purpose
Clear standards, cleaner files
Move-out issues are usually avoidable when both parties follow a consistent standard: reasonable cleanliness, documented condition, and a fair separation of wear & tear vs damage.
Disclaimer: This page is general information only and not legal advice. For dispute-specific guidance, consult the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) or legal counsel.
Step A
Before Move-Out
- Confirm move-out date in writing.
- Book move-out inspection time.
- Plan cleaning and minor fixes early.
Step B
Move-Out Day
- Remove all belongings and garbage.
- Return all keys, fobs, remotes.
- Complete inspection (photos recommended).
Step C
After Move-Out
- Review wear & tear vs damage.
- Prepare evidence for any claim items.
- Discuss deposit handling and next steps.
Tenant Responsibilities
Core standard
Reasonable cleanliness & sanitary condition
- Leave the home reasonably clean and sanitary (not “professionally restored,” unless required due to tenant-caused conditions).
- Remove all garbage and personal property.
- Report issues promptly; don’t leave hidden damage undisclosed.
Cleaning focus
High-impact areas
- Kitchen: stove/oven, range hood filters (if applicable), fridge (defrost & clean), dishwasher interior.
- Bathrooms: sinks, faucets, mirrors, toilets, tub/shower; remove soap scum/mildew.
- Windows/tracks: clean inside windows and tracks; clean balcony door/window and tracks.
- Floors/baseboards: vacuum/mop; wipe baseboards and baseboard heaters.
Note: Carpet cleaning expectations can depend on length of tenancy, pets, smoking, and overall condition.
Damage vs wear
Walls, holes, and painting
- Normal wear and tear is not chargeable damage.
- Excessive nail holes, anchor damage, or unauthorized paint colours can become tenant responsibility to restore.
- If you painted with permission or plan to restore: confirm the agreed colour and method in writing.
Landlord Responsibilities
Core standard
Maintain health, safety, and housing standards
- Maintain the premises in a state that meets health and safety requirements.
- Complete repairs that are not caused by tenant damage or neglect.
- Keep expectations consistent with “reasonable” standards (avoid claiming upgrades beyond normal use).
Evidence
Document condition properly
- Complete move-out condition inspection with clear photos (wide + close-up).
- Separate wear & tear from tenant-caused damage; note dates and context.
- Keep invoices/quotes and before/after photos for any claim items.
Strata note
Balcony, exterior, and common areas
- Balcony/exterior cleaning responsibilities often depend on strata bylaws and whether it’s common or limited common property.
- When unsure, confirm bylaws/rules first to avoid charging the wrong party.
Move-Out Checklist
Tenant checklist
What tenants should complete
- Confirm move-out date and inspection appointment.
- Remove belongings, garbage, and pet waste.
- Clean kitchen: stove/oven, fridge (defrost/clean), dishwasher interior.
- Clean bathrooms: sinks, toilets, tub/shower; remove soap scum and mildew.
- Clean windows/tracks inside; clean balcony door/window/tracks.
- Vacuum/mop floors; wipe baseboards and baseboard heaters.
- Address tenant-caused wall damage (excess holes, anchors, unauthorized paint as applicable).
- Return all keys/fobs/remotes (including copies).
Landlord checklist
What landlords should complete
- Complete move-out inspection with photos and notes.
- Assess wear & tear vs tenant-caused damage fairly.
- Confirm strata/bylaw responsibilities for balcony/exterior/common areas.
- Prepare evidence (photos, invoices/quotes) for any claim items.
- Record key return status and access device inventory.
Optional
If a tenant offers to do paid work
- Use a separate written agreement (scope, materials, price, timeline, photos).
- Do not rely on informal promises; keep approvals in writing.