Renters' Move-Out Guide for BC: Notice, Deposit and Condition Inspection

How much notice do I need to give my landlord?

It depends on the kind of tenancy you have. Check your tenancy agreement first, and give notice in writing. The notice should be signed and dated, include the rental address and state the date the tenancy ends. Keep proof of how and when you delivered it.

When do I have to be out on my last day?

On the last day of your tenancy you are expected to be moved out and to return all keys and access devices by 1 p.m., unless you and your landlord agree on a different time. Plan your move to finish with time to clean and to do the inspection.

A morning start works best. Your move is billed by the hour, so pack ahead, and in a strata building book the elevator for your old building as well as your new one. If your move-in date is later than your move-out date, storage can bridge the gap.

What is the move-out condition inspection?

The move-out condition inspection is a walk-through you do with your landlord, recorded on a condition inspection report (the Residential Tenancy Branch form RTB-27). It is compared against the report from move-in to show whether anything changed beyond normal wear.

• Your landlord must offer you at least two opportunities to do the inspection, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Ideally it happens on your last day, once the unit is empty and clean.
• Photograph every room and the condition of walls, floors, appliances and fixtures.
• Read the report before you sign, and note any disagreement on it.
• Ask for a signed copy of the completed report.
• If you do not take part after being offered two opportunities, you can lose the right to your deposit. A landlord who does not offer the required opportunities can lose the right to claim against it for damage.

How do I get my security deposit back?

Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing. You can do this at any time within one year after the tenancy ends, and the Residential Tenancy Branch has a form for it (RTB-47). Without a forwarding address in writing within that year, the landlord may keep the deposit.

From the later of the end of the tenancy and the day they receive your forwarding address, your landlord has 15 days to return the deposit with interest, get your written consent to keep some or all of it, or apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to keep it. A landlord who does none of these can owe you double the deposit.

A security deposit in BC cannot be more than half of one month's rent, and a pet damage deposit can add another half month.

What if my landlord keeps my deposit?

If the 15 days pass without the deposit being returned or an application being made, you may apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch. Tenants can use a direct request application starting 20 days after the tenancy ends and the forwarding address is given. For current forms, steps and phone numbers, see gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant. This is general information, not legal advice.

Move-out day checklist for renters

• Give written notice and keep proof of delivery.
• Book your movers and, if needed, the strata elevator or loading zone.
• Confirm your move-out inspection date and time with your landlord.
• Clean the unit and take dated photos of every room.
• Return all keys, fobs and parking passes and get written confirmation.
• Give your forwarding address in writing.
• Set up the changes in our address change guide, including ICBC, utilities and mail forwarding.