Move-in checklist for CA tenancies
A condition inspection report for Canadian rental properties, built for landlords and property managers to document condition at the start of a tenancy and protect the right to claim against a deposit.
Instructions
Complete this together with the tenant, have both parties sign it, and give the tenant a copy. Several provinces require a written condition inspection report, so check what applies in your province before the tenant moves in.
Entrance
Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.
- Front door
- Lock and hardware
- Doorbell
- Lighting
Hallway
Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
Living room
Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and outlets work.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Furnace or baseboard heaters
Kitchen and dining
Test all appliances, faucets and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to countertops or surfaces.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Cabinets
- Sink and countertops
- Stove and oven
- Refrigerator
- Range hood
Bathroom
Test faucets, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Mirror and cabinet
- Bath
- Shower
- Sink and vanity
- Toilet
- Exhaust fan
Laundry room
Test the washer and dryer and check the laundry sink for damage or leaks.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Washer and dryer
- Laundry sink
Bedroom
Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Closet
Stairs
Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.
- Handrail
- Treads and risers
- Lighting
General
Check garbage and recycling bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.
- Garbage and recycling bins
- Locks
- Insulation
- Smoke alarms present and working
Garage
Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floor
- Door and remote
Carport
Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.
- Roof and supports
- Floor
- Lighting
Exterior
Check siding and exterior paint, eavestroughs and downspouts. Note any signs of moisture or damage.
- Siding and exterior paint
- Eavestroughs and downspouts
Yard
Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the mailbox is present and usable.
- Lawns and gardens
- Fencing
- Mailbox
- Driveway and walkways
Basement and crawl space
Look for water ingress and test the sump pump if there is one.
- Sump pump
- Floor drain clear
- Signs of water ingress or staining
- Foundation cracks
- Insulation and vapour barrier
Winter readiness
Agree in writing who clears snow and ice before the first snowfall, and check the property is ready for freezing temperatures.
- Weatherstripping on doors and windows
- Storm windows and doors
- Exterior faucets shut off and drained
- Exposed pipes insulated
- Roof and eavestroughs clear
- Snow and ice removal responsibility agreed in writing
- Walkways and steps safe
Parking and storage locker
Record the assigned stall and locker, and hand over any fob or remote.
- Assigned parking stall number
- Storage locker number and condition
- Garage or gate fob and remote
- Visitor parking arrangements
Furnishings and appliances
List furnishings and appliances provided by the landlord.
Keys
Photograph all keys supplied and note the count, including spares, garage remotes and mailbox keys.
- Number of keys supplied
- Spare keys
- Garage remote
- Mailbox key
Meter checks
Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the start of the tenancy.
- Gas meter reading
- Electricity (hydro) meter reading
- Water meter reading
Security deposit
Provinces differ on which deposits are permitted and how they must be held. Record what was taken.
- Deposit amount recorded
- Deposit type permitted in your province
- Date received recorded
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Provincial fire codes set the requirements. Carbon monoxide alarms are generally required where there is a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.
- Smoke alarm on every level
- Smoke alarm outside each sleeping area
- Carbon monoxide alarm near sleeping areas where required
- Every alarm tested and sounding
- No alarm past its expiry date
Heating system
Heat is a vital service the landlord must maintain. Run the system and check the filter and thermostat.
- Furnace, boiler or baseboard heaters
- Thermostat
- Air filter replaced
- Vents and registers clear
- Hot water tank
- No unusual noise or smell
Run your Move-in on your phone
Start from this template in the myInspections app, work through each area, and capture photos and video as you go.
Consistent, professional reports
Share a secure link that opens in any browser, or download a polished PDF.
Ditch the paper on your next inspection.
Finish the report before you get back to the car.