End-of-Lease Moving Checklist for Renters in Metro Vancouver
Moving out of a rental in Metro Vancouver involves more than just packing boxes. Getting your damage deposit back, meeting your notice requirements, and leaving on good terms with your landlord all require attention to detail.
Notice Requirements
Month-to-month tenancy: Give one full rental period of notice. If you pay rent on the 1st of the month, give notice by the 1st to vacate by the end of that month.
Fixed-term tenancy: Give notice before the end of the term. If you do not give notice, the tenancy automatically converts to month-to-month.
Check your lease. Your lease may have specific notice requirements. Review it carefully.
Give notice in writing and keep a copy. Email is acceptable and creates a record.
4 Weeks Before Move-Out
- Give written notice to your landlord
- Review your move-in condition inspection report (you should have received one when you moved in)
- Note any pre-existing damage that was documented at move-in
- Book your moving company
- Begin decluttering and packing
2 Weeks Before Move-Out
- Request a pre-move-out inspection with your landlord (you have the right to request this in BC)
- Address any issues identified in the pre-move-out inspection
- Arrange for any professional cleaning required (carpet cleaning, etc.)
- Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post
- Begin notifying contacts of your address change
Move-Out Day
- Complete a thorough cleaning of the entire unit (see cleaning checklist below)
- Remove all belongings — check every closet, cabinet, and storage area
- Patch any nail holes in walls (use spackling compound and touch up paint if available)
- Replace any burnt-out light bulbs
- Take photos and video of every room before returning the keys
- Return all keys, fobs, and parking passes to the landlord
- Get a receipt for the keys
Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen:
- Clean oven inside and out (including racks)
- Clean stovetop and range hood
- Clean refrigerator inside and out (defrost if needed)
- Clean dishwasher
- Clean all cabinets inside and out
- Clean countertops and backsplash
- Clean sink and faucet
Bathrooms:
- Clean toilet inside and out
- Clean shower/tub and tiles
- Clean sink and faucet
- Clean mirror
- Clean cabinets inside and out
- Clean exhaust fan
All Rooms:
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Clean windows and window sills
- Wipe down all walls (spot clean marks and scuffs)
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Clean baseboards
- Clean closets inside and out
Your Damage Deposit Rights in BC
Your landlord must return your damage deposit within 15 days of the end of the tenancy, or within 15 days of receiving your forwarding address, whichever is later.
If the landlord wants to make deductions, they must:
- Provide an itemized list of deductions
- Provide receipts for any repairs or cleaning
- Apply only for damage beyond normal wear and tear
If you disagree with deductions, you can dispute them through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) at gov.bc.ca/rtb.
Ready to Move?
Get a free quote or call 778-200-8825. We serve all of Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas, 7 days a week.