Move-in checklist for CA tenancies

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