“One Ontario resident learned the hard way about the importance of inspections. When she initially moved in, neither she nor her landlord formally inspected the property. When she moved out, she found herself legally and financially responsible for removing a wall that the previous tenants had constructed in the unit.”
It is critical that the condition of the rental unit be documented on moving day.
This will help:
- Note previous damage
- Establish a baseline to evaluate normal wear and tear
- Decide who is responsible for paying for any potential damages that might occur in the future.
For tenants, it will also waive any liability for damages that existed prior to moving in.
Tenants and landlords should always conduct the move-in inspection together.
[call-out: Did you know? In some provinces, the security deposit is only repayable if the move-in inspection matches the one completed upon moving out.]
Located in British Columbia or the Yukon? (not Ontario)
A Condition Inspection Report is required by law. Both the tenant and landlord should complete, sign and date the form at move-in and move-out.
Final inspections
When a tenant moves out, the Move-in Report will come in handy. Refer to the initial inspection that was completed upon moving in, and compare it with the condition of each room on moving out.
We strongly recommend taking photos prior to move in, ever little bit helps to avoid confusion at move out.
Ask your Sutton Realty for any photos available from the time you listed the property.