Your Pre-Move-Out Inspection Guide: Ensure a Smooth Transition.
Prepare for a Stress-Free Move-Out!
Moving out of your rental property is a significant step, and we’re here to help make it as smooth as possible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to leave your home in great condition, avoid unnecessary costs, and meet all move-out responsibilities. .
Your Responsibility Matters!
In Ontario, landlord must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to collect money for unpaid utilities and damages from a former tenant, using a specific application form. Landlords cannot simply withhold funds from a last month's rent deposit, which can only be used for the final rent payment.
What landlords can claim
To collect money from a former tenant, a landlord must file a Form L10 Application to Collect Money a Former Tenant Owes. This application can be used to claim:
Unpaid utilities: This includes costs for heat, electricity, and water that the tenant was responsible for under the tenancy agreement but failed to pay.
Damages to the unit: This covers the cost to repair or replace property that was damaged wilfully or negligently by the former tenant or their guests. Claims cannot be made for normal wear and tear.
Other costs: The L10 can also be used to claim for rent arrears, NSF cheque charges, or costs from interference with the landlord's interests.
Important things to do prior to vacating your property.
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When you provided notice to terminate your tenancy, the last month’s rent you previously paid when you first moved in, will be applied to cover the final month of your lease. No further rent payments are required unless additional fees apply.
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Your key deposit will be refunded after two conditions are met:
A final inspection confirms the property is left in satisfactory condition, and
The keys are returned by placing them in the lockbox provided by your landlord or property management team.
We encourage you to follow the guide closely to ensure no delays in this process.
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Before moving out, make sure to log in to your tenant portal and download:
Rent receipts for your records.
Any relevant documents you may need in the future, such as your lease agreement or communications with the landlord.
Once your tenancy ends, you may lose access to the portal, so act now to retrieve these important files.
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Most condos require advanced booking for elevator access during a move. Contact your property management team as soon as possible to schedule your moving date. Movers also fill up at the first of the month. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.
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Remove all personal property from the unit/storage locker/garage/backyard/underground garage/balcony and all other places belonging to the unit you are renting.
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Contact your utility providers (electricity, gas, water, cable, tv, internet, phone) to either cancel or transfer services to your new address.
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Set up mail forwarding with your local postal service to ensure you don’t miss any important correspondence.
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Update your address for all accounts, such as banks, credit cards, and subscription services.
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If you’ve set up automated rent transfers, make sure to cancel them to avoid unnecessary withdrawals after your tenancy ends.
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Contact your insurance provider to either cancel or transfer services to your new address.
Landlord's Right to Show the Property After Notice is Provided.
Section 26 of the Ontario Residential Tenancy Act, 2006 provides that:
A landlord may enter without notice if tenancy termination is agreed or notified. They can show the unit to prospective tenants between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., after informing or reasonably trying to inform the tenant.
A landlord must reasonably make an effort to notify the tenant in advance.
How to Prepare for Showings.
Tidy Up: Ensure your space is clean and organized to make a good impression on potential renters or buyers.
Secure Valuables and pets: Store personal or valuable items in a safe, secure place: ensure your space is clean and organized to make a good impression on potential renters or buyers. Please secure pets for their own sake and for visitors who may not love four-legged friends (and some two legged ones too) as much as we do.
Communicate Preferences: If you have specific concerns or availability limitations, communicate them to us. While we have the right to show the property, reasonable accommodations can sometimes be made.
During the Showing: To ensure that all showings go smoothly, we kindly ask that you not be home . Sometimes 5 people can make even a 1,000 sq. ft. space seem small - and we would rather rent the property as quickly as possible to keep things as less interruptive for you.
Moving Out? Leave It Clean and in Great Shape for a Hassle-Free Goodbye!
As you prepare to move out, it’s important to leave your rental in clean and well-maintained condition. A thorough clean-up and addressing any minor repairs can help you avoid unnecessary charges to your account and ensure a smooth final transition.
Take a few extra steps now to make your move-out hassle-free and leave the property ready for the next tenant by cleaning prior to leaving. Let’s finish on a high note!
FORWARDING ADDRESS:
Your key deposit will be mailed to your forwarding address within 14 days of completing this form.
Are you interested in earning $250 for staying at home?
Scroll down for more details.
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Earn $250 for staying home.
If you show the unit and if we select the tenant you show the unit to, we will provide you with a $250 gift card.
