Your Pre-Move-Out Inspection Guide: Ensure a Smooth Transition.
STOP!! Thinking About Moving?
Moving out of your rental property is a big transition with many legal issues— and we’re here to make it simple and stress-free. This guide outlines everything you need to know to leave your home in excellent condition, avoid unnecessary costs or legal issues, and fulfill all move-out requirements with confidence and fully compliant.
Tenant Responsibilities and Notice Requirements
Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA), tenants are required to provide a minimum of sixty (60) days’ written notice prior to vacating a rental unit. This notice must specify the intended move-out date, which must align with the end of a rental period (typically the last day of a month).
Any deviation from this requirement must be expressly agreed to in writing between Shelterly Management Inc. (“Shelterly”) and the tenant. Verbal agreements or informal communications do not satisfy the statutory notice requirement.
Failure to provide proper notice may result in the tenant being held responsible for rent payments until the end of the notice period or until a new tenant takes possession, whichever occurs first.
Tenant Obligations Upon Vacating
Tenants are expected to leave their rental unit in good condition and to ensure that all financial obligations under the tenancy agreement are paid in full prior to moving out. This includes all rent, utilities, and any other charges that were the tenant’s responsibility.
The last month’s rent deposit is to be applied solely toward the rent for the final month of tenancy and cannot be used to offset unpaid utilities, damages, cleaning costs, or any other outstanding balance.
Non-compliance with these obligations may result in Shelterly taking formal legal action to recover losses.
All such claims will be filed in accordance with LTB procedures and supported by evidence to ensure due process and compliance with Ontario tenancy law.
Shelterly’s Right to Recover Outstanding Amounts
If a tenant fails to meet the above obligations, Shelterly reserves the right to pursue recovery through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) by filing a Form L10 – Application to Collect Money a Former Tenant Owes. This is the prescribed process under Ontario law for recovering financial losses from a former tenant.
Through this process, Shelterly can file an Application under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 to collect:
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Through this application, Shelterly may claim:
Unpaid Utilities
Costs related to hydro, heat, water, or other utilities that were the tenant’s contractual responsibility but remain unpaid. Supporting documentation such as utility bills and statements will be included with the application.
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The cost of repairing or replacing items that were wilfully or negligently damaged by the tenant or their guests. Claims do not include normal wear and tear consistent with ordinary use.
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Additional claims may include:
Rent arrears or unpaid rent up to the vacate date;
Fees for non-sufficient funds (NSF) payments; and
Losses or expenses arising from interference with the landlord’s lawful interests or use of the property.
Maintaining Good Standing
To ensure a smooth transition and preserve a positive rental record, tenants should:
Provide proper 60 days’ written notice before vacating;
Pay all rent and utility accounts in full;
Leave the property in a clean and undamaged condition; and
Return all keys, fobs, and access devices by the scheduled move-out date.
By meeting these responsibilities, tenants fulfill their legal obligations and avoid the risk of legal proceedings or negative references in future rental applications.
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!
KEY DEPOSIT REFUND REQUEST:
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.
