Renting a Place to Live/Tenants/Inspections

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Inspections

Contents 1 I am moving into my apartment and the landlord wants to meet me to inspect the place. I thought we already did this when I viewed the apartment. Why do I have to do it again? 2 What happens if I don't show up for the inspection? 3 I found an apartment that is really convenient for me to go to school. I am supposed to move in tomorrow. I was waiting for the landlord to arrange to carry out an inspection report, but he says he is not interested in doing one as he did one when the last tenants moved out. I have no time to look for another apartment, but I am worried about not doing an inspection because I gave the landlord a security deposit. Is there anything I can do to protect myself? 4 What kinds of things should I be looking for when I am involved in an inspection of rented property? 5 I am moving into my rented house on the same day the previous tenant is moving out. There will be a very short time when the place will contain no furniture, but the landlord says he cannot come for an inspection during that time. What should I do? 6 See Also

I am moving into my apartment and the landlord wants to meet me to inspect the place. I thought we already did this when I viewed the apartment. Why do I have to do it again?

The law states that when a tenant moves in and out of rented premises, the landlord and tenant must inspect the property together. A form must be completed each time, stating the condition of the property and its contents. Both you and the landlord must complete the form.

The reason for the inspections is so that you and the landlord both have a clear agreement about the condition of the property at the time you move in and move out. It is likely that your landlord will be asking you for a security deposit when you move in. When you move out, the landlord will want to make deductions from the security deposit for any damage to the property that is beyond normal wear and tear. If you feel that the damage already existed when you moved in, you can refer back to the moving-in inspection report to confirm this.

What happens if I don't show up for the inspection?

If you don't go to the inspection appointment, your landlord can carry out the inspection alone. He or she will complete the form and indicate that you were not present. The landlord must give you a copy of the report. If you do not agree with anything in the report, you should mark this clearly and give a copy to the landlord. It is preferable to be present at the inspection so that you can establish what needs to go in the report, rather than disagreeing about it later.

Your landlord should give you two opportunities to meet for the inspections by suggesting two different dates that are not holidays and that are between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

I found an apartment that is really convenient for me to go to school. I am supposed to move in tomorrow. I was waiting for the landlord to arrange to carry out an inspection report, but he says he is not interested in doing one as he did one when the last tenants moved out. I have no time to look for another apartment, but I am worried about not doing an inspection because I gave the landlord a security deposit. Is there anything I can do to protect myself?

You could carry out an inspection with a witness to help you. Make sure that you do a full report on the condition of the premises; take photographs if necessary, and sign and date the report. Ask your witness to sign the report also, and give a copy to your landlord.

What kinds of things should I be looking for when I am involved in an inspection of rented property?

Items that can be overlooked and may cause difficulties at a later date are things like

• dirty lights,
• dirt behind the fridge and stove,
• nail holes in walls,
• stains on the carpet,
• broken windows,
• leaking faucets,
• holes in screens,
• missing oven racks and fridge shelves.

You should also try out all appliances as well as the plumbing, heating, and electrical fixtures to ensure that they are in working order.

I am moving into my rented house on the same day the previous tenant is moving out. There will be a very short time when the place will contain no furniture, but the landlord says he cannot come for an inspection during that time. What should I do?

The law states that an inspection of rented property should take place when the property is empty, unless the landlord and tenant agree otherwise. It is better to inspect when the property is empty because there is less likelihood of damage being covered by furniture.

As your landlord cannot be there when the property is empty, you could carry out a careful inspection yourself before your furniture is moved in. Make careful notes or take pictures of any damage. When you have the formal inspection with your landlord, you should bring these points to his or her attention and make sure they are recorded on the inspection report.

If you feel that it is crucial for the place to be inspected together with your landlord when it is empty, you can tell your landlord that you are not agreeing to an inspection when the furniture is in place. You and your landlord will then have to work out how to inspect when it is empty.

See Also

Other FAQs in Renting a Place to Live
General	Laws	Offences	Privacy	Security (Damage) Deposits
Tenants	Abandonment	Before the Tenancy	Damage Deposits	Enforcing Court Orders	Eviction	Inspections	Landlord Obligations
	Lease & Residential Tenancy Agreement	Moving to Alberta from Another Province	Non-Refundable Fees	Notices	Rent	Repairs	Rights
	Safety & Security	Shared Accommodations	Sublet or Assign Lease	Tenant Obligations	Tenant Remedies	Types of Tenancies
Landlords	Abandonment	Landlord Obligations	Landlord Offences under RTA	Landlord Remedies	Lease & Residential Tenancy Agreement Terms	Notices	Privacy
	Selling Property	Shared Accommodations	Types of Tenancies	Learning More
Other Resources	Legislation	Advice and Assistance	Documents	Websites

This page was last updated in May, 2006.

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