🍁 For rentals in British Columbia, Canada
The easiest way to start a tenancy in BC
A simple checklist for landlords and tenants in British Columbia: lease agreement, deposit, move-in inspection, utilities, insurance, and next steps.
An independent BC resource — not affiliated with the government.
Free, with official links.
Tenant checklist: before you move in
🖨 Print this checklistEleven steps to a smooth move-in, from viewing to day one. Check them off as you go.
Before you sign
See the place in person before you decide
Always view the unit (or take a live video tour) before signing anything or sending money. Never pay a deposit for a place you have not seen — "pay first, view later" is the most common BC rental scam.
What to check at the viewing
- Run the shower and taps — water pressure and hot water
- Check your cell signal in every room
- Look for mold or damp: closets, window sills, bathroom fan
- Windows, locks and the deadbolt all work
- Heating type — and who pays for heat and hydro
- Laundry: in-suite, shared (cost?), or none
- Listen for noise: traffic, neighbours — visit at a second time of day if you can
- Parking and storage: included or extra?
- Test the appliances: stove burners, fridge, oven
- Meet the landlord or manager — who do you call for repairs?
Review and sign the tenancy agreement
Read every term before signing. BC has a standard agreement (RTB-1), and certain terms are required by law no matter what the document says.
Budget the true move-in cost
Add it up before you commit: first month of rent, security deposit (half a month), pet deposit if any, building move-in fee, movers, and utility setup. Knowing the real number prevents day-one surprises.
Calculate my move-in cost
- First month’s rent
- —
- Security deposit (max ½ month)
- —
- Pet deposit (max ½ month)
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- Total due around move-in
- —
By law, deposits are capped at half a month’s rent each. A landlord cannot ask for more.
🔒 Nothing you type is stored or collected — the math happens in your browser and never leaves it.
Before move-in day
Check the building move-in requirements
Condo and strata buildings often require elevator bookings, move-in forms, a move-in fee or deposit, proof of insurance, and fob/key sign-out. Ask the landlord or building manager a week ahead.
Set up BC Hydro and utilities
Open or move your electricity account before move-in day so the power is in your name from day one. Check whether gas, internet, and water are separate.
See BC providers
Electricity & gas
- BC HydroMost of BCNew serviceMove service
- FortisBCSouthern Interior + gas province-wideNew serviceMove service
Internet & TV
- NovusMetro VancouverNew serviceMove service
- TELUSNew serviceMove service
- Rogersformerly ShawNew serviceMove service
- BellNew service
Get tenant insurance
Your landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings. Tenant insurance is inexpensive and many landlords require proof of it before move-in.
See BC providers
Tenant insurance
- Square OneGet a quote
- BCAAGet a quote
- DuuoGet a quote
Set up rent payments and keep receipts
Agree on how rent is paid (e-transfer, pre-authorized debit, cheques) and set it up before the first of the month. Keep every receipt or confirmation — they matter in disputes.
Set up mail forwarding
Forward mail from your old address with Canada Post so you never miss tax slips, renewals, or government letters.
Update your address
Use BC’s one-stop service for your driver’s licence, MSP, and other provincial records. Then update it where the province can’t: your bank, credit cards, and employer, so statements and pay keep reaching you.
Move-in day & after
Complete the move-in inspection
Do the walkthrough with your landlord and make sure existing damage is written into the Condition Inspection Report. It protects your deposit when you move out.
Record meter readings and take dated photos
On move-in day, photograph the hydro/gas meters and every room with timestamps. Together with the inspection report, this is the evidence that protects your deposit.
Ending a tenancy instead? Notice rules, the final inspection and deposit return →
Checklist complete — well done! 🎉
You’ve set yourself up for a smooth tenancy — organized, protected, and ready for day one. Most renters never get this far.
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What we’re building
We’re building a guided online flow for BC renters — understand your lease, document your move-in, and protect your deposit without paperwork stress.
- Lease review — understand every clause before you sign
- Move-in inspection with photo evidence, stored safely
- Deposit tracker with your deadlines and rights
- Rent receipts and payment history
- Utilities and address change, all in one go
- Alerts for rent increase limits and key deadlines
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All guides
- Deposit not returned in BC: what actually works
- Eviction notices in BC: deadlines and your real options
- Is your BC rent increase illegal? Check, then act
- The BC landlord checklist: forms and steps
- What you can (and cannot) expense as a BC landlord
- The BC move-in inspection (RTB-27), step by step
- Move-out notice in BC: tenant and landlord rules
- BC rent increase rules: the 2026 guide
- The BC Residential Tenancy Agreement, explained
- BC security deposit rules, explained
- The BC tenant checklist: before you move in