The BC tenant checklist: before you move in
Updated June 5, 2026 · British Columbia, Canada
Moving into a new place in BC comes with a short list of things that are easy to forget and expensive to skip. Here’s the full tenant checklist, in order, with the official link for each step.
For an interactive version you can check off (and print), use our tenant checklist on the homepage.
Before you sign
- Read and sign the tenancy agreement. BC has a standard agreement (RTB-1), and certain terms are required by law no matter what the document says. Read every clause — especially rent, what’s included, and any rules on pets, smoking, or guests. Full guide: BC residential tenancy agreement.
- Check the deposit. Your landlord can ask for at most half a month’s rent as a security deposit (and the same again for a pet deposit) — and only once you’ve agreed to the tenancy. See BC security deposit rules.
Before move-in day
- Set up BC Hydro and utilities. Open or transfer your electricity account so the power is in your name from day one. Check whether gas, internet, and water are billed separately.
- Get tenant insurance. Your landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings or your liability. Tenant insurance is inexpensive, and many landlords require proof of it before handing over keys.
- Set up mail forwarding and update your address. Forward your mail with Canada Post so you don’t miss tax slips or renewals, and use BC’s one-stop service to update your driver’s licence, MSP, and other provincial records.
On move-in day
- Do the move-in inspection. Walk through the unit with your landlord and make sure every bit of existing wear and damage is written into the Condition Inspection Report (RTB-27). This is what protects your deposit when you eventually move out. Full guide: the move-in inspection.
- Get your copy of everything. You’re entitled to a copy of the signed tenancy agreement and the inspection report. Keep them for the whole tenancy.
When you eventually move out
When the time comes, you’ll give proper written notice and do a move-out inspection — see the move-out notice guide for the timing and forms. Give your forwarding address in writing, and your landlord has 15 days to return your deposit.
Official resources
Frequently asked questions
What does a tenant need to do before moving in to a BC rental?
Read and sign the tenancy agreement, set up BC Hydro and other utilities, get tenant insurance, set up mail forwarding and update your address, and complete the move-in condition inspection with your landlord.
Do I need tenant insurance in BC?
It is not required by law, but your landlord's insurance does not cover your belongings, and many landlords require proof of tenant insurance before you move in. It is inexpensive and strongly recommended.
How much can a landlord charge me as a deposit in BC?
A security deposit is capped at half of one month's rent, and a pet damage deposit is also capped at half a month's rent. The landlord cannot ask for either before you enter into the tenancy agreement.
Why is the move-in inspection important for tenants?
The condition inspection report records the state of the unit when you move in. If existing damage is not written down, you could be blamed for it at move-out and lose part of your deposit.