7 Tenant Responsibilities When Moving Out of a Rental
Tenants in Canada have obligations to prevent conflicts, save their security deposits, and preserve an excellent rental profile when it comes time to vacate a rental home. Bloom Property Management presents the top 7 tenant responsibilities when moving out of a rental that you must be mindful of:
Provide Prior Notice to the Landlord
One of the tenants' first duties is giving their landlord enough notice while preparing to move out. In most Canadian provinces, this notice time is 30 to 60 days before the end of the lease term. However, it may differ based on the lease agreement or local laws.
Usually, a written notice with the desired move-out date is necessary. Inadequate warning may result in penalties or the forfeiture of the security deposit.
Carry Out Lease Duties
Until the end of the lease period, tenants are legally required to uphold their half of the bargain. This includes:
Upholding any laws or regulations outlined in the lease agreement
Keeping the property in good condition
Paying the rent on time
If you and the landlord have yet to reach a different agreement, you can still be liable for rent and other responsibilities even if you intend to vacate the property before the lease's expiration date. Any violation of the lease may lead to fines or legal action.
Deep Clean the Property
Before giving the keys, the rental property must be thoroughly cleaned. This duty goes above and beyond simple housekeeping duties, including thoroughly cleaning carpets, bathrooms, kitchens, and windows.
Attending to any particular cleaning specifications outlined in the leasing agreement is vital. Hiring expert cleaners might be a good investment to ensure the home is returned in the same condition as when it was initially rented.
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Fix Any Damage
While typical wear and tear is anticipated in rental homes, the tenant must fix any damage they may have caused while there. This can entail repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear, such as filling holes left by wall hangings or changing out damaged fixtures.
The landlord has the right to deduct money from your security deposit if you don't make these repairs. Keeping records of the property's condition both when you moved in and when you moved away can facilitate resolving any possible conflicts.
Remove All Personal Belongings
By the day of move-out, tenants must take all personal things from the rented property. It includes:
Appliances
Furniture
Other personal belongings
Items left behind may incur additional storage or disposal costs, which the landlord may deduct from the security deposit. To ensure nothing is left behind, check all cupboards, closets, and storage spaces.
Return All Keys and Access Devices
Tenants must return all keys and access devices (such as security fobs for garage door openers) when they vacate. If they don't, they can have security issues and have to pay to replace missing items or change the locks. To ensure clarity, it is best to return these things in person and get a written receipt from the landlord.
Attend the Final Inspection
Landlords often require a final examination of the rental property before reimbursing the security deposit. During this inspection, tenants should be present to address any possible concerns and make sure everything is in working condition. This is an opportunity to finalize the property's condition record and resolve any issues the landlord may have. Attending the inspection in person also hastens the security deposit's recovery.
Read about the difference between rent and leasing.
The Bottom Line
Follow these top 7 tenant responsibilities when moving out of a rental to avoid conflict between you and your landlord. Moving out of a rental home takes more than just packing and heading out. For the transfer to go well, tenants have a few significant obligations that they need to meet. Renters can contribute to making sure they vacate on amicable terms and with their security deposit intact by giving enough notice and fulfilling other mandatory conditions. It is advantageous to future renting prospects to show your landlord and property some respect by following these procedures.