If you are a renter in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond or anywhere in the Lower Mainland you already know how competitive the rental market is. The last thing you want is to lose your security deposit over something that could have been avoided. Here is exactly what you need to do before handing back those keys.
Clean Like You Mean It
This is the big one. Your landlord will inspect every corner and some will look for any excuse to hold back part of your deposit. Do not give them the opportunity.
Clean the entire unit from top to bottom — scrub the bathroom, wipe down all appliances inside and out, clean the oven, wash windows, mop floors and vacuum carpets. Pay special attention to the kitchen as grease and grime build up quickly and landlords notice immediately.
If you simply do not have the time or energy hire a professional cleaning service. The cost is usually far less than losing your deposit and it is worth every penny for the peace of mind.
Touch Up the Walls
Nail holes, scuffs and marks on the walls are one of the most common reasons landlords deduct from deposits. Fill any holes with spackle, sand them smooth and touch up with matching paint. If you painted any walls a different colour during your tenancy now is the time to paint them back to the original colour.
Take Everything With You
Do not assume your landlord will appreciate the furniture you left behind or the half empty cleaning products under the sink. Unless you have explicitly agreed with your landlord that certain items can stay — take everything. Leave only what was there when you moved in.
Return Every Key
Think carefully about every copy of the key that exists — spare keys given to friends, family, a partner or kept in your junk drawer. Collect them all and return every single one. Missing keys can result in lock replacement costs being deducted from your deposit.
Document Everything With Photos
Once the unit is fully cleaned and emptied walk through and take detailed photos of every room, every wall, every appliance and every corner. Time stamp them if you can. If your landlord later tries to claim damage you have clear photographic evidence of the condition you left the unit in.
Email the photos to yourself so they are date stamped and stored safely.
Know Your Rights as a BC Renter
In British Columbia the Residential Tenancy Act protects renters when it comes to security deposits. Landlords have 15 days after the end of tenancy to either return your deposit or apply to keep it. If you have followed all the steps above and documented everything you are in a strong position to get every dollar back.
Brothers Moving — Helping BC Renters Move Since 2008
Whether you are moving out of an apartment in Vancouver, a condo in Burnaby or a house in Surrey we are here to make your move as smooth as possible. We serve the entire Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and cities across BC. Call us at 604-720-0931 or request a free quote today!