Tenant Management Essentials
The move-out inspection is one of the most important moments in any tenancy — it establishes the condition of the unit at the end of the tenancy and provides the foundation for any deductions from the last month's rent deposit or claims for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
The move-out inspection should be conducted with the tenant present whenever possible. A joint inspection allows immediate discussion of any condition items and creates a shared record. Document with detailed photographs of every room, surface, fixture, and appliance — time-stamped and dated photographs are your best evidence.
Screening and Placement
The legal standard in Ontario distinguishes between 'normal wear and tear' — which the landlord must accept without charge — and 'damages beyond normal wear and tear' — for which the tenant is responsible. Nail holes from picture hanging, minor scuffs on baseboards, and carpet worn thin from normal foot traffic are normal wear and tear. Large holes in walls, stained carpet from spilled wine, and broken fixtures are beyond normal wear and tear.
Ontario landlords cannot withhold the last month's rent deposit for cleaning or repairs beyond normal wear and tear. The deposit can only be applied to the last month's rent. For damage claims, the landlord must file an L2 application at the LTB within a reasonable time after the tenancy ends.
Retaining Quality Tenants
Comparing move-in documentation to move-out condition is the critical step. Without a thorough move-in inspection with photographs, you have no baseline to compare against. The move-in inspection protects both parties — it's as important as the move-out inspection.
D&D Property Management conducts professional move-in and move-out inspections as a standard part of our tenancy management process. Our documentation protects clients' interests and provides the evidence needed to support any legitimate damage claims.