The BC move-in inspection (RTB-27), step by step

Twenty minutes with a clipboard at move-in regularly decides who keeps hundreds of dollars at move-out. Here’s how the BC condition inspection works and how to do it properly.

What it is

The Condition Inspection Report (RTB-27) is the official record of the rental unit’s condition. It’s completed twice: together at move-in (when the unit is empty) and again at move-out. Comparing the two reports is how damage gets attributed — or doesn’t.

Download the RTB-27 (PDF)

Why you can’t skip it

The stakes are asymmetric and severe:

• A landlord who doesn’t complete proper inspections (including offering the tenant at least two opportunities to attend) can lose the right to claim against the security or pet deposit for damage.
• A tenant who refuses to participate after two proper opportunities can lose the right to the deposit’s return.

How to do it right

1. Schedule it for move-in day, before furniture arrives — empty rooms are easy to inspect.
2. Walk through together, room by room: walls, floors, windows, appliances, fixtures, smoke alarms.
3. Write down everything, however minor. “Small scratch on kitchen counter, left of sink” beats “kitchen: OK.”
4. Photograph as you go. Date-stamped photos referenced in the report are hard to argue with.
5. Both sign, and the landlord gives the tenant a copy promptly.
6. Repeat at move-out, on the same form, ideally when the unit is empty again.

Official resources

• Condition Inspection Report RTB-27 (PDF)
• Starting a tenancy — gov.bc.ca
• All BC tenancy forms