4. Moving In: Your Day One Checklist

The first 24 hours of a tenancy are the most important for protecting your future damage deposit.

The Move-In Inspection (Form RTB-1)

This is mandatory. You and the landlord must walk through the unit together and fill out a Condition Inspection Report.

• • • Pro Tip: Take your own timestamped photos and video of everything—inside cabinets, the back of the stove, and every scratch on the floor.
    • If they don’t do it: If a landlord doesn’t offer you at least two opportunities to do this inspection, they lose their right to claim against your security deposit for damages later.

Locks and Keys

• • • The Law: Your landlord must provide you with at least one set of keys at no cost.
    • Changing Locks: You cannot change the locks without the landlord’s written permission (or an order from the RTB). If you lose your keys, the landlord can charge you the actual cost of replacement.