Alberta Tenant Moving In and Out Checklist

Moving into or out of a rental in Alberta can be overwhelming, but following a clear checklist helps protect your rights and ensures a smooth experience. This guide covers every major to-do, from day one in your new home to the final walkthrough during move-out. Stay prepared, keep your deposit safe, and avoid hassles under Alberta's tenancy laws.

Before Moving In: Preparation Steps

Before you receive your keys, it's important to confirm that all paperwork and legal requirements are in place. This sets expectations for both tenant and landlord in Alberta.

• Sign the written lease or tenancy agreement.
• Read and understand the Residential Tenancies Act, which governs rental relationships in Alberta.^[1]
• Pay the security deposit (cannot exceed one month’s rent).
• Request receipts for any payments, especially the deposit.
• Collect and review move-in documents: contact details, building rules, and emergency procedures.

Learn more about your deposit rights in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Initial Inspection: Your Legal Checklist

Alberta law requires a written inspection both at move-in and move-out. This protects you if there is any disagreement about damages or cleaning.

• Complete a joint inspection report with your landlord before moving anything in.
• Use Alberta’s Inspection Report (form not numbered, but required by law). Find it on the official government site. Keep a copy for your records.
• Photos and videos provide extra proof—take clear images with timestamps.

Detailed guidance on the process can be found in the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Essential Tasks for Moving In

• Arrange for utilities in your name (e.g., electricity, gas, internet).
• Change your address with Canada Post, banks, and employers.
• Ask your landlord for instructions about parking, garbage, or mail.
• Review fire safety and emergency exits in your unit and building.

During Your Tenancy: Maintain Good Records

• Keep all correspondence and copies of any notices or forms from your landlord.
• Document and promptly report any maintenance issues.
• Watch for signs of health and safety problems. Visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more info.
• Know your rights and responsibilities. See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for a full overview.

Your tenancy obligations continue throughout your stay. Pay rent on time and follow the terms of your lease to avoid issues.

Before Moving Out: Protect Your Interests

Start preparing for a smooth move-out at least 30 days before you plan to leave.

• Give your landlord legal written notice. Fixed-term and month-to-month rentals have different requirements—check your contract.
• Clean the property thoroughly and repair any tenant damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Book a joint move-out inspection with your landlord. Alberta law requires this for returning your security deposit.

Required Forms & Legal Notices

• Notice to Terminate a Residential Tenancy (Form 1): Use for ending a monthly tenancy. Complete it and serve your landlord as per your lease; find the form and service procedures on Alberta's termination guide.
• Inspection Report (Move-Out): Do this walkthrough after you’ve moved everything out, but before handing in your keys, with your landlord. Document everything for deposit disputes.

Move-Out Inspection Checklist

• Remove all personal items and garbage.
• Clean floors, kitchens, bathrooms, and appliances.
• Repair nail holes, scuffs, or other minor damage if possible.
• Document the rental’s condition with photos/video.
• Attend the final inspection and sign the report with the landlord.

Discover more detailed guidance in The Final Inspection: What Tenants Need to Know Before Moving Out.

After Moving Out: Security Deposit Return

• Return all keys, garage door openers, and access cards.
• Your landlord must return your deposit within ten days of the end of the lease if there are no deductions for damage or unpaid rent.
• Disputes can be taken to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) (official site), Alberta’s main tribunal for rental disputes.^[2]

Summary: Following this checklist protects your rights, helps you recover your security deposit in full, and keeps rental transitions smooth. For more guidance or legal help, always contact Alberta’s official resources.

If you're searching for a new home, Browse apartments for rent in Canada for your next move.

FAQ: Alberta Tenant Moving In / Out Checklist

1. What must I do before moving into my Alberta rental?
   Review and sign your lease, pay the security deposit, complete the move-in inspection with your landlord, and review property rules and emergency info.
2. Do I need to give notice before moving out?
   Yes. Most Alberta tenancies require written notice—typically one full tenancy period, unless your lease specifies otherwise. Use the Notice to Terminate form when required.
3. What does the inspection report involve?
   The initial and final inspections must be completed with your landlord. Use Alberta's standard form and include photos for your records.
4. When do I get my security deposit back?
   Your landlord should return your deposit within 10 days of lease end or give a written statement with deductions. Disputes go to the RTDRS.
5. Where can I get help with Alberta tenancy problems?
   Contact Alberta’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for official guidance and dispute resolution.

How To: Key Moving In / Out Steps for Alberta Tenants

1. How to do a move-in inspection in Alberta?
   Request a joint inspection with your landlord, use the official Alberta Inspection Report form, and take date-stamped photos of each room before moving in.
2. How to provide notice to move out?
   Fill out the Notice to Terminate a Residential Tenancy (Form 1) and deliver it to the landlord in writing, following the timelines in your lease agreement.
3. How to claim your security deposit back?
   Ensure your move-out inspection is completed, return all keys, and request deposit return in writing. Take unresolved disputes to the RTDRS.
4. How to document rental condition properly?
   Use inspection forms, digital photos, and keep copies of all signed documents throughout your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – For filing disputes, deposit issues, and resolving rental conflicts
• Alberta Government: Information for Landlords and Tenants – Official guides, forms, legislation, and tenant support
• Get answers to common questions at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. Alberta. Residential Tenancies Act, current as of 2024.
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): official Alberta site.

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