RTB Condition Inspection Report Form Explained (BC)

Moving in or out of a rental unit in British Columbia? The Condition Inspection Report is a legal must-have that safeguards your rights as a tenant. This guide explains what the RTB Condition Inspection Report Form is, when it's needed, and how using it properly can help avoid disputes—especially over your damage deposit.

What Is the Condition Inspection Report in BC?

The Condition Inspection Report is a form required under the Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia. It documents the state of the rental unit at both move-in and move-out. This official form helps protect both tenant and landlord by providing clear evidence of the unit's condition, helping to determine if any damages have occurred during the tenancy.

What Is the Official RTB Form?

• Form Name: Condition Inspection Report—Residential Premises
• Form Number: RTB-27
• Where to Find It: Get the official RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report here.

The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) is the official tribunal managing residential tenancy disputes and forms in British Columbia. You can access information and services from the Residential Tenancy Branch website.

When and Why Is the Condition Inspection Report Required?

You must complete a Condition Inspection Report:

• At move-in (before or at the start of your tenancy)
• At move-out (on or after the last day of your tenancy)

Both you and your landlord should walk through the rental together, inspecting every room and making detailed notes. Each of you signs the report at the end. This creates a written record to compare the rental's condition before and after your stay. If you skip this report, you risk losing your security or pet damage deposit—even if no damage occurred!

Why the Condition Inspection Report Matters for Tenants

The report matters most for protecting your deposit. If your landlord does not provide a completed and signed Condition Inspection Report, they usually cannot keep your deposit for damages, unless you refused to participate in the inspection.

It’s also a valuable tool to settle disagreements about cleanliness, repairs, or damages. For more on how this fits into protecting your money, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Gets Inspected?

The Condition Inspection Report covers all parts of the rental unit, including:

• Floors, walls, ceilings, and doors
• Windows and window coverings
• Appliances
• Kitchens and bathrooms (including plumbing fixtures)
• Lighting and electrical outlets
• Any included furniture or exterior features

Beneath each item, you note the condition at move-in, and later update it at move-out. Both landlord and tenant get copies of each completed report.

Practical Examples

• Move-in: You complete the report and note any scratches or minor issues (e.g., a stain on the living room carpet). You and your landlord sign, and you each keep a copy.
• Move-out: The report helps both parties identify if any new damage has occurred, preventing disputes over your deposit.

For more on preparing for inspections, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

How BC Law Protects Tenants During Inspections

Your right to be present at inspections is protected by the Residential Tenancy Act. If your landlord does not complete the report or refuses to let you participate, this may affect whether they can make deductions from your deposit.

To learn more about your specific rights, see Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

How to Complete and Use the Condition Inspection Report

Here’s a quick summary of what to do when filling out the RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report form:

• Book a time to meet your landlord at the unit at move-in or move-out.
• Bring a copy of the RTB-27 form (printable or digital).
• Walk through each room together and write down the condition of key features.
• Both tenant and landlord sign and date the form, and each keeps a copy.
• Do not sign until you’ve inspected the full unit and are comfortable with the notes.

Using this form correctly is a crucial part of protecting your rental deposit and preventing confusion about repairs. Want to see more options for your next move? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and discover great places backed by BC tenant protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Condition Inspection Report form required by law in British Columbia?
   Yes. Both move-in and move-out inspection reports are required under the Residential Tenancy Act.
2. Can I still get my deposit back if the inspection report is missing?
   Usually yes, unless you refused to participate in the inspection. If the landlord did not offer you the chance, they may not deduct for damages without this report.
3. What if I disagree with my landlord about damage at move-out?
   If there’s a dispute, the signed Condition Inspection Reports, along with photos or other evidence, are what the Residential Tenancy Branch uses to decide. You can apply for dispute resolution if needed.
4. Who keeps the original report?
   Both you and your landlord should keep signed copies of each inspection report. Email copies are valid if you both agree.
5. Is there a deadline for completing the move-in inspection?
   Yes, the inspection should happen at the start of the tenancy or within a few days. The law requires both parties to make reasonable efforts to complete it together.

Key Takeaways

• Always use the RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report at both move-in and move-out—it's required by law and can protect your deposit.
• Attend inspection appointments with your landlord, and keep detailed notes and photos.
• If issues come up, refer to your reports and contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• BC Residential Tenancy Branch – Official forms, dispute resolution, and support
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) – Free advocacy and information for tenants in British Columbia
• For more legal basics, review Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. Official RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report Form (BC Residential Tenancy Branch)
2. BC Government: Condition Inspections
3. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)

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