Routine inspection checklist for CA rental properties

Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.

• Front door No issues Requires attention
• Lock and hardware No issues Requires attention
• Doorbell No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention

Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and outlets work.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Furnace or baseboard heaters No issues Requires attention N/A

Test all appliances, faucets and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to countertops or surfaces.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Cabinets No issues Requires attention
• Sink and countertops No issues Requires attention
• Stove and oven No issues Requires attention
• Refrigerator No issues Requires attention N/A
• Range hood No issues Requires attention N/A

Test faucets, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Mirror and cabinet No issues Requires attention
• Bath No issues Requires attention N/A
• Shower No issues Requires attention N/A
• Sink and vanity No issues Requires attention
• Toilet No issues Requires attention
• Exhaust fan No issues Requires attention N/A

Test the washer and dryer and check the laundry sink for damage or leaks.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Washer and dryer No issues Requires attention N/A
• Laundry sink No issues Requires attention N/A

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Closet No issues Requires attention N/A

Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.

• Handrail No issues Requires attention N/A
• Treads and risers No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention N/A

Check garbage and recycling bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.

• Garbage and recycling bins No issues Requires attention
• Locks No issues Requires attention
• Insulation No issues Requires attention
• Smoke alarms present and working No issues Requires attention

Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Door and remote No issues Requires attention

Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.

• Roof and supports No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

Check siding and exterior paint, eavestroughs and downspouts. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• Siding and exterior paint No issues Requires attention
• Eavestroughs and downspouts No issues Requires attention

Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the mailbox is present and usable.

• Lawns and gardens No issues Requires attention N/A
• Fencing No issues Requires attention N/A
• Mailbox No issues Requires attention N/A
• Driveway and walkways No issues Requires attention

Look for water ingress and test the sump pump if there is one.

• Sump pump No issues Requires attention N/A
• Floor drain clear No issues Requires attention
• Signs of water ingress or staining No issues Requires attention
• Foundation cracks No issues Requires attention
• Insulation and vapour barrier No issues Requires attention

Agree in writing who clears snow and ice before the first snowfall, and check the property is ready for freezing temperatures.

• Weatherstripping on doors and windows No issues Requires attention
• Storm windows and doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Exterior faucets shut off and drained No issues Requires attention
• Exposed pipes insulated No issues Requires attention
• Roof and eavestroughs clear No issues Requires attention
• Snow and ice removal responsibility agreed in writing No issues Requires attention
• Walkways and steps safe No issues Requires attention

Check the assigned stall and locker are in use and undamaged, and that any fob or remote still works.

• Assigned parking stall Text answer
• Storage locker number Text answer
• Storage locker condition No issues Requires attention N/A
• Garage or gate fob and remote No issues Requires attention
• Visitor parking arrangements No issues Requires attention

Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the time of inspection. Leave a reading blank if the property has no such meter.

• Gas meter reading Number answer
• Electricity (hydro) meter reading Number answer
• Water meter reading Number answer

Provincial fire codes set the requirements. Carbon monoxide alarms are generally required where there is a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.

• Smoke alarm on every level Yes No
• Smoke alarm outside each sleeping area Yes No
• Carbon monoxide alarm near sleeping areas where required Yes No N/A
• Alarms tested All sounding Some not sounding Not tested
• No alarm past its expiry date Yes No

Heat is a vital service the landlord must maintain. Run the system and check the filter and thermostat.

• Furnace, boiler or baseboard heaters No issues Requires attention
• Thermostat No issues Requires attention
• Air filter replaced No issues Requires attention
• Vents and registers clear No issues Requires attention
• Hot water tank No issues Requires attention
• No unusual noise or smell No issues Requires attention