Moving checklist for renters in Canada
A practical checklist for moving into a rental anywhere in Canada: elevator bookings, utilities, tenant insurance, address changes and the move-in walk-through.
By Leap Editorial · Sep 9, 2026 · 2 min read
You signed the lease. Now the logistics. Use this checklist to make move-in day calm instead of chaotic.
As soon as you sign
- Confirm the move-in date and key handover in writing with your landlord.
- Give notice at your current place if you're renting. Notice periods depend on your province. In Ontario, monthly tenants usually need to give at least 60 days' written notice. See ending a lease in Ontario.
- Book movers or a truck. End-of-month dates go first in big cities, and in Quebec many leases start on July 1, so movers book up months ahead.
- Buy tenant insurance and send proof to your landlord if the lease requires it.
Two weeks before
- Book the elevator if you're moving into a condo or apartment building, and ask about any move-in fee or deposit the building charges.
- Check parking for the truck, and whether you need a street permit.
- Set up utilities that aren't included, usually electricity and sometimes gas, with your local providers (for example BC Hydro, Hydro-Québec or Toronto Hydro).
- Book internet installation. Appointments can take a while.
Moving week
- Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post.
- Update your address with your bank, employer and the CRA. Update your driver's licence and health card address with your province too. Deadlines vary. In Ontario, for example, you must update your licence address within six days of moving.
- Pack an essentials box: chargers, toilet paper, basic tools, a kettle, bedding and important documents.
Move-in day
- Do a walk-through with your landlord before you unload. Note existing damage and take dated photos and video of every room.
- Test everything: taps, toilets, appliances, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, windows and locks.
- Get the keys, fobs and any parking or locker access you were promised.
- Ask how to submit maintenance requests and who to call in an emergency.
The first week
- Report anything that isn't working to your landlord in writing.
- Save your lease, receipts and walk-through photos somewhere safe.
- Meet your neighbours. It helps more than you'd think.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a move-in inspection required?+
It depends on the province. British Columbia requires a move-in condition inspection. In Ontario it isn't legally required, but it's strongly recommended. Dated photos and a written note of existing damage protect you when you move out.
Do I have to buy tenant insurance?+
Provincial tenancy laws don't generally require it, but many leases include it as a term and it protects your belongings and liability. It's usually inexpensive.
