Landlord & tenant inspection rights in BC
The condition inspection isn't a courtesy — it's a set of obligations on both sides, with real consequences for skipping it. Here's who has to do what, and when.
The inspection is a shared obligation
BC law requires a condition inspection report at move-in and move-out. RTB-27 is the province's template; landlords may use another form that meets the regulation. The parties should inspect together, following the statutory process when a tenant does not participate. See the BC inspection guidance.
The landlord's obligations
- Arrange the move-in inspection for possession day, unless both parties agree to a different date.
- Offer the required inspection opportunities and use the approved RTB-22 notice for the final opportunity. See section 17 of the Residential Tenancy Regulation.
- Complete the condition inspection report and give the tenant a copy.
If the landlord doesn't offer those opportunities or doesn't complete the report, the landlord's right to claim against the deposit for damage can be extinguished. The obligation and the deposit protection are tied together. Our deposit guide explains the separate return and claim deadlines.
The tenant's rights and obligations
- The right to take part in both inspections and to receive a copy of the report.
- The right to note disagreement on the form rather than being bound by the landlord's view alone.
- The obligation to make a reasonable effort to attend when opportunities are offered.
The Act provides a process for completing an inspection without a tenant who misses both properly offered opportunities. Non-participation can affect the tenant's deposit-return rights. See section 24 and section 36 of the Residential Tenancy Act.
Entry and notice during the tenancy
Separate from move-in and move-out, a landlord generally can't enter an occupied unit without the tenant's agreement or written notice provided at least 24 hours, but no more than 30 days, before entry. The notice should state the date, time, and a reasonable purpose. See the current BC landlord access guidance before acting.
How the record supports a claim
When a disagreement reaches the Residential Tenancy Branch, the decision leans on evidence: a signed report, dated photos, and a clear comparison between move-in and move-out. Rights and obligations set the rules, and the record helps establish what happened. That's what Anchor is built to produce — a signed, photo-backed inspection both sides can stand behind.
Related guides
Read the RTB-27 report guide for the condition inspection record, and use the BC rental inspection checklist to prepare. See how Anchor's rental inspection software brings the evidence together.
This guide is general information about BC's Residential Tenancy Act, not legal advice. Rules and notice periods change — confirm the current details with the Residential Tenancy Branch or a qualified professional before acting.