What is the RTB-27? BC's Condition Inspection Report explained
The RTB-27 records a rental unit's condition at move-in and move-out in British Columbia. It can be important evidence when damage or deposit claims are disputed. Here's when to complete it and what can happen if the required inspection is missed.
What the RTB-27 is
The Residential Tenancy Branch provides the RTB-27 Condition Inspection Report for landlords and tenants to use. It records the condition of a rental unit, room by room, at the start and end of a tenancy. Both the landlord (or property manager) and the tenant complete it together and sign it. The signed report becomes the shared baseline for any later conversation about damage, cleaning, or the security deposit.
When it's required
The Residential Tenancy Act requires a condition inspection at two points:
- Move-in — inspect on possession day, or choose a different day by agreement.
- Move-out — inspect when or after the outgoing tenant leaves, or on an agreed alternative date, before the next tenant occupies the unit.
The landlord must give the tenant at least two opportunities to complete the inspection. The last opportunity must be provided in writing, so keep the schedule and notice as part of the tenancy record. See section 23 and section 35 of the Residential Tenancy Act and the BC inspection guidance for the process.
What goes on the form
The RTB-27 lists each room and the elements inside it — walls, ceilings, floors, windows, appliances, fixtures — with space to mark the condition and add notes. The detail is the point: "wall has dents" is weak on its own. A note tied to a dated photo is what turns a vague description into something both sides can rely on months later.
What happens if you skip it
If the landlord doesn't offer the required inspection opportunities, complete the condition inspection report, or provide a copy, the right to claim against the security deposit for damage to the unit can be lost. That does not necessarily prevent a separate monetary claim for damage. See the Residential Tenancy Branch's security deposit policy guideline for the distinctions and current rules.
How Anchor fills it for you
Anchor runs the walkthrough in a web browser, room by room, with condition notes linked to each item. Plus and higher plans support inspection photos. It prepares the RTB-27 for participants to review and sign, keeping the move-in record available for move-out comparison.
Related guides
Use the BC rental inspection checklist during your walkthrough, then read about landlord and tenant inspection rights. See how Anchor's rental inspection software keeps the record together.
This guide is general information about BC's Residential Tenancy Act, not legal advice. For your specific situation, check the current rules at the Residential Tenancy Branch or get advice from a qualified professional.