One of the most critical moments in the rental process is the period between deciding to rent a property and signing the lease. This is the time when you have the right to thoroughly inspect the condition of the property, document any problems, and establish your rights and responsibilities. Unfortunately, many people, especially newcomers and foreigners moving to Edmonton, underestimate the importance of this step. They rush to sign the contract, wanting to get the keys as soon as possible, without a detailed inspection of the property. This often leads to significant problems later on: when damage is discovered that was there before your arrival but which you did not document, the developer or landlord may try to blame you and keep your deposit. In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to properly inspect a property in Edmonton, what to look for, how to document your findings, and how to protect yourself from unscrupulous developers and management companies.
Why it is important to inspect the condition of your home before signing
Before you begin your inspection, it is important to understand why it is so important. In Alberta and Canada as a whole, there is a system of tenant and landlord rights that often stipulates that the condition of the property at the time of move-in is determined by the documentation that you both sign. If you don't document existing damage before you move in, you may be held responsible for it when you move out.
Most leases in Canada include a clause stating that the tenant takes possession of the property in its current condition, unless otherwise specified. This means that if there is a small crack in the wall that you did not notice when you moved in, and later the crack gets bigger, the landlord may claim that you caused it. Therefore, it is important to have written proof that the crack was there from the beginning.
In addition, inspecting the condition of the property gives you the opportunity to ask the landlord to fix serious problems BEFORE you start paying rent. If you find that the heating is not working, there is mold in the bathroom, or the refrigerator is not cooling food, you can ask for this to be fixed as a condition of renting. Once you sign the lease and move in, the landlord will be less motivated to make these repairs immediately.
Inspection Timeline: When to Inspect the Property
Ideally, the inspection should be done a day or two before signing the lease. This gives you time to consider any issues you find and discuss them with the landlord or agent before you commit.
However, the length of the inspection depends on how quickly you need to move. If you are moving in a hurry, you can make a list of issues during your first inspection of the property and return for a more detailed inspection the day before signing the contract. If you have the luxury of time, you can arrange several visits to the property at different times of the day and week to get a complete understanding of its condition and functionality.
What to check: A detailed list
When you enter the property for inspection, it is important to have a structured approach. You don't want to just look around the rooms and say “it looks good.” You want to systematically check every aspect of the property.
Exterior inspection and front door: Start at the entrance. Check that the door opens smoothly and locks properly. Check for damage to the door or around it. Check that the locking system is secure and that all keys work properly. If outside the house, check the condition of the yard, fence, and visible exterior areas.
Living room and bedrooms: In each room, check the condition of the walls — look for cracks, nail holes, stains, or mold. Check that the floor is level and that there are no unpleasant odors. Open and close all windows and check that they are airtight and clean. Check the condition of the blinds and curtains. Check all light fixtures and make sure they are working properly. If the property is furnished, check the condition of the furniture for damage and dirt.
Kitchen: This is one of the most important rooms to check in detail. Open the refrigerator and check that it is cooling properly. Turn on the oven and check that it heats up. Turn on the stove and check all the burners. Check the dishwasher, if there is one — turn it on and check that the water drains or collects inside. Check the sink and test the drain — pour some water down it and make sure the water drains well. Check the cabinets and drawers for damage and to make sure they open properly. Check the condition of the gas and electricity meters, if they are inside. Check whether there are separate meters for electricity and gas or whether they are shared.
Bathroom: Check the bathtub or shower for cleanliness and damage. Turn on the hot and cold water and check that the pressure is normal and that the water is the right temperature. Check the bathtub and shower drains — pour water into them and check that they drain well. Check the toilet for cleanliness and functionality — flush it and make sure it empties and fills properly. Check the mirror and any built-in sink for damage. Check for leaks under the sink. Check the condition of the tiles and grout for mold or mildew.
Bedrooms and closets: Check the closets and make sure they function properly. Check that there is enough space and that the doors close properly. Check the condition of the floors and ceilings.
Heating and cooling: As a basic check, ask the landlord or agent to show you where the thermostat or heating controls are located. Check that the system is functioning properly. This is especially important in Edmonton during the winter, where heating is critical.
Water and plumbing: During your inspection, tell the landlord or agent that you want to check the plumbing. Make sure there are no visible leaks under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom. Turn on each faucet and check the water pressure. Flush each toilet several times to make sure they are working properly.
Electrical and lighting: Check all light switches and make sure the lights are working. Test all outlets, especially using a small device such as a cell phone or lamp to make sure they are live. Check that there are enough outlets for your needs.
Safety: Check for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they are present, check their age and functionality. Check for a fire extinguisher or know where it is located. Check that there is lighting in the hallways and stairwells.
Soundproofing: While the landlord or agent is in the apartment, take a few minutes to listen and assess the level of noise coming from other apartments or the street. This is especially important if you are sensitive to noise.
Documentation: How to record your findings
Inspecting the condition of the property is only valuable if you document your findings correctly. This means taking notes, taking photos, and obtaining written confirmation where possible.
Written list: Take the time to write a detailed list of everything you find. Don't just list “good” or “bad.” Write down specific observations such as “the refrigerator emits a strange odor,” “there is a deep crack in the bedroom door,” or “there is mold in the corner of the bathroom near the window.” Be as specific as possible about the location of the problem — “on the right side of the bathroom, about 1 meter high.”
Photos and videos: Take photos of all the problems you find. Use your smartphone or camera. Make sure the photos are clear and show the specific problem. For example, if there is mold, take several photos from different angles. If possible, include something in the frame for scale, such as a coin or your hand to indicate the size of the damage. Additionally, you can record a video of the apartment, walking through all the rooms and commenting on what you see. This allows you to have a video record of the condition of the property at the time of move-in, which will be difficult to dispute later.
Written report from the landlord: Most importantly, try to get a written document from the landlord or agent that translates your findings. In Canada, when you rent an apartment, the landlord usually gives you a “Condition of Premises” form, which you and the landlord both sign to confirm the current condition of the premises. This is a very important document. Before signing it, make sure that all the problems you have found are documented on this form. If the landlord tries to leave it blank, insist. If they refuse to document the problems, this is a red flag that they may try to blame you for the damage when you move out.
Talking to the landlord about the problems you found
Once you've done your inspection, it's time to talk to the landlord or agent about what you found. This is a delicate moment, because you don't want to come across as someone who constantly complains, but you need to protect yourself.
Start with a friendly approach. Say, “I've inspected the property and noticed a few things I'd like to discuss before signing the lease.” Then go through your list. Divide the issues into three categories: serious, moderate, and minor.
Serious problems include anything that affects the safety or basic functionality of the space: non-functioning heating, water or sewage problems, visible sagging in the ceiling that could indicate leaks, or actual mold that indicates moisture. For these problems, you should insist that they be fixed before you start paying.
Moderate problems include things that negatively affect comfort: a non-functional light fixture, minor imperfections, or minor damage. For these issues, you can ask the landlord to promise to fix them within a reasonable time after you move in.
Minor issues include things that do not affect functionality but are worth knowing about: minor scratches on furniture, minor bumps on the floor. For these issues, it is often enough to simply document them for your own records.
The key is to remain tactful but firm. Do not accuse the landlord of dirtiness or mismanagement. Simply say, “I noticed that...” and ask for it to be fixed or documented.
Lease Agreement: What to Look for Before Signing
Before signing a lease, make sure it includes all the important information about the condition of the premises. Pay special attention to:
Condition appendices: The lease should have an appendix (often called a “Schedule of Condition” or “Condition of Premises”) that details the condition of the premises at the time of move-in. Make sure that any problems found are documented here.
Maintenance guarantee: The agreement should clearly describe what the landlord is responsible for (water pressure, heating, major repairs) and what you are responsible for (minor repairs, cleaning).
Move-in period: Make sure you have a reasonable amount of time to move in and that the premises will be available to you after a specific date and time.
Move-out conditions: Read the clauses about how the premises will be inspected when you move out. Make sure that the landlord cannot withhold a disproportionate amount of the deposit for normal wear and tear.
Specifics of Edmonton and Alberta
Alberta has several specific requirements for renting that you should be aware of.
In Alberta, landlords are required to provide tenants with a Residential Tenancy Agreement (RTA) form or its equivalent. This form is designed by the government and gives you a certain level of protection. Make sure you receive this form or its equivalent and that it is filled out correctly. If your landlord offers you a custom contract instead, be careful. Custom contracts often contain terms that are more favorable to the landlord.
In addition, in Alberta, landlords have the right to request a move-in inspection of the premises. This is a formal inspection conducted professionally, often by a third party. If your landlord offers this, it is a positive sign, as it creates a formal record of the condition of the premises. However, you can also conduct the inspection yourself, as described above.
Red flags: When to consider another option
When inspecting the premises and negotiating with the landlord, pay attention to certain warning signs that may indicate that this is not a good rental option.
If the landlord or agent refuses to allow you to properly inspect the property or rushes you through the tour, that is a red flag. At a minimum, you should have the right to conduct a detailed inspection.
If the landlord refuses to document obvious problems or fix serious issues before you move in, that is also a red flag. This indicates that the landlord does not want to take repairs seriously.
If the lease contains many unusual provisions that seem unfair to you, you should consider another option. For example, if the lease states that you are responsible for all repairs, including major services, this is not fair under Canadian law.
If the property appears extremely dirty or has visible signs of mismanagement, consider this a sign of how the landlord treats the property as a whole.
Conclusion: Protect yourself
Inspecting the condition of the property before signing a lease is not just a good idea, it is a necessary step to protect yourself as a tenant. It allows you to document existing problems, insist on repairs before moving in, and ensure that you are not blamed for damage that was there before you arrived.
Take the time to properly inspect the premises. Document your findings in writing, with photos, and videos. Get written confirmation from the landlord about the condition of the premises. And before signing the contract, make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
With a sensible approach and a thorough inspection, you can avoid many of the problems that often arise later during the tenancy or when you move out. This is time well spent at the very beginning of your tenancy.