Move-out checklist

Who this is for: Renters in Calgary and nearby communities (Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, and similar)

This guide walks you through leaving a rental in Alberta without the scramble. It complements RentTrader’s existing move-in checklist, inspections, and security deposits pages. It is general information, not legal advice. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and official Alberta pages control if anything here differs from your situation.

Who this may not cover: Some living arrangements are outside the RTA (for example, renting a room in the landlord’s own living quarters when the landlord lives there). Confirm coverage in Alberta’s RTA materials or get advice if you share space with an owner-occupier.

1. Confirm how your tenancy ends

Before you pack, know which clock you are on.

• Fixed-term: Ends on the end date in the agreement. Alberta.ca states that neither landlord nor tenant must give notice to end a fixed term on that date, even if the lease says otherwise. Unless you and the landlord arrange otherwise, Alberta.ca says the tenant has to move out by noon on the end date.
• Periodic (often month-to-month): Needs proper written notice. For a monthly tenancy, a tenant’s notice is one full tenancy month, served on time. Late notice shifts the end date. See How to give proper notice in Alberta, and always check Ending a tenancy | Alberta.ca.

If you stay past a fixed term and rent keeps getting accepted without a new agreement, the tenancy can become periodic. That changes the notice rules.

Hypothetical example (not a real case): Jordan’s fixed-term lease ends 30 April. Jordan plans to leave that day—no statutory notice is required to end on that date. If Jordan instead stays into May and pays May rent that the landlord accepts, Jordan may now be on a periodic tenancy and would need proper notice to leave later.

2. Two to four weeks out (or earlier for fixed terms)

Use this as a practical buffer, not a legal deadline.

1. Re-read the lease for cleaning standards, parking remotes, storage, and any move-out instructions.
2. Book the move-out inspection within the RTA window: within one week before or after you move out. Ask for times in writing.
3. Request the landlord’s preferred cleaning standard in writing if the lease is vague. Alberta publishes cleaning guidance for tenants on the Ending a tenancy pages.
4. Arrange movers / truck / elevator booking for condo or apartment buildings in Calgary—loading bays fill up.
5. Notify utilities you pay (electricity, gas, internet). Keep confirmation emails.
6. Update your address with employer, bank, CRA, insurance, and Canada Post forwarding.
7. Start a photo log of the empty or nearly empty unit (see How to document condition). Your move-in report and photos matter now.

3. Cleaning and ordinary wear

Alberta.ca says you have the right to your deposit back (with any interest owing) if there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear, the unit has been properly cleaned if your tenancy agreement requires it, and no rent or other costs are owing. Normal wear and tear is deterioration that happens over time with use, even with reasonable care. Landlords cannot deduct damage or cleaning costs from the deposit if the inspection report requirements were not met.

Work room by room:

• Kitchen: oven, stovetop, fridge (defrost if needed), cabinets inside/out, sink, splashback, floor.
• Bathrooms: toilet, tub/shower (including grout film), sink, fan, floor.
• Floors and baseboards; wipe switches and door handles.
• Windows, tracks, and blinds you can reach safely.
• Balcony or entry mat areas you use.
• Replace burnt-out bulbs you are responsible for under the lease.
• Remove all belongings, garbage, and recycling. Check storage locker and parking stall.

Keep receipts for professional cleaning if you hire it—they can help if deductions are disputed later.

4. Move-out day checklist

• ☐ Unit emptied and cleaned to lease standard
• ☐ All keys, fobs, garage remotes, mailbox keys labelled and ready
• ☐ Smoke/CO alarms left in place and working (do not remove detectors)
• ☐ Meter readings photographed if you pay utilities
• ☐ Walk-through photos/video with date visible in device metadata
• ☐ Written move-out inspection completed when scheduled; you keep a signed copy
• ☐ Note disagreements on the report before signing if you disagree
• ☐ Forwarding address given in writing to the landlord
• ☐ Final rent and any agreed amounts paid (do not withhold rent to force repairs—Alberta.ca states tenants cannot withhold rent for that purpose)

If the landlord offered two reasonable inspection times (different days, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., not holidays) and you did not attend, they may inspect without you. Show up if you can.

5. After you hand over possession

Security deposit timing (summary; details on the security deposits guide):

• Within 10 days after you give up possession: full deposit + interest, or a statement of account with any balance, or an estimate with unused funds returned.
• If an estimate was used: final statement and any remaining money within 30 days after the tenancy ends.

If nothing arrives, write the landlord (keep a copy) requesting the deposit and statement. Disputes may go to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or court. Landlords generally cannot deduct damage/cleaning from the deposit if required inspection reports were not completed—though other claims may still exist through RTDRS or court.

Alberta.ca advises tenants to give their forwarding address in writing and keep copies of all their documents for 3 years: the lease, both inspection reports, photos, notices and payment records.

6. Calgary-area practical notes

• Secondary suites and shared entries: Return every access device (side-gate keys, garage remotes, fobs) and get a written confirmation.
• Snow and parking: Clear personal vehicles and belongings from stalls so the next resident and snow clearing are not blocked.
• Property managers: If a RECA-licensed manager handled the tenancy, send forwarding address and key return confirmations to the email on your notices, not only a site chat app.

FAQ (source-backed)

Do I need notice to leave at the end of a fixed term?
Alberta.ca: no notice is required to end a fixed term on its end date. Courtesy communication is still wise.

Can the landlord keep my deposit for normal wear?
No—deductions are for damage beyond normal wear and tear (and other allowed amounts), with inspection rules applying to damage/cleaning deductions.

What if I disagree with the move-out report?
Note your disagreement on the report; keep photos; use RTDRS or court pathways if needed.

Next step: Print the move-out checklist and condition photo log, complete the inspection, and send your forwarding address in writing the day you hand over keys.

General information only, not legal advice. The Residential Tenancies Act and its regulations are the final word; check the official sources above or get legal advice for your situation.

Related guides

• Printable move-out checklist and photo log
• How to give proper notice
• Documenting condition
• Inspections
• Security deposits