Moving out of your home in Vancouver involves many steps. You want your security deposit back. Landlords check for damage. They look for dirt. You must restore the unit to its original state. Use this guide to fix your home. Save your money.
Understand the security deposit rules
Your landlord holds half of one month's rent. This is the security deposit. They must return it within 15 days. This 15-day window starts when you move out. It also starts when you provide your forwarding address. Give your address in writing. Use email or a letter.
Landlords deduct money for damage. They cannot deduct for normal wear and tear. Faded paint is normal. A hole in the wall is not. Scratched floors from furniture are damage. Dust on the floor is a cleaning issue.
Schedule a walk-through with your landlord. Do this on your last day. Bring a camera. Take photos of every room. Record the condition of floors and walls. Keep these photos for your records.
Patch the walls
Nail holes are common. You hung pictures in the West End. You mounted a TV in Yaletown. Now the holes remain. You must fill them.
Buy a small tub of spackle. Use a putty knife. Scoop a small amount. Press the spackle into the hole. Wipe the excess away. Let it dry for 30 minutes. Use fine-grit sandpaper. Sand the surface until it is flush.
Large holes need drywall tape. Cut a piece of mesh tape. Place it over the hole. Apply drywall compound over the tape. Feather the edges. Let it dry then sand it smooth. Apply a second coat if needed.
Check your lease for paint rules. Some landlords want you to paint. Others prefer to do it themselves. If you paint, match the color exactly. Take a small chip of paint to the store. Buy a sample pot. Use a small brush. Dab the paint onto the patched area. Blend the edges into the wall.
Clean the kitchen
The kitchen is a high-risk area. Landlords check the oven. They look behind the fridge.
Start with the appliances. Pull the fridge away from the wall. Vacuum the coils. Mop the floor behind it. Wipe the top of the fridge. Clean the inside shelves. Use warm water and soap. Remove all food crumbs.
Open the oven. Remove the racks. Apply oven cleaner. Wait for the directed time. Scrub the grease away. Clean the glass door. Ensure the light bulb works.
Check the range hood filter. It collects grease. Remove the filter. Soak it in hot, soapy water. Scrub it then dry it. Replace it.
Inspect the sink and faucet. Hard water leaves spots in Kitsilano. Use vinegar to remove scales. Tighten the faucet if it wobbles.
Refresh the bathroom
Bathrooms grow mold. Vancouver is humid. Scrub the grout lines in the shower. Use a bleach solution. Rinse with water.
Check the toilet. Ensure it flushes correctly. Tighten the seat if it is loose. Clean the base of the toilet.
Look at the caulking. Old caulking peels. It turns black with mold. Remove the old silicone with a scraper. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Apply a new bead of white silicone. Smooth it with your finger. Let it dry for 24 hours. Do not use the shower during this time.
Check lighting and fixtures
Walk through every room. Turn on every switch. Replace burnt-out bulbs. Use the same wattage. Check the hallway in your East Vancouver townhouse. Check the laundry room in South Vancouver.
Inspect the door handles. Tighten the screws on loose knobs. Oil the hinges if they squeak. Check the window screens. Repair any small tears.
If you installed a smart thermostat, remove it. Put the original thermostat back. Connect the wires. Test the heat. Do the same for smart locks. Restore the original hardware.
Address strata requirements
Living in a condo in Burnaby or Richmond means following strata rules. Strata managers watch the hallways. They check for damage to common areas during your move.
Book the elevator early. Use the pads to protect the walls. Do not leave trash in the hallway. If you scuff a common wall, report it. Fixing it yourself might save a fine.
Check your balcony. Sweep the floor. Remove all pots and furniture. Do not wash the balcony with a hose. Water might drip on neighbors below. Use a damp mop instead.
Hire professional help
You may lack the time for repairs. You might lack the tools. Hire a professional handyman. We serve Vancouver, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver. We handle the repair list for you.
Our rates are transparent. The first hour costs $120. Each additional hour costs $85. We work efficiently. We bring our own tools. We know what landlords look for in Kerrisdale and the Westside.
Common tasks we perform:
- Drywall patching and sanding.
- Painting touch-ups.
- Faucet and fixture replacement.
- Door and lock repairs.
- TV dismounting and hole filling.
- Blind and curtain rod removal.
Plan your move-out timeline
Start repairs two weeks before moving. This allows paint to dry. It gives you time to buy parts.
- Two weeks out: Inspect the home. List every hole and scuff. Buy supplies.
- One week out: Patch the drywall. Fix the plumbing. Replace light bulbs.
- Three days out: Clean the appliances. Scrub the bathrooms.
- Last day: Empty the home. Mop the floors. Take your photos.
Get your deposit back
Complete your repairs. Clean the unit. Hand over the keys. Request a signed inspection report. Provide your forwarding address. Wait 15 days. Your deposit should arrive.
If the landlord claims a deduction, ask for receipts. Check your photos. Compare the damage to your move-in report. Most disputes resolve through clear evidence.
Contact Randall The Handyman for your move-out repairs. We help residents in Yaletown, UBC, and South Main St. Fix your home today. Get your money back tomorrow.
