Schedule the turnover clean after the outgoing tenant's move-out inspection and any repairs, and before the new tenant's move-in inspection. Clean every appliance inside, cabinets, closets, window tracks, bathrooms and floors, then photograph the unit. In BC, the condition at move-in is what the move-in inspection report records — a properly cleaned unit makes the end of the next tenancy simpler.
The days between tenants are the tightest part of running a rental. The old tenant moves out, something needs fixing, and the new tenant wants keys on the first. A good turnover clean is what makes a unit rent fast, sets clear expectations for the next tenant, and gives you a clean baseline for the next move-out inspection.
The BC rules that matter for a turnover
This is general information, not legal advice. For the details, see the BC Residential Tenancy Branch.
- Your obligation. Under the Residential Tenancy Act, a landlord must provide and maintain the rental in a state of decoration and repair that meets health, safety and housing standards and makes it suitable for the tenant to live in.
- The outgoing tenant's obligation. Tenants must leave the unit reasonably clean and undamaged, except for reasonable wear and tear. "Reasonably clean" is not the same as professionally detailed — the gap between the two is usually on the landlord.
- Condition inspections. You must offer the tenant at least two opportunities to do the move-in and move-out condition inspections together, and complete a condition inspection report.
- Deposits. A security deposit can't be more than half a month's rent. After the tenancy ends and you have the tenant's forwarding address in writing, you have 15 days to return the deposit or apply for dispute resolution to keep some or all of it. Miss that and you may have to pay double.
Practically, that means: inspect first, clean second, inspect the new tenant in third.
Timing the turnover
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| 2–4 weeks before | Confirm the outgoing tenant's move-out date; book the cleaner and any trades; book the elevator if it's a strata building |
| Move-out day | Move-out condition inspection with the tenant, photos, keys returned |
| Same day or next morning | Repairs and paint touch-ups first — they make dust |
| After repairs | Turnover clean of the empty unit |
| Move-in day | Move-in condition inspection with the new tenant |
If there's paint, drywall or flooring work, put the clean after it. Cleaning first and sanding second means paying for two cleans. For heavier work, a post-construction clean handles the fine dust.
Turnover cleaning checklist
Kitchen
- Inside the oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and microwave
- Range hood and filter; stovetop and burners
- Inside every cabinet and drawer
- Counters, backsplash, sink and faucet
Bathrooms
- Toilet, tub or shower, glass, grout and drains
- Vanity inside and out, mirror, medicine cabinet
- Exhaust fan cover
Throughout
- Inside closets — shelves, rods and floors
- Window sills and tracks; inside glass
- Baseboards, door frames, doors, switches and outlet covers
- Blinds dusted or wiped
- Balcony swept; storage locker cleared
- Floors vacuumed and mopped; carpets cleaned as needed
Landlord checks
- Smoke and CO alarms tested
- Light bulbs replaced
- Appliances working
- Locks re-keyed or codes changed if needed
Turnovers for landlords and property managersOur move in/out clean is built for empty units — every appliance inside, cabinets, closets and window tracks. Instant price, any day of the week.
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- Photos after the clean, room by room, with the date — inside the oven and fridge, cabinets, bathrooms and floors.
- Keep the cleaning invoice. If you claim cleaning costs from a deposit at the end of a tenancy, you'll need to show what was spent.
- Note it on the move-in report. "Unit professionally cleaned on [date]" sets the baseline for the next tenant.
- Give the new tenant a short move-out cleaning expectation up front. Our move-out checklist for BC renters is a fair one to share.
What a turnover clean costs
| Unit | Move in/out clean |
|---|---|
| 1 bed, 1 bath condo (under 1,000 sq ft) | $330 |
| 2 bed, 2 bath condo (1,000–1,499 sq ft) | $468 |
| 3 bed, 2 bath townhouse (1,500–1,999 sq ft) | $546 |
| 4 bed, 3 bath house (2,500–3,499 sq ft) | $723 |
Managing several units? Our realtors and property managers page is the quickest way to set up repeat turnovers. Condo-specific details like elevator bookings and strata move fees are in our condo move-out guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for cleaning between tenants in BC?
Tenants must leave a unit reasonably clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear. Cleaning beyond that, to get the unit ready for the next tenant, is generally the landlord's cost. Check the Residential Tenancy Branch for your situation.
When should a turnover clean happen?
After the outgoing tenant's move-out inspection and any repairs or painting, and before the new tenant's move-in inspection.
What should a rental turnover clean include?
Inside every appliance, inside cabinets and closets, window sills and tracks, bathrooms top to bottom, baseboards, door frames, switches, blinds and all floors.
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit in BC?
Fifteen days after the later of the tenancy ending and receiving the tenant's forwarding address in writing — either return it or apply for dispute resolution to keep some or all of it.
Can I book recurring turnovers for multiple units?
Yes. Use our realtors and property managers page or call (778) 720-6791, and we'll set up turnovers for your units.
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