Occupant Handbook - 10.0 Moving-out

10.1 Moving-out process

The moving-out process consists of both a preliminary and final inspection. The Housing Services Centre (HSC) performs a preliminary inspection to inform the Occupant of the moving-out requirements. This inspection should be held as soon as possible after the Occupant has submitted a written Notice of intent to vacate.

If the Occupant fails to provide the required written notice, they will be charged for the full 30-day notice period unless a short-order posting message is provided to the HSC within 48 hours of receipt.

The final inspection will take place on the move-out date and is carried out to ensure the Occupant has completed all the requirements identified during the preliminary inspection.

The preliminary and final inspections will only occur during the HSC’s regular working hours. The Occupant, or their designate representative, is required to be present during the inspections. Representatives must be pre-approved by the HSC. 

10.2 Moving-out requirements

The Occupant is responsible for complying with all the requirements specified herein, and leaving the residential housing unit (RHU) in a clean, hygienic, and tidy condition by move-out day. The Occupant may engage a third-party service provider for cleaning services. The Occupant is responsible for cleaning and for all associated costs related to removing abandoned items from the premises.

The Occupant may be liable for the cost to repair or replace items not noted in the Department of National Defence housing checklist for new Occupants completed at move-in, and/or for non-fair wear and tear damages which occurred during occupancy. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the Occupant being responsible for all associated costs.

The following requirements apply:

• Floors, including those in the basement, must be cleaned.
• Carpets must be vacuumed, and steam cleaned, if required.
• Wall and ceiling surfaces must be free from residue (removal of foreign matter such as stains from tobacco products and pen/pencil marks), with the curtain tracks removed.
• Windows, windowsills, and screens must be cleaned inside and out, where cleaning is possible through the design of the RHU.
• Damaged screens and doors must be repaired/replaced.
• Sinks, bathtubs, and toilets must be clean and hygienic.
• Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) owned appliances, including range hoods and bathroom exhaust fan grills, must be clean and hygienic.
• Kitchen cupboards, bathroom vanities and cabinets, and closet surfaces must be free of residue.
• Shelf liners in kitchen cabinets and drawers must be removed.
• Burned out and/or missing light bulbs/fluorescent tubes must be replaced.
• Nails, screws, and frame hangers must be removed from all surfaces.
• Furnace humidifier and filter must be clean.
• Removable heat registers must be removed, and the accessible duct area vacuumed. Expected only for the unfastened registered. Larger, fixed air-returns not to be removed.
• Lawn must be cut and trimmed, and the grounds of the premises, including window wells, must be clean and free of all rubbish.
• Flower beds must be weeded and raked.
• Cannabis plants must be removed and disposed of in accordance with federal, provincial, municipal laws and regulations.
• Sidewalks, pathways, driveways, patios, and decks must be clear of snow and ice.
• Crawlspaces, sheds, and garages, if applicable, must be clean.
• Garbage and hazardous waste must be properly disposed of as per applicable regulation and by-laws.
• Composters must be emptied, and contents disposed of.
• Temporary structures (e.g., sheds, pools, fences, etc.) must be removed and the grounds restored to their original condition.
• If the RHU is heated by oil, the fuel tank must be filled up.

Additional requirements may apply depending on your Housing Services Centre:

• All keys (house, shed, garage) must be returned.
• All personal items must be removed from the interior and exterior of the property, shed, crawlspaces, and storage areas.
• Any damage or odor from pets must be addressed. This includes pet hair, stains, or waste in yards.
• Window coverings, including blinds, must be removed.
• Any item replaced during the occupancy (e.g., light fixtures, electrical switches, outlets, etc.) must be restored to the original condition, unless prior written approval was given to leave changes in place.

10.3 Restoration of grounds

The Occupant must remove any installed structures and restore the grounds to their original condition, and at their own expense, prior to move-out. This includes proper soil preparation, reseeding, and watering until visible growth of grass is present in all damaged areas. If the move occurs during the winter months, the Occupant must provide the HSC a letter of intent, including the name, contact information and signature of a designated person who will remove all the structures, clean-up, and restore the grounds in the spring. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the Occupant being responsible for all associated costs.

10.4 Shelter charges account/damages

The Occupant is responsible for ensuring that their account with CFHA is paid in full. Failure to settle shelter charge accounts or formally imposed deductions for damages may result in recovery action, which could involve the issuance of taxable benefit remittances.

Note: For any damages to the premises caused by movers, please refer to section 2.5 Damage caused by movers.

10.5 Notification to utility service providers

Unless advised otherwise, the HSC will notify utility providers (hydro, gas, water and sewage) of the move-out date and will provide the final meter readings. The Occupant is responsible for providing a forwarding address for final billing.

The Occupant is responsible for informing all other service providers (cable, telephone, internet, etc.) of their move-out date and to provide a forwarding address for final billing.

10.6 Redirection of mail

Occupants are responsible for having all personal mail redirected. Please call the local post office for more information or visit the Canada Post website.