Move-In Costs Checklist: Vancouver Apartment 2026

Moving into your first apartment in Vancouver? The sticker shock isn't just the monthly rent — it's the upfront costs that hit you before you even unpack. Here's a full checklist so you're not caught off guard.

Required Move-In Costs

1. First Month's Rent

Paid upfront, usually before you get the keys. For a 1BR apartment in Metro Vancouver, budget $1,500-2,200 depending on location.

2. Security Deposit (Damage Deposit)

In BC, the maximum a landlord can charge is half a month's rent. So for a $1,800 apartment, the deposit is $900 max. This is refundable when you move out (minus any damages beyond normal wear).

Important: Landlords CANNOT ask for last month's rent. That's not legal in BC. If someone asks for first + last + deposit, they're violating the Residential Tenancy Act.

3. Renters Insurance

Most landlords require it. Costs $20-40/month for basic coverage. BCAA, Square One, and Sonnet are popular options. Covers your belongings in case of theft, fire, or water damage. It also covers liability — if you accidentally flood the unit below you, insurance saves you from a massive bill.

Utility Setup Costs

4. BC Hydro (Electricity)

Setup fee: $0 (account creation is free). Average monthly cost for a 1BR apartment: $40-70. If your building is all-electric heating, winter bills can hit $100-150. Some rentals include hydro in rent — ask before you sign.

5. FortisBC (Natural Gas)

Only if your building uses gas for heating or hot water. Setup fee: $0. Average monthly: $30-60. Not all buildings use gas — check with your landlord.

6. Internet

Budget $50-80/month for a basic plan. Telus, Shaw (now Rogers), and Novus (if your building has it — Novus is the best value). Setup fees vary: $0-100. Look for newcomer promotions — Telus and Rogers both run them.

7. Cell Phone

If you're setting up a new Canadian number: $40-60/month for a good plan. See our cell phone plans guide for the best deals.

One-Time Costs

8. Furniture (if unfurnished)

Budget $1,500-3,000 for a basic furnishing. IKEA, Facebook Marketplace, and Buy Nothing groups are your friends. See our furnished vs. unfurnished comparison.

9. Kitchen Essentials

Pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups, cutting board, knives: $100-200 from Walmart or Dollarama. A rice cooker from T&T: $25-35. These add up fast if you buy everything new.

10. Cleaning Supplies

Broom, mop, garbage bags, dish soap, bathroom cleaner: $30-50 from Dollarama or Dollar Tree.

Total Move-In Budget (Realistic)

For a $1,800/month 1BR apartment:

• First month's rent: $1,800
• Security deposit: $900
• Renters insurance (first month): $30
• Utilities setup (first month): $120-180
• Internet setup: $50-100
• Furniture (budget): $1,500-2,000
• Kitchen + cleaning supplies: $150-250
• Groceries (first week): $80-100
• TOTAL: $4,630-5,360

If the apartment is furnished, subtract $1,500-2,000. If utilities are included in rent, subtract $120-180.

Plan your budget: rent affordability calculator | settlement cost calculator

Money-Saving Tips

• Get furniture from Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing groups — you can furnish an apartment for $500 if you're patient
• Ask if utilities are included before signing (older buildings often include heat/hot water)
• Some internet providers waive setup fees for new customers
• Dollarama and Dollar Tree for kitchen basics — surprisingly decent quality for the price

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord ask for more than half a month's damage deposit?

No. BC law caps it at half a month's rent. If they ask for more, they're breaking the law. The only exception is a pet deposit (also capped at half a month's rent, separate from the damage deposit).

Is renters insurance really required?

Most leases require it and landlords can refuse to rent to you without it. Even if it's not required, get it. A $30/month policy saves you from potentially tens of thousands in liability if something goes wrong.

When do I get my damage deposit back?

Within 15 days of your move-out date. The landlord must do a move-out inspection and document any damages. If they don't return it within 15 days, they must pay you double. Keep your move-in inspection report — take photos of everything on day one.

References

[1] BC Housing, "Rental Market Reports." https://www.bchousing.org/research-centre/housing-data

[2] Statistics Canada, "Census Profile, Vancouver CMA, 2021." https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm

[3] Government of Canada, "Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship." https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

[4] City of Vancouver, "Open Data Portal." https://opendata.vancouver.ca/

Know your rights: Read our BC tenant rights guide before signing any lease.