The week before a trip is hectic — packing, logistics, work handovers. It's easy for rental property tasks to slide. But leaving with loose ends on your tenancy creates unnecessary stress and real legal exposure. This checklist covers everything you should tick off before you board that flight.
How to use this: Work through each section in the weeks before departure. Most items take less than 15 minutes — but they provide genuine peace of mind for the entire time you're away.
1. People & Contacts
Appoint a local caretaking contactSomeone on Vancouver Island who can respond to your tenant, authorize minor repairs, and act on your behalf. This is a legal expectation under BC tenancy law.
Introduce your caretaker to your tenantDo this in person, by phone, or video before you leave. Your tenant should have their name and phone number in writing.
Give your caretaker an emergency contact for youA phone number that works internationally, and a backup (family member, trusted friend) in case you're unreachable.
Share your preferred tradespeoplePlumber, electrician, HVAC — whoever you trust. Your caretaker may need to call them while you're away.
2. Financial Setup
Confirm rent payment methodMake sure your tenant knows exactly how to pay rent while you're away and who receives it.
Set a per-incident maintenance spending limitAgree with your caretaker on a dollar threshold (typically $500–$1,000) below which they can authorize repairs without calling you.
Set aside a maintenance floatHave accessible funds (separate from your travel budget) that your caretaker can draw on for emergency repairs.
3. Insurance & Legal
Call your insurance brokerConfirm your landlord/rental property policy remains fully in effect during your absence. Ask specifically about vacancy clauses.
Confirm your tenancy agreement is up to dateMake sure it's signed, dated, and has your tenant's current contact information.
Check the security deposit recordsConfirm the amount held, where it's held, and that a move-in condition inspection report was completed and signed.
4. Documents to Hand Over
Copy of the tenancy agreement
Move-in condition inspection report
Appliance manualsIncluding age and model of major appliances for warranty or repair reference.
Location of shut-off valvesWater main, gas, electrical panel — ideally with a written note or photo.
Strata contact info (if applicable)Strata contact name, number, and any relevant bylaws your caretaker should know.
Spare keysAt least one full set with your caretaker.
5. Property Condition
Address any known maintenance issues before leavingA dripping tap or slow drain is a minor annoyance now — a burst pipe or mould problem later.
Test smoke and CO detectorsReplace batteries if needed. These are a landlord's legal responsibility.
Note the age of your hot water tankIf it's over 10 years old, a failure while you're away is a real possibility. Worth knowing in advance.
6. Communication
Let your tenant know you're leavingTell them your departure and return dates, and confirm they have your caretaker's contact details.
Agree on check-in frequency with your caretakerHow often will they update you? Weekly email? Only when something comes up? Set expectations in advance.
Test your international communication setupMake sure your phone works abroad, or set up WhatsApp, Signal, or email as a backup channel.
We'll take it from here.
LandlordAway works through this checklist with every client before departure — then handles everything on your behalf while you travel. Vancouver Island's temporary property caretaking service.