In short
- A condo sets its own moving rules, such as elevator booking and move-in times, so the property manager is the first call.
- A refundable elevator damage deposit of $200–500 is typical, according to one Ontario legal guide, and is charged to the unit owner.
- A landlord cannot require a tenant to pay a deposit other than last month's rent and a refundable key deposit (Residential Tenancies Act, s. 134, as summarized by one legal guide).
- Mover pricing follows the clock: hourly rate, minimum and a flat travel hour, so a delayed elevator costs money.
Typical prices in Ottawa
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 movers + 17-ft truck, 1–2 bedroom condo | $150/h | One Ottawa firm; minimum 3.5 hours, 1 hour flat travel, plus HST |
| 2 movers + 26-ft truck, 2–3 bedrooms | from $139/h | A second firm’s list |
| 3 movers + truck, 3–4 bedrooms | $175–185/h | Both firms; minimum 5 hours at the first, 1 hour travel |
| Elevator damage deposit | $200–500 | Charged by the condo, refundable; one Ontario legal guide’s typical range |
| Each flight of stairs (7 steps) | $30 | First firm; relevant to condos with a stairwell leg |
Sources. Move-Ottawa Movers, Our Prices, seen 29.10.2026. OttawaBestMovers.ca, Prices, seen 29.10.2026. Deposits and fees: Lawyerinfo.ca, Are tenants required to pay condominium move-in and move-out elevator fees in Ontario, seen 29.10.2026 (a legal guide, unofficial). Matt Richling, Moving checklist for Ottawa condo buyers, seen 29.10.2026. Contract rules: Ontario, Hiring a mover, seen 29.10.2026. The condo’s own move-in package and the company that calls you set the final figures.
The building comes first
A condo move has two schedules: the crew’s and the building’s. The crew bills by the hour. The building controls the elevator, the dock and the hours when moves are allowed. One Ottawa buyer’s checklist says condos often have specific rules about moving, such as booking elevators or move-in times, and advises contacting management in advance. Do that before you book the movers, because the elevator slot decides the date.
Ask management for the move-in or move-out package. It usually names the booking form, the permitted hours, the deposit and any insurance paperwork. For the basics of floors and stairs, see apartment moving.
Deposits and fees: who pays
Condo corporations commonly hold a refundable deposit against damage to the elevator and common areas. One Ontario legal guide gives $200–500 as typical. The guide, an unofficial source, adds that the charge falls on the unit owner. It says a landlord cannot require a tenant to pay a non-refundable move-in or move-out fee, that a lease clause forcing the tenant to pay is void, and that section 134 of the Residential Tenancies Act limits a landlord’s deposits to last month’s rent and a refundable key deposit.
If you rent, read your lease, ask your landlord in writing who pays, and keep every receipt. If you must pay to get the elevator, the same guide suggests paying under protest and getting an itemized receipt. A tenant who paid an unlawful charge can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Owners pay their own corporation’s fees.
How the elevator changes the price
Movers bill for time. Ottawa firms list a flat travel hour and a minimum: Move-Ottawa Movers charges $150 an hour for a two-mover crew with a 17-ft truck on a smaller condo, 3.5 hours minimum, and $175 or $185 an hour for 3 movers on larger homes with a 5-hour minimum. Another lists from $139 an hour for 2 movers and a 26-ft truck for a 2 or 3 bedroom home.
A fast, padded freight elevator and a dock close to the unit keep the clock short. A slow elevator shared with other residents, a dock occupied by a delivery, or a long walk from the lobby to the truck adds hours. Tell the company the number of floors, the elevator size and the distance. Hourly rates by crew are on the hourly rates page.
On the day
Be at the unit when the crew arrives with the elevator booking in hand. Ontario advises carrying valuables and documents yourself, supervising pickup and delivery, and writing down anything missing or damaged while the crew is still there. For common-area damage, ask the crew to photograph the hallway and elevator before and after.
What the written quote should show
The quote should state the building name, the floor, elevator and dock details, the rate, minimum, travel charge and extras. If the building wants paperwork from the mover, the company should say so in writing. The contract rules are on the moving contracts page, and the questions for the call are in the quote checklist. For a move at the end of June, see July 1 moving day.
Who books, who moves
Ottawa Moving Desk forwards your request to a single independent moving company. Its office phones you, prices the job and sends the crew. Elevator bookings and the building’s deposit stay between you and your property manager.
Questions to ask the company
- Have you moved into this building, and do you know its loading dock and elevator?
- Does the crew need to give the building paperwork, and who prepares it?
- What happens to the clock if the elevator is late or the dock is occupied?
- Will you protect the elevator and hallway, and who pays for damage to common areas?
- Is your price based on one trip, or do you plan two trips to a smaller truck?
Have this ready for the call
- The condo's move-in or move-out package from the property manager, with the booking form
- Elevator booking confirmation: date, time slot and the freight elevator's size
- The deposit amount the building asks, and who pays it: owner, landlord or tenant
- The route from the unit to the elevator and from the lobby to the truck, with any tight corners
- Where the truck will stand: loading dock, driveway or curb
Questions people ask
How early should I book a condo elevator?
Book it as soon as you have the date. One Ottawa buyer’s checklist says many condos set specific rules for moving, such as booking elevators or move-in times, and advises contacting management early. Send management the mover’s name once you have it.
Who pays the condo's move-in fee: the owner or the tenant?
One Ontario legal guide says the corporation charges the unit owner and a landlord cannot pass non-refundable move fees to the tenant, and that a lease clause requiring it is void. Check your lease and the building’s rules. If you paid, pay under protest and keep the receipt.
What is an elevator damage deposit?
A refundable amount the condo holds against damage to the elevator and common areas. One Ontario legal guide gives $200–500 as typical. The amount and the refund steps are in the building’s move-in package.
Can a landlord ask a condo tenant for a deposit?
Under section 134 of the Residential Tenancies Act, as summarized by a legal guide, a landlord can require only a last month’s rent deposit and a refundable key deposit. A tenant who paid an unlawful charge can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board to recover it.
Do I need a certificate from the mover for the condo?
The building decides. Ask the property manager what paperwork the building wants from a moving company before it releases the elevator, and pass the answer to the company that calls you. Ontario also advises asking every mover about its insurance coverage.
