Move Out After Closing? The Exact Timeline Georgetown Sellers Must Know — Avoid Costly Mistakes

How soon after closing do I have to move out?

“How soon after closing do I have to move out?” — The short, honest answer every Georgetown seller needs before they sign.

Short answer: It depends — check your contract

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) you signed controls when you must hand the keys over. In Ontario the APS sets two critical dates: the completion (closing) date — when ownership and funds transfer — and the possession date — when the buyer is entitled to occupy. If the possession date is the same as closing, you must be out by the possession time. If there’s no written agreement for staying past closing, you risk legal trouble and a buyer who’s not happy.

This post gives a clear, local roadmap so Georgetown sellers move smart, avoid penalties, and keep buyers calm. Read this before you book movers.

Why the possession date matters more than the closing date

• Completion (closing) = title transfers and sale funds move through lawyers.
• Possession = buyer’s legal right to the property.

They are often the same day, but they don’t have to be. The APS controls. If you’re still in the house after possession without a written agreement, you’re a holdover occupant — that’s risky.

Ontario law and local practice: what actually happens in Georgetown, ON

• The legal framework is provincial: Ontario law recognizes the APS terms. Local custom in Georgetown follows the APS closely.
• Typical practice in Georgetown: buyers expect vacant possession on possession date unless a rent-back or occupancy agreement is negotiated.
• Realtors and lawyers in Halton Hills routinely coordinate completion and possession so the buyer gets clear possession by midday on the possession date. But there’s no single universal time — check your APS.
• For condos in Georgetown, property management rules and moving elevator bookings are required. Condo bylaws can set moving hours and require deposits.

If you want to stay after closing, get it in writing and let your lawyer review it. No handshake deals.

The most common scenarios and what they mean for you

1. Possession = Closing day (standard) — You must be moved out by the possession time listed in the APS.
2. Possession after closing — Buyer takes title on closing date but possession is deferred (rare unless negotiated). You must follow the agreed possession date.
3. Seller rent-back (short-term occupancy) — You negotiate a written occupancy/rent-back agreement that sets rent, security deposit, responsibilities for utilities, insurance and damage.
4. No agreement, staying anyway — Buyer can pursue civil remedies. Don’t do this.

What buyers expect in Georgetown — avoid a ruined closing

Buyers in Georgetown expect vacant possession. If a seller shows up with boxes, the buyer loses confidence, and the sale can go sideways. Realtors in Halton Hills report the most common friction points are:

• Misunderstanding of possession time.
• Seller assuming “one more day” without written permission.
• Condo move-in logistics not arranged.

Don’t be the seller who costs the buyer money or legal headaches.

If you need a few days after closing — how to negotiate a safe rent-back

If you need time after closing, negotiate an occupancy agreement before completion. Key terms to include:

• Exact occupancy period (start and end date/time).
• Daily or monthly rent and method of payment.
• Security deposit amount and conditions for withholding.
• Who pays utilities, maintenance, and property taxes during occupancy.
• Insurance and liability: seller must maintain insurance and indemnify buyer.
• Who is responsible for damage and cleaning.
• Access rules and key exchange procedures.
• Early termination and dispute resolution.

Best practice in Georgetown: offer a modest daily rent and a security deposit equal to two weeks’ rent. Have your lawyer review the occupancy agreement and register any necessary undertakings.

Condo moves in Georgetown — extra steps you cannot skip

• Book the moving elevator well in advance; most management offices require a deposit and proof of insurance.
• Check bylaws for allowed move times and truck parking rules.
• Notify condo management of possession details so they coordinate key release and lobby access.

Failing to follow condo rules can result in fines and refused move-in access for the buyer.

Practical timeline: 30 days before to the day of closing

30–60 days before closing

• Confirm your possession date and time in the APS.
• If you need to stay after closing, start negotiating an occupancy agreement now.
• Line up movers and get quotes. Book an early slot on closing day.
• If you live in a condo, confirm elevator booking and moving rules.

7–14 days before

• Confirm final details with your lawyer: keys, funds, and any holdbacks.
• Transfer or cancel utilities with effective dates aligned to possession.
• Notify insurance carrier of move date and arrange for coverage to end at the right time.

24–48 hours before

• Do a pre-move walkthrough and inventory valuable items.
• Confirm mover arrival time and parking permits.
• Provide your lawyer with keys or instructions for the lender if applicable.

Day of closing

• Final clean and leave receipts for buyer if requested.
• Leave all keys, garage openers, manuals, and service records in a clearly labeled folder.
• Drop off mailbox key and any condo fobs to the buyer’s representative or as instructed by your lawyer.

If you’re staying past possession under an agreement, deliver the occupancy agreement and payment directly to the buyer’s lawyer as instructed.

Avoid common penalties and problems

• Don’t assume you can stay without a written agreement.
• Don’t change possession instructions at the last minute without buyer consent.
• Don’t leave damage or clutter — the buyer can claim damages from your security deposit or via legal action.

If you breach the possession terms, you can be liable for costs, damages, and even eviction proceedings.

How to protect yourself contractually — simple checklist

• Clear possession date written in your APS.
• Written occupancy agreement if you need to stay after closing.
• Security deposit or letter of credit when staying on.
• Proof of insurance and indemnity clause in the occupancy agreement.
• Documented condition of the property (photos or walkthrough report).

A properly drafted occupancy agreement protects buyer and seller and keeps your sale from turning into a legal fight.

Why local guidance matters — not all realtors are the same

Georgetown’s market, neighborhoods, and condo rules have local quirks. You want an agent who negotiates clean occupancy agreements, coordinates lawyers, and keeps buyers and condo boards calm. That avoids delays and extra costs.

If you want help: I handle closing logistics, negotiate safe short-term occupancy agreements when needed, and coordinate condo move-ins with management. Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620 for a free consult. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for local resources and checklists.

Quick-moving checklist for Georgetown sellers (printable)

• Confirm possession date/time in APS — highlight it.
• Book mover and arrange parking permit if needed.
• Book condo elevator and pay deposit.
• Cancel/transfer utilities to possession date.
• Arrange insurance end date and moving coverage.
• Leave all keys, manuals, fobs in a labeled folder.
• Get a written occupancy agreement if you need to stay.

FAQ — Short, voice-search friendly answers

Q: How soon after closing do I have to move out in Georgetown?
A: Move out by the possession time in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale. If possession equals closing day, be out by the time listed. If you want to stay, get a written occupancy agreement.

Q: Can I stay a few days after closing without a written agreement?
A: No. Staying without a written agreement is risky. Negotiate a rent-back or occupancy agreement before closing.

Q: What if the buyer wants to move in earlier on closing day?
A: Possession is controlled by the APS. If buyer wants earlier access, both parties must agree and sign an occupancy arrangement.

Q: Are condo move-ins different in Georgetown?
A: Yes. Book the moving elevator, follow condo bylaws, and provide proof of insurance. Failure to comply can result in fines or refused access.

Q: What if I can’t move out by possession?
A: Arrange a written short-term occupancy before closing. If you fail to vacate without agreement, the buyer has legal remedies.

Q: How much should I charge for a rent-back?
A: Market practice is negotiable. Many sellers pay a daily rent (e.g., pro-rated monthly rent) plus a security deposit. Have a lawyer draft the agreement.

Q: Who pays utilities while a seller stays after closing?
A: That should be spelled out in the occupancy agreement. Usually the seller pays utilities and maintains insurance for the occupancy period.

Q: Who handles final cleaning and repairs?
A: Sellers should leave the property clean and in agreed condition. Document condition in writing and photos.

Final word

Don’t guess. Let the contract—and the lawyer—control the timeline. If you need a few extra days after closing, negotiate and get it in writing. That keeps your sale on track and protects your money.

If you’re selling in Georgetown and want one point of contact to manage the closing timeline, occupancy agreements, condo move logistics, and mover coordination, contact Tony Sousa at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for local moving checklists and closing resources.

Thanks for reading. Move smart, protect your sale, and leave the legal work to the professionals.