Apartment Inspection Checklist: What to Look for Before Moving In

However, before you pack your boxes and call the moving company, don't forget to go through an apartment move-in checklist. Instead of waiting for your landlord or management company to prepare the apartment inspection checklist, initiate one on your own and set up a time to go through it with them.

Why have an apartment inspection checklist?

If the apartment is in good condition when you rent it and when you move out, it means you should reasonably expect to get your security deposit back (as long as you don't significantly damage your apartment while you're living there).

Going through the apartment with your landlord or property manager before you move in will highlight any damages or things that need repairs so they can address them and get any issues fixed prior to moving in. It will also eliminate the chance the landlord will pin those damages on you when you move out, meaning you'll be off the hook for damages that were there prior to your move-in.

Think of an apartment move-in checklist as “part one" of covering yourself as a renter in your apartment. “Part two" is your move-out checklist. Having both helps solidify the lease terms, your needs as a renter and the condition you're supposed to leave the property in, minimizing issues between you and the landlord. Simply put, an apartment move-in checklist can help safeguard you.

What should I bring for an apartment walkthrough?

When you do your walkthrough, remember to have your phone on hand to take any photos of things you notice. Perhaps you notice that there are chips in the paint or fixtures that need repair. You'll want to take photos of anything that looks out of place, damaged or broken so you can show the landlord immediately and have those items fixed before the move-in day arrives.

You should also bring a notebook and pen with you to record any important notes or use the notes app on your phone. Having documented proof of existing damages along with photo evidence is a great way to show your future landlord that you're serious about keeping the place in tip-top shape.

What should I look for in an apartment walkthrough?

Inspect safety features

In any apartment, safety is the number one priority. So, you'll want to make sure that the basic safety features are in working order.

• Make sure that the apartment has working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers readily available
• Check to see if carbon monoxide detectors come installed or if you need to supply your own
• Check the building's hallways and other common areas for fire safety features, including fire alarms and sprinklers
• Find out what the fire escape plan is for the building and make sure you know where to go
• If there are bars on the windows, make sure they are up to code and don't require a key
• Also, make sure that each sleeping area has an operable window large enough to escape through. If you live in a high-rise building, see if you can get a fire escape ladder.

Assess the doors and windows

Doors and windows are part of an apartment, but you need to make sure that there aren't any issues with them. During the apartment inspection, here's what to check for:

• Twist all of the doorknobs and test all the door locks when inspecting an apartment. They should lock and not wobble. Make sure that you get keys that work for each lock.
• Get new keys made for the locks. You don't want the old tenant to have access to your home.
• Try all windows and doors to make sure they open and close properly. Do they squeak? Do the windows open fully without getting stuck?
• Are window coverings intact? Note any missing or loose screens.
• Do the windows have screens?
• Check all windows for drafts and ask the landlord to address any issues you spot
• Also, check things like closet doors and cupboards. Do the closet doors open and close easily or do they fall off of the track? Do the cupboards have all their door handles?

Check out the plumbing

Not only is a leak inconvenient, but it can also be an expensive repair. When walking through an apartment, you want to check for leaks and plumbing issues in advance.

• Look around the toilets and underneath the sinks to make sure that nothing is damp or dripping
• Look for signs of water damage and make a note if you spot anything
• Make sure that the faucets shut off properly and that all sink stops work
• See if the faucet fixtures are loose or if they need tightening
• Check the tub and sinks for missing grout or tile
• Turn the shower on to test for water pressure and hot water temperature. It's important to find out if you share a hot water heater or if your unit has its own. (This could affect the kind of shower you'll have in the mornings!)

Review your appliances

Most apartments will come equipped with basic appliances like a fridge, stove and oven. You'll want to review these major appliances before signing the lease.

• Test each appliance to make sure it works properly
• On the stove, test each burner and the oven and broiler
• Make sure that the oven is clean
• Check the refrigerator and freezer closely. Make sure that they get cold, that every drawer opens and that there aren't any lingering smells.
• Make sure the dishwasher, washer and dryer work, if included in the apartment
• Run the heater and air conditioning to make sure that both work and produce heat and cold, respectively. If there are any funny smells when you turn these on, make a note of that.
• If the laundry facilities are in a common area, be sure it's clean, bright, well-maintained and accessible to residents only.

Make sure the electrical is fully functioning

Electricity is essential for everyday life, so make sure all your outlets are working properly.

• Bring a phone charger and plug it into every electrical outlet to test if they work
• Turn all the wall switches off and on to make sure they work properly. This is also a good time to note anything unusual, like a light that's affected by multiple switches or if the light takes longer than expected to turn on.
• Check for the location of cable, internet and phone jacks

Notice overall apartment conditions

In addition to the specific things you've checked out, you'll also want to notice the overall condition of the apartment.

• Check for signs of water damage, especially on the ceilings (no one remembers to look at the ceiling)
• Check the walls for peeling paint or wallpaper, along with any cracks or stains
• If the apartment has carpet, notice if there are any damages or stains
• Check closets, under sinks and elsewhere for signs of rodents or insects, such as droppings and chew marks
• Make sure that the blinds and curtains open and close

Walkthrough the outside areas of the apartment complex

While the inside of the apartment is your domain, you'll also spend time outside so you want to check those conditions out, too.

• If you have a garage, covered parking or a stall, is it clearly labeled for your use and well-maintained?
• Ask when the roof of the building was last replaced
• Notice the gutters and ask how often they get cleaned
• Is the lawn maintained regularly?
• If there is a pool, does it look clean and up to code? Is there a locking gate or pool cover for safety?
• If there is a patio or deck, is it in good condition? Does the wood need sanding and repainting?

Apartment inspection checklist example

Download this apartment inspection checklist to use with your property manager.

If you notice something, say something

Your walkthrough is the time to document any concern or problem that exists in the unit using an apartment inspection checklist. Because this process will likely be repeated with your landlord when you move out, it's typically in your best interest to document or photograph the condition of the unit now to make a comparison later.

Don't be afraid to send photos and notes to the landlord or management company. Make sure to keep copies for yourself. Keeping organized records of the apartment condition before you move out may help create a smooth process for when you move out.