How to Inspect a Prospective Apartment

Once you sign a lease, your options for improving the conditions in and around your rental will be limited. Take the time before you sign to make sure the place you are considering meets your standards.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Measuring Tapes
• Notebooks
• Writing Pens
• Cameras
• Lighter Or Matches

Inspect the Outside

1. Walk or drive around the part of town in which the apartment is located.
2. Look for stores and amenities you will need and want.
3. Look at the general conditions of the neighboring buildings and houses.
4. Check the appearance of the apartment building.
5. Look for good outside lighting by the entrance.
6. Check around the building and in the parking area, alley and stairways to determine the level of safety.

Inspect Common Areas

7. Check out the entrance area. Look for good lighting and cleanliness.
8. Make sure the intercom and security system work, if applicable.
9. Look for a well-maintained lobby, if there is one.
10. Inspect the hallways and stairwells for lighting, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and solid construction.
11. Evaluate the elevator for convenience and security.

Inspect the Unit

12. Take a sniff test to determine whether any bad smells are emanating from the apartment.
13. Examine the door, the locks and the windows for sturdy construction and security.
14. Try all the windows to see if they open. Look for screens and locks.
15. Check the ceilings for water damage and the walls for smoothness.
16. Check the floors for holes, loose nails/splinters and/or clean carpet.
17. Try all the doors inside the apartment to make sure they shut and open properly.
18. Check the size of the rooms and the doorways to make sure they will accommodate your furniture.
19. Make a note of the number and size of closets, and try all the doors to make sure they work.
20. Examine the bathroom. Give everything a test run. Watch out for leaks, bad water pressure, poor drainage and poor ventilation.
21. Examine the kitchen. Make sure everything works well, and look for easy-to-clean surfaces, good ventilation and adequate work and storage space.
22. Check out the electrical outlets. Count them and check to see whether they are grounded. Find out if you will have 24-hour access to the circuit breaker box.
23. Find out about heating and cooling arrangements for your unit.
24. Tour the utility room and storage spaces. Check for adequate lighting, cleanliness, security and signs of vermin.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a camera to take pictures. A measuring tape is also helpful, as is a box of matches to test smoke detectors and check for drafts.
• If you find a place you are interested in, ask for a sample copy of the application and lease to take home to study.