Apartment viewing checklist: what to check before you sign
Twenty minutes at a viewing can save a year of frustration. Take this list (or open it on your phone), test what you can, and ask before you apply. Take photos as you go.
1Test it
- Turn on every tap and shower: water pressure and hot water
- Flush the toilet
- Open and close windows; check locks
- Try light switches and a few outlets (bring a phone charger)
- Check your phone signal in each room
- Open the fridge, oven and dishwasher
2Look closely
- Signs of pests: droppings, traps, bait stations
- Water stains, mold or a musty smell
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Door locks and the building entrance
- Heating and cooling: what type, and who controls it
- Storage space and closets
3Ask the landlord
- Which utilities do I pay, and what do they usually cost?
- How are repairs requested, and how fast are they handled?
- What fees are there beyond rent?
- How much is the deposit, and when is it returned?
- What's the policy on guests, pets and subletting?
- Has the rent gone up recently, and by how much?
4Check around
- Visit at night and on a weekend if you can
- Noise from neighbors, traffic or businesses
- Parking, transit and the walk from both
- Laundry: in-unit, on-site or nearby
- Grocery stores and pharmacies nearby
- Ask a current tenant how they like the building
Red flags to walk away from
- You're asked to pay a deposit before seeing the place or signing a lease. See rental scams.
- The landlord won't put promises or fees in writing.
- Serious safety issues: no working smoke detector, broken locks, signs of gas leaks.
Comparing a few places? Put the real monthly costs into the rent and move-in calculator.
General information, not legal advice. Housing codes vary by city and state.