Inspecting Your Rental Unit Before Moving In

Things to Look Out for When Moving into a New Place

General Condition of the Apartment/Property

• Overall cleanliness and maintenance
• Signs of pests (mice, insects)
• Paint condition (peeling or in good repair)

Safety 

• Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• No exposed wires near water sources
• Windows and doors that open, close, and lock securely

Water/Plumbing

• Water flow and temperature in all sinks and showers
• Proper toilet function
• Signs of leaks or water damage under sinks

Heating, Cooling, and Appliances

• Working heater and air conditioning
• Working appliances (oven, stove, refrigerator)

Electric

• All light switches operational
• Power to all electrical outlets (test with phone charger)

Creating a Walkthrough Checklist

Entry & Security

☐ All exterior doors lock securely
☐ All keys provided (apartment, mailbox, building, storage)
☐ Doorbell/intercom works
☐ Deadbolt lock functions
☐ Windows lock properly and are not broken
☐ Smoke detectors present and working
☐ Carbon monoxide detector (if applicable)
☐ Fire extinguisher available

Utilities & Appliances

☐ Lights and outlets work in every room
☐ Circuit breaker clearly labeled and accessible
☐ Plumbing: Faucets work, no leaks
☐ Toilet flushes and fills properly
☐ Hot water runs in all faucets
☐ Shower water pressure is reasonable
☐ All appliances function (fridge, oven, stove, microwave, etc.)
☐ Air conditioning / heat turns on and off
☐ Washer/dryer (if included) works properly
☐ Check for water damage under sinks and near appliances
☐ Check for pests (droppings, traps, bug spray, etc.)

Interior Condition

Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
☐ Walls are clean and not damaged
☐ Ceiling has no signs of leaks or sagging
☐ Flooring (carpet, tile, wood) is clean and undamaged
☐ Check for mold/mildew especially in bathrooms and closets
☐ Adequate insulation (check drafts near windows/doors)

Doors and Windows
☐ Open/close all windows and doors easily
☐ Blinds/shades/curtains are working (if included)
☐ Screens are intact (no holes)
☐ Windows are double-paned or weatherproof (if in cold climate)

Kitchen

☐ Sink works with hot and cold water
☐ Stove burners ignite
☐ Oven heats up
☐ Fridge and freezer are cold
☐  Exhaust fan or hood works
☐  Cabinets and drawers open/close properly
☐  Garbage disposal (if present) works
☐  No bugs or pest signs

Bathroom(s)

☐ Toilet flushes, refills, and doesn’t run continuously
☐ Sink drains properly
☐ Shower/tub clean and drains well
☐ No visible mold or water damage
☐ Mirror and storage cabinet in good condition
☐ Ventilation fan works

Bedrooms / Living Area

☐ Light switches work
☐ Closets open/close and have rods/shelves
☐ Outlets are working (bring phone charger to test)
☐ Flooring is clean and undamaged

Other Essentials

☐ Wi-Fi/cable hookups present
☐ Cell phone signal available throughout unit
☐ Thermostat works and is accessible
☐ Parking space is assigned/available (if needed)
☐ Trash/recycling area accessible and clean
☐ Storage unit or bike storage (if promised)

Reminder to take Photos!

☐ Take timestamped photos of:
  ☐ Damages
  ☐ Stains
  ☐ Broken fixtures
  ☐  Unclean areas

Taking the time to complete a thorough walk-through before moving in isn’t just about checking boxes - it’s about protecting yourself, setting clear expectations, and starting your new chapter with confidence. By documenting the condition of the space, you reduce the risk of future disputes and ensure that your home is safe, functional, and ready for you. Preparedness now sets you up for fewer surprises later and a much smoother living experience.