What to Look For 

1.         Before entering the apartment, have a close look at the building it is in. Doing this is a good way to determine the maintenance of the building, and the general amount of upkeep it is receiving.  If you notice that the common areas (hallways, elevators, are filthy or rundown, it could be a sign of the condition of the apartments as well. 

2.         When entering the apartment, have a look at the door and the lock mechanism. Is it a deadbolt? Is there a chain? How strong is the door? Do the locks get changed with each new tenant or not? You don’t want duplicate keys running around. Also ask if you may install your own locks on the doors. Most builds “recycle” their locks from one room to the next. So there is a duplicate somewhere.  You want to make sure to prevent break-ins, and to help you sleep better.

3.         In the Kitchen, check all the cupboards and try to spot any mouse droppings.  This is important as it will tell you about the building itself and if they have rodent problems. Where there are dropping there will be mice. If there are ask the landlord about it.

4.         Check to see where the electrical outlets are and see if they are functional. Also check for any burn marks on the plugs or walls. If there is a fresh coat of paint around the plug, it might have had a short before.

5. Closely look at the fridge and oven if they are included. Listen to the fridge run and listen for any strange noises. If there is a stove check out if it is electrical or gas. If it is gas check the condition of all the connectors and ask the landlord about any gas leaks. Remember if the fridge is making any noises, it might either be uneven or have problems with its gas. A fridge that does not work properly, will add onto your electrical bill each month. Also check the rubber seals at the BOTTOM of the fridge. If they are torn or worn. The fridge will consume more electricity as it has to turn on the refrigerator unit all the time to maintain the temperature.

6. Check out the space in the kitchen. Can you add a table to it of not? Is there enough counter space for what you will need, maybe a microwave or a dish rack? More space is always better.

7. In the Living room, check if the paint is pealing or chipping away. As you might stay a long time, better to have this covered.

8. Check to see where the electrical outlets are and see if they are functional. Also check for any burn marks on the plugs or walls. If there is a fresh coat of paint around the plug, it might have had a short before. Remember this is where your VCR, Television or Computer is going to go. So be careful.

9. If there are track lighting? Do you need a lamp or lamps?

10. Check your telephone jacks. See if they are in good condition. See if they show ware, as a worn jack will cause your modem to disconnect and create statis on your line.

11. Check out if the room is odd shaped. In order to make attractive looking buildings, developers make odd shapes. This ends up in your apartment. Does it create wasted space? Space you would not be able to use?

12. Check out the bathroom. Is there any mold on the walls or tiles? Make a note of any chipped tiles you see. If there is mold it might show that there is not enough ventilation in the bathroom.

13. Also flush you toilet. Listen for any odd noises, or leaks around the back of the bowl. Also check for any mold build up behind the bowl and any moisture.

14. Do the same with your sink in the bathroom. Check for any leaks that it might have, and condensation and see if the pipes are in good condition.

15. Very importantly, check if you windows can open without being forced open. If there have been long term moisture problems and the apartment has steel framed windows, it will be rusted. So check if they open easily.

16. Move to the bedroom and check the size of the bedroom. Will you furniture be able to fit into it? Remember the bed, dresser, desk, chairs etc)

17. Open the windows and check it they can open easily and if they can shut easily.

18. Look at the electrical outlets and see if they are functional. Also check for any burn marks on the plugs or walls. If there is a fresh coat of paint around the plug, it might have had a short before.

19. Have a look at the closets/wardrobes are they large enough for your clothes that you have. Also check for any mouse droppings here. If they are to small you might need to buy another wardrobe or dresser which would take up additional space.

20. Look at the carpets in the bedroom. Are they worn? If it is tiles check for any chip marks and brink it to the attention of the landlord.

21. Very importantly! Check the thickness of the walls between the rooms. You don’t want to have a noisy neighbor and have to listen to their music all night. Nore do you want to listen to your kids playing games in the middle of the night when you are trying to sleep at midnight!