Category: Living on Your Own
Inspect Your Apartment Before You Move In
Before you start carrying boxes inside, take a few minutes to inspect your new apartment. It may not seem exciting, but this simple step can protect your security deposit, identify maintenance issues early, and prevent disagreements with your landlord later.
Once your furniture is in place, it becomes much harder to prove that damage already existed. A careful inspection now can save you time, money, and frustration in the future.
Why an Inspection Matters
A move-in inspection helps you:
- Document existing damage
- Identify maintenance concerns
- Verify that appliances work
- Ensure your apartment is safe
- Protect your security deposit
Think of it as creating a record of the apartment’s condition on the day you receive the keys.
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Bring These Items With You
Before beginning your inspection, have:
- Smartphone or camera
- Phone charger
- Flashlight
- Notebook or inspection checklist
- Pen
- Tape measure (optional)
Your phone will likely be your most valuable tool.
Take Photos of Everything
Photograph every room before moving in your belongings.
Be sure to capture:
- Walls
- Floors
- Ceilings
- Windows
- Doors
- Closets
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Bathrooms
- Balconies or patios
Take both wide photos of each room and close-up photos of any damage.
Keep these photos in a folder where you can easily find them later.
Look for Existing Damage
Carefully inspect for:
- Scratches
- Holes in walls
- Cracked tiles
- Chipped countertops
- Broken blinds
- Torn screens
- Damaged flooring
- Water stains
- Loose fixtures
Write down anything that doesn’t appear to be in good condition.
Test Every Door and Window
Make sure:
- Doors open and close properly.
- Deadbolts work.
- Windows lock securely.
- Screens are intact.
- Sliding doors operate smoothly.
Properly working locks are an important part of apartment safety.
Test Lights and Electrical Outlets
Turn on every light switch.
Plug a small device or phone charger into outlets throughout the apartment to verify they work.
Also check:
- Bathroom GFCI outlets
- Ceiling fans
- Smoke detector test buttons
Report any electrical issues immediately.
Check Plumbing
Run water in:
- Kitchen sink
- Bathroom sink
- Shower
- Bathtub
Look for:
- Good water pressure
- Hot water
- Leaks under sinks
- Slow drains
- Dripping faucets
Small plumbing issues can become larger problems if left unreported.
Inspect Appliances
If appliances are included, test them.
Examples include:
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Stove
- Oven
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washer
- Dryer
Make sure they operate as expected and note any damage.
Test Heating and Cooling
Depending on the season:
- Turn on the heat.
- Turn on the air conditioning.
- Listen for unusual noises.
- Confirm air is flowing from vents.
Ask your landlord how to operate the thermostat if you’re unsure.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety devices should already be installed and working.
Press the test button on each detector.
If one doesn’t work, notify your landlord immediately.
Never remove batteries or disable these devices.
Inspect Cabinets and Closets
Open every cabinet and closet.
Look for:
- Water damage
- Loose shelves
- Broken hinges
- Pest droppings
- Mold
- Missing hardware
Problems are much easier to address before unpacking.
Look for Signs of Pests
Watch for:
- Droppings
- Dead insects
- Pest traps
- Chewed materials
- Unusual odors
If you notice signs of pests, report them before moving your belongings into the apartment.
Complete the Move-In Inspection Form
Many landlords provide a move-in checklist.
Take your time filling it out.
If no form is provided, create your own list and email it to your landlord along with your photos.
Keeping written documentation helps establish a record of the apartment’s condition.
Report Problems Promptly
Don’t wait weeks to report issues.
Contact your landlord as soon as possible if you discover:
- Broken appliances
- Plumbing leaks
- Electrical problems
- Broken locks
- Missing smoke detectors
- Structural damage
Prompt communication protects both you and the property.
Quick Apartment Inspection Checklist
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Moving furniture in before taking photos.
- Assuming the landlord already knows about existing damage.
- Forgetting to test outlets and appliances.
- Ignoring small leaks or stains.
- Failing to complete the inspection form.
- Waiting too long to report problems.
A thorough inspection only takes a little time, but it can protect you throughout your entire lease.
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