Category: Quick Guide / Living on Your Own

⚡ Inspect Your Apartment

Inspect your apartment before or immediately after moving in. Record existing damage, test important features, and report problems promptly so you are not held responsible for conditions that were already present.

Use this checklist with the landlord’s move-in inspection form when one is provided.

Before You Begin

Bring:

Phone or camera
Charger or portable battery
Move-in inspection form
Pen or pencil
Flashlight
Tape measure
Small plug-in device or charger for testing outlets
Lease
List of promised repairs
Another person, if helpful

Document the Apartment

Confirm the complete address.
Confirm the apartment or unit number.
Record the inspection date.
Record the time.
Write down who was present.
Take wide photographs of every room.
Take close photographs of damage.
Record a slow video walkthrough.
Include something that shows the size of damage when helpful.
Make sure photographs are clear and well lit.
Save the original files.
Back up the photographs and video.

Do not rely only on memory or verbal statements.

Entrance and Front Door

Door opens and closes properly.
Door locks securely.
Deadbolt works.
Doorframe is undamaged.
Hinges are secure.
Weather stripping is intact.
Peephole is clear.
Doorbell or intercom works.
Apartment number is visible.
Keys work smoothly.
All promised keys were provided.
Building access card or code works.
There are no signs of forced entry.
Entrance lighting works.

Ask when the locks were last changed or rekeyed.

Walls and Ceilings

Check every room for:

Holes
Cracks
Dents
Scratches
Peeling paint
Uneven repairs
Water stains
Soft or damaged areas
Mold or mildew
Discoloration
Strong or unusual odors
Signs of recent leaks

Photograph every condition you notice, even if it appears minor.

Floors and Carpets

Floors are clean.
Carpet is clean.
There are no large stains.
There are no burns or tears.
Tiles are not broken.
Floorboards are not loose.
Flooring is not warped.
There are no unsafe raised edges.
Baseboards are secure.
There are no signs of water damage.
There are no signs of pests.
Floors do not feel unusually soft.

Record scratches, stains, damaged tiles, and worn carpet.

Windows

Check every window:

Opens properly
Closes completely
Locks securely
Glass is not cracked
Frame is secure
Screen is present
Screen has no holes
Blinds or shades work
No water enters around the frame
No visible mold or rot
No strong drafts
Window is accessible when needed as an emergency exit

Do not force a stuck window.

Doors Inside the Apartment

Each door opens and closes.
Handles are secure.
Locks work where installed.
Hinges are secure.
Doors do not scrape the floor.
Closet doors stay on their tracks.
There are no holes or major scratches.
Emergency exits are not blocked.

Lights and Switches

Test every:

Ceiling light
Wall light
Light switch
Bathroom light
Kitchen light
Closet light
Hallway light
Outdoor or balcony light

Record missing bulbs, damaged fixtures, flickering lights, buzzing sounds, sparks, or switches that do not work.

Do not touch exposed wires.

Electrical Outlets

Outlet covers are present.
Covers are not cracked.
Outlets appear securely attached.
Outlets work when safely tested.
Bathroom and kitchen safety outlets reset properly when appropriate.
There are no burn marks.
There is no unusual warmth.
There are no sparks or buzzing sounds.
Extension cords are not being used as permanent wiring.

Report exposed wiring, sparks, burning odors, or damaged outlets immediately.

Heating and Cooling

Thermostat turns on.
Thermostat displays correctly.
Heat responds to the thermostat.
Air conditioning works if included.
Vents are open and secure.
Radiators appear secure.
Filters appear clean where visible.
There are no unusual noises.
There are no burning or gas odors.
The system does not leak.
You understand how to operate it.

Do not attempt to repair heating or cooling equipment yourself.

Smoke and Carbon-Monoxide Alarms

Smoke alarms are installed.
Carbon-monoxide alarms are installed where needed.
Alarm covers are intact.
Alarms are not painted over.
Test buttons work when testing is permitted.
Alarms do not show signs of damage.
You know who replaces batteries.
You know how to report a malfunction.

Never remove, cover, or disable an alarm.

Kitchen: Sink and Plumbing

Hot water works.
Cold water works.
Water pressure is adequate.
Water drains properly.
Faucet does not leak.
Pipes under the sink do not leak.
Sink is not cracked.
Drain does not have a strong odor.
Garbage disposal works if included.
Cabinet beneath the sink is dry.
There are no signs of mold or pests.

Run the water long enough to check drainage and leaks.

Kitchen: Refrigerator and Freezer

Refrigerator turns on.
Interior light works.
Refrigerator becomes cold.
Freezer becomes cold.
Doors close securely.
Door seals are intact.
Shelves and drawers are present.
Shelves are not cracked.
There are no strong odors.
There is no leaking water.
There is no excessive ice buildup.
Exterior is not significantly damaged.

Photograph existing dents, cracks, stains, and missing parts.

Kitchen: Stove and Oven

When permitted:

Burners or heating elements work.
Oven turns on.
Oven door closes.
Knobs are present.
Controls are readable.
Interior racks are present.
There are no gas odors.
There are no sparks or exposed wires.
Range hood works.
Vent fan works.
Hood light works.
Appliance is clean.

Stop immediately and report the problem if you smell gas or notice an electrical hazard.

Kitchen: Other Areas

Cabinets open and close.
Drawers work.
Shelves are secure.
Counters are not cracked.
Backsplash is intact.
Dishwasher works if included.
Microwave works if included.
There are enough usable outlets.
There are no pest droppings.
There is no water damage.
Included appliances match the lease or listing.

Bathroom: Sink and Toilet

Hot and cold water work.
Water pressure is adequate.
Sink drains.
Faucet does not leak.
Pipes are dry.
Toilet flushes.
Toilet refills properly.
Toilet does not continue running.
Toilet is secure.
Floor around the toilet is dry.
There are no cracks.
There are no strong sewer odors.

Bathroom: Shower or Bathtub

Hot water works.
Cold water works.
Water pressure is adequate.
Shower or tub drains properly.
Faucet does not leak.
Showerhead works.
Tub or shower is not cracked.
Caulking is intact.
Grout is intact.
There is no visible mold or mildew.
Walls and flooring show no water damage.
Grab bars are secure when installed.
Shower doors work safely.
Curtain rod is secure.

Bathroom: Ventilation and Safety

Exhaust fan works.
Window opens if used for ventilation.
Light fixtures work.
Outlets appear safe.
Medicine cabinet is secure.
Towel bars are secure.
Floor is not damaged or unusually slippery.
Door closes and opens safely.
There are no exposed wires.
There are no signs of an ongoing leak.

Bedrooms and Living Areas

Rooms match the expected size and layout.
Closets open and close.
Closet rods are secure.
Shelves are secure.
Windows work and lock.
Doors work.
Lights and outlets work.
Heating and cooling reach the room.
There are no unusual odors.
There are no signs of water damage.
There are no signs of pests.
There is no unexpected furniture or property left behind.

Laundry Area

If laundry is included:

Washer turns on.
Dryer turns on.
Water connections appear secure.
Drain hose is secure.
Dryer vent is connected.
There are no leaks.
There is no visible mold.
Lint area is accessible.
Machines match what was promised.
You understand who handles repairs.

Do not operate visibly damaged equipment.

Closets and Storage Areas

Doors open and close.
Locks work when provided.
Shelves are secure.
Rods are secure.
Area is dry.
There are no pests.
There is no mold or mildew.
There are no belongings left behind.
Storage area matches the lease.
You have the required key or access code.

Balcony, Patio or Outdoor Space

Door opens, closes, and locks.
Railing is secure.
Flooring appears stable.
Drainage is clear.
Lighting works.
There are no loose boards or tiles.
There are no abandoned items.
The area matches what was promised.
You understand building rules for the space.

Do not use an outdoor area with an unstable railing or floor.

Signs of Pests

Look in:

Kitchen cabinets
Under sinks
Behind appliances
Closets
Bathroom corners
Around pipes
Window frames
Storage areas

Watch for:

Live or dead insects
Droppings
Traps
Small holes
Chewed materials
Insect shells
Strong pest-control odors
Unexplained stains

Photograph evidence and report it promptly.

Water Damage and Mold

Check for:

Water stains
Peeling or bubbling paint
Warped flooring
Soft walls or ceilings
Musty odors
Visible mold or mildew
Active drips
Rust around plumbing
Damp cabinets
Recently painted isolated areas

Ask what caused the damage and whether the source was repaired.

Keys and Access

Confirm that you received all required:

Apartment keys
Building-entry keys
Mailbox keys
Parking access
Garage remote
Storage key
Laundry access
Elevator access
Access cards
Entry codes

Test each key, card, remote, and code.

Common Areas

Inspect:

Building entrance
Hallways
Stairs
Railings
Elevator
Laundry room
Mail area
Package area
Trash and recycling area
Parking area
Storage area
Emergency exits

Look for:

Working lights
Secure entrances
Clear exits
Safe flooring
Maintained railings
Excessive trash
Water damage
Pest evidence
Broken doors or locks
Other immediate hazards

Accessibility Check

When relevant:

Entrance is step-free.
Ramps are stable.
Elevator works.
Doorways are wide enough.
Hallways are clear.
Bathroom can be used safely.
Kitchen features are reachable.
Parking space is accessible.
Emergency exits are usable.
Approved modifications were completed.

Test the complete route from the building entrance to the apartment.

Compare the Apartment With Your Agreement

Correct apartment was provided.
Included appliances are present.
Parking space is available.
Storage area is available.
Promised repairs were completed.
Agreed cleaning was completed.
Included furniture is present.
Utilities are working as expected.
Pet or accessibility arrangements are correct.
Move-in date and key access are correct.

Record anything that differs from the lease, listing, or written agreement.

Report Problems

For each problem:

Describe the condition clearly.
Identify the room and location.
Take photographs.
Include the date.
Submit it through the required process.
Request written confirmation.
Ask whether and when it will be repaired.
Keep copies of all communication.
Follow up if the problem is not addressed.

Report urgent safety, electrical, gas, plumbing, heating, lock, or water problems immediately.

Complete the Inspection Form

Before returning the form:

Every room was checked.
Existing damage is listed.
Missing items are recorded.
Promised repairs are noted.
Photographs are saved.
You signed only after reviewing it.
The landlord or manager received it.
You kept a complete copy.
The submission date is documented.

Do not sign a form stating that the apartment has no damage if that is not accurate.

Helpful Resources: Browse Home Checks for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Final Inspection Checklist

Doors and windows lock.
Water and plumbing work.
Electricity and lights work.
Heating and cooling work.
Included appliances work.
Alarms are present.
Emergency exits are clear.
Existing damage is documented.
Pest and moisture concerns are recorded.
Promised repairs were checked.
Every key and access device works.
Problems were reported in writing.
A copy of the completed inspection is saved.

Remember

Document everything before fully moving in. Clear photographs, written notes, and a completed inspection form provide a record of the apartment’s condition and help ensure that repairs and existing damage are properly addressed.