Your Easy-to-Use Apartment Walkthrough Checklist

Congratulations! You’ve gone through the process of hunting and at last, you’ve found a great new apartment. The rent is right. The location is perfect. You’re eager to sign the lease and move in. 

But before you put your name on the lease or start packing up the moving truck, you may want to take a step back. It’s important to run through a rental checklist and conduct an apartment inspection to be sure that everything is in good working order before you commit to the apartment.

At minimum, you’ll need to make sure you have everything in order so you can secure renters insurance — but you also want to make sure that your new landlord or apartment management company accurately represented the condition of the apartment to you.

So as you get ready to make this big decision, here’s why you should do an apartment walkthrough and what to look for when you do. 

Why Should I Do an Apartment Walkthrough?

It’s easy to get excited and want to just move ahead with an apartment once you’ve found it. But an apartment inspection is an essential step you should take before committing to your lease.

You’ll want to walk through the apartment with the landlord or rental agent to see if there are any issues that should be fixed before you move in. Often, the landlord is legally required to make sure that certain things are fixed or functional (for instance, windows or water pressure) before renting the apartment to you, and you want to make sure you spot potential problems before moving in.

Remember, identifying these issues now can also help you avoid fees for damages that you didn’t cause when you move out. By following an apartment inspection checklist, you can more easily spot issues that could prevent you from getting your full security deposit back. And if there is a situation that occurs while you live there, the right renters insurance policy can back you up.

Apartment Walkthrough Checklist

For your walkthrough, bring your phone and something to write on so you can document any issues with photographs and written notes. Here are some of the things you’ll want to look for when touring an apartment. Also refer to regulations in your city or state to make sure you know what is required of your landlord.

The Kitchen

• Check the oven. Are the burners and interior clean? Does each burner and the oven turn on?
• Open the refrigerator and freezer. Make sure they’re both cold and the freezer is free of ice buildup. Be sure all the shelving is in place and in good working order.
• Look inside the dishwasher. Is the interior clean? Does it start?
• Turn on the kitchen sink. Does it drain properly? Is the faucet leaking? If applicable, check the garbage disposal to ensure it works.
• Examine the countertops. Are there are scratches, nicks or burn marks? If they’re not a dealbreaker for you, make sure to take pictures to establish that they were there when you moved in.

The Bathroom(s)

• Turn on the shower. How’s the water pressure? Does the shower or tub faucet leak? Is there hot water?
• Check the sink to make sure it drains well and doesn’t leak.
• Turn on the light fixtures and fan to make sure they work.
• Check the medicine cabinet and any other cabinetry to make sure shelving is in place and that the hinges work.
• Flush the toilet — better safe than sorry!
• Are there any cracked tiles? Take a picture!

The Bedroom(s)

• Open the closets. Are the clothing rods in the correct place (bring a hanger to check) and sturdy? Are shelves in place?
• Check locks on bedroom doors, if applicable. Do they work correctly?

Security

• Check the locks. Do they all work?
• Ensure that there are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them to ensure they’re on and working.
• If there’s a security system, make sure it’s functioning.
• If there is a fire escape, make sure it is functioning and accessible. If you’re above the first floor and there isn’t one, ask about the building’s fire safety system.

The Whole Apartment

• Check outlets to make sure they work — a phone charger is great for this.
• Open and close each door to make sure they work properly.
• Test the windows. Do they open and close, and are the screens and panes in good condition? Do the windows lock?
• Check the carpet and make note of any stains, tears or damage.
• Scan the walls for discoloration or marks. Determine if the apartment is required by law to be painted and whether it needs to be.
• Determine whether the mailbox is in good working condition.
• Keep an eye out for dead bugs (like cockroaches) or rodent feces.

After Your Apartment Inspection

After the apartment inspection is complete, discuss any concerns you noted in the apartment walkthrough checklist with the landlord or rental agent. Then, compile your notes of the issues and any pictures you took to send to the landlord in an email. This is a good way to document what you discussed and keep your landlord accountable.

Be sure he or she follows up with how these issues will be addressed and keep your notes and records — they may come in handy when you move out.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Is your home — and the other things that matter most to you — protected? Farm Bureau offers a range of products to meet your needs. Whether you need renters insurance, life insurance or anything in between, Farm Bureau can help.