Body
Apartment Hunting Checklist
Security and Safety
- Doors have dead bolt locks?
- Patio/balcony door lock? Have a security bar?
- Does front door have a viewfinder (peephole)?
- Exterior doors 1-3/8" metal or solid wood?
- Windows open (stay open by themselves), close and lock?
- Hallway and outdoor lighting sufficient?
State of Repair
- Doors and windows fit securely in their frames?
- Any broken windows?
- All windows have screens? Any screens torn?
- Any spots on ceiling or walls from water leaks?
- Any evidence of mold on walls, floor or ceiling?
- Any faucets leak? Pipes under sinks leak?
- Does toilet flush properly?
- Exhaust fans in bathroom and kitchen?
- Any evidence of roaches?
- Any light fixture covers broken or missing?
- Covers on light switches and electrical outlets?
- Electrical outlets grounded (3-prong outlets)?
- Properly working smoke detector installed in each bedroom?
- Properly working carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of bedroom?
- If basement, any sign of seepage?
Furniture and Appliances
- Are refrigerator and freezer large enough?
- Is freezer self-defrosting?
- Are all appliances in good working order?
- Are blinds or curtains provided for windows?
- Is furniture in good condition?
- Will apartment need to be painted?
- Will carpet need to be replaced? Cleaned?
- Enough light in each room? Need lamps?
Don't Forget to Check
- Enough electrical outlets? Phone jacks?
- Hallways clean?
- Adequate storage space (closets, cabinets)?
- Will you have your own meter for every utility for which you must pay (gas, electric, water)?
- Will you have your own heat control?
- Sufficient hot water for showers (ask current tenants)?
- Water pressure adequate (ask current tenants)?
- Is the parking lot in good condition? Are any spaces too small or hard to maneuver because of a post or dumpster?
- Is the ramp to an underground lot too steep?
- Do you remember the apartment number so that when you sign the lease, you will be sure that you will be signing for the exact same apartment you saw?