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Apartment tour checklist

Take this on your phone or print it. Tick what you checked, jot notes, and compare places afterwards.

Place you're touring

Water and plumbing

Hot water gets hot within a minute or so
Good water pressure in the shower and kitchen sink
Toilet flushes fully and doesn't keep running
No leaks, stains or soft spots under sinks

Notes on water and plumbing

Heat, cooling and electrical

Every room has a heat source
Windows open, close and lock, without drafts
Outlets and light switches work
Enough outlets that you won't need extension cords

Notes on heat, cooling and electrical

Safety

Smoke detectors are in place (press the test button)
Carbon monoxide detector if there are gas appliances
Entry doors lock, including a deadbolt
Each bedroom has a window that opens
Hallways, entrances and parking are well lit

Notes on safety

Pests, mold and moisture

No droppings, traps or bait stations in cabinets and corners
No musty smell, water stains or mold on walls, ceilings or window frames
No peeling paint (in an older building, ask about lead paint)

Notes on pests, mold and moisture

Building and neighborhood

Laundry, trash, recycling and parking work for you
You know who clears snow and ice
Phone signal and internet options are OK
Noise is OK (visit at a different time of day if you can)
Packages and mail are secure

Notes on building and neighborhood

Questions to ask the landlord

How do I request repairs, and how fast are they usually made?
Who do I call for an emergency after hours?
How much is the security deposit, and how is it returned when I move out?
How much notice do you give before entering?
Which fees are there besides rent (application, pets, parking, utilities, late fees)?
Can I read the full lease before I apply or pay anything?

Notes on questions to ask the landlord

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Tips

Bring a phone charger to test outlets and a flashlight to look under sinks.
Take photos of anything that worries you, and ask about it before you apply.
Ask the current tenants how repairs and deposits have gone, if you get the chance.

General information, not legal advice. Rules differ by place; local tenant resources can tell you what applies to you.

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