Apartment Inspection Checklist

When searching for a new apartment, having an apartment inspection checklist is an extremely good idea.

The building managers are trying to sell you a lease, so they’re not going to go out of their way to point out what isn’t perfect about the building, or what you’re not getting for you money. Below, you’ll find a room-by-room list of things to keep an eye out for while being shown new apartments.

Examine Large Rooms for Difficult-to-See Damage

Often the biggest and emptiest of rooms, living rooms, dining rooms and/or bedrooms are easy to see as spotless for that very reason. If you look for the finer details, you’ll be much more likely to spot things that your potential landlord won’t point out. For example, consistent cracks along the top of the baseboard or the edges of doors/windows could indicate that your insulation will be poor. In winter, your apartment will be cold (costing you more in heat), and in summer it’ll be hotter (costing you more in AC). Noticing little things like this can save you a huge hassle in the future.

Kitchen: Cabinets, Sinks and Machinery

This is definitely a big one that you want to keep a sharp eye on. With so many pipes, wires, outlets, nooks and crannies, kitchens are a veritable breeding ground for almost invisible problems.

Be sure to keep an eye on the edges of the sink(s), dishwasher, and garbage disposal (where applicable). High-pressure water has a tendency to force its way through the caulk and that can lead to water damage. Also have a look at the pipes themselves, if possible. Note any discoloration below them, on them, or near them, as this may be a sign of recent, consistent water damage.

Building managers should never have a problem with you running the dishwasher, garbage disposal and sinks in a prospective place; if they do, you know something’s fishy.

Bathroom

The most important room of all! The most water in the house will flow inside this room, meaning your chances of disease-promoting mold, fungus and spores are higher than anywhere else. Again, check the pipes, check the edges of every single container of any kind that will hold water (toilet bowl, sink, shower/tub lining, etc.), and above all have a look at the pipes below the sink!

Don’t be afraid to ask the manager if the bathroom fixtures have been replaced lately, when they’ll be replaced, and if there’s ever been any history of damage caused by faulty fixtures.

Closets

We all have stuff to store, we all need a place to store it, and that’s where closets come in so handily. However, what none of us need is a closet with loosely-attached shelves that will collapse with the slightest weight, or shoddy doors that won’t close once open, and won’t open once closed. Run through your inventory in your head, and make sure your storage space can handle it!

The best advice I can give: try everything, everything out before you commit to any kind of lease. Flick switches, run water, test shelves, and check windows. You’ll save yourself a tremendous hassle, and ensure that your new place is one that will give you as little trouble as possible.

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Jordan Gaither: I’m a Communications major by trade, an artist by choice, a welder by day and a dancer by night (Okay, I made that last part up). Having lived in a succession of cramped, oddly-shaped apartments, I have a wealth of personal experience in apartment living, as well as arranging and decorating to maximize effect and livable space.