How to Inspect an Apartment Before You Move In

Before you move into your new apartment, it’s important to inspect the space carefully. During a quick tour, it’s easy to miss small issues that could turn into bigger- and more expensive- problems later. A thorough apartment inspection can help protect your security deposit, uncover maintenance concerns early, and ensure your new home is safe and move-in ready.

Why Apartment Inspections Matter

An apartment inspection is one of the best ways to protect yourself as a renter. Identifying issues before move-in can help you avoid being held responsible for pre-existing damage and give your landlord the opportunity to fix problems before they become worse. A move-in inspection can also help you:

• Protect your security deposit
• Catch maintenance issues early
• Identify potential safety concerns
• Avoid unexpected repair disputes later
• Start your lease with documentation of the apartment’s condition

As you inspect the apartment, document any damage and notify your landlord or property manager right away. Having written records and photos can make a big difference when it’s time to move out.

What to Check During an Apartment Inspection

Inspecting an apartment can feel overwhelming, so break it down room by room. Work through the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living area, laundry space, and any additional rooms while testing appliances, fixtures, and safety features along the way. Here’s what to look for during your walkthrough.

Kitchen Inspection Checklist

The kitchen is one of the most heavily used spaces in an apartment, so it’s important to test everything thoroughly.

Appliances

Check that all appliances are clean and functioning properly, including the:

• Refrigerator and freezer
• Oven and stovetop burners
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Garbage disposal

Turn on the oven and test each burner individually. If something isn’t working properly, note it immediately.

Plumbing

Run both hot and cold water from the sink faucet and check underneath for leaks or water damage. Slow drainage or unusual odors could point to plumbing issues.

Cabinets and Storage

Open every cabinet and drawer to look for:

• Water damage
• Mold or mildew
• Pest droppings
• Broken hinges or shelves

Bathroom Inspection Checklist

Bathrooms can hide moisture problems, so inspect carefully.

Fixtures and Water Pressure

Test the:

• Toilet flush
• Sink faucets
• Shower or bathtub
• Water temperature
• Water pressure

Watch for leaks around the toilet base or under the sink.

Mold and Water Damage

Check ceilings, corners, and under sinks for signs of:

• Mold or mildew
• Peeling paint
• Water stains
• Soft drywall

These can indicate past or ongoing leaks.

Ventilation

Turn on the bathroom fan to make sure it works properly. Poor ventilation can contribute to mold growth over time.

Bedroom and Living Area Inspection Checklist

These spaces may seem straightforward, but they can still contain hidden issues.

Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

Look for:

• Cracks in walls or ceilings
• Water stains
• Damaged flooring
• Loose tiles or carpet damage

Ceiling stains can be a sign of roof or plumbing leaks from another unit.

Windows and Doors

Open and close all windows and doors to make sure they function properly. Check for:

• Broken locks
• Drafts
• Cracked glass
• Damaged screens

Drafty windows can lead to higher utility bills and poor insulation.

Closets and Storage Areas

Inspect closets for hidden mold, mildew, or pest issues. Don’t forget to check hard-to-reach corners and shelving. If the apartment is furnished, inspect furniture and mattresses for cleanliness, stains, or damage.

Electrical, HVAC, and Safety Features

Testing safety and electrical systems is one of the most important parts of an apartment inspection.

Electrical Outlets and Lights

Test all:

• Light switches
• Ceiling fixtures
• Electrical outlets

Bring a phone charger or outlet tester to confirm outlets work properly.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Turn on both the heating and cooling systems to ensure they work correctly. Listen for unusual noises and make sure airflow is strong enough throughout the apartment.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Check that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and operational. These devices are essential for apartment safety.

Locks and Entry Systems

Test all locks, keys, fobs, and entry systems to make sure they work properly and feel secure.

Don’t Forget These Often-Overlooked Items

Some important details are easy to miss during a walkthrough. Before moving in, also check:

• The thermostat
• Circuit breaker box
• Window blinds and curtain rods
• Exterior lighting
• Community gates or building entry points

If the apartment includes an in-unit washer and dryer:

• Check for water stains around the washer
• Inspect the dryer vent for visible blockages
• Run both appliances briefly if possible

How to Document Damage Before Move-In

If you find any damage during your inspection, document it immediately. Thorough records can help protect you from being charged for pre-existing issues later. The best ways to document apartment damage are:

• Take timestamped photos and videos
• Email the images to your landlord or property manager
• Save copies of maintenance requests and communication
• Keep a written checklist of issues you found

Make sure your landlord acknowledges any existing damage before you officially move in.

Apartment Inspection Red Flags to Watch For

Some issues may signal larger maintenance or management problems. Be cautious if you notice:

• Strong odors
• Water stains
• Pest signs
• Poor water pressure
• Cracks or ceiling damage
• Broken appliances
• Dirty common areas
• Broken gates or locks
• Rushed walkthroughs from management

If multiple red flags appear during your inspection and you haven’t signed a lease yet, it may be worth reconsidering the apartment altogether.

Final Apartment Walkthrough Tips

Before signing your lease or moving in, give the apartment one final walkthrough. A few extra minutes of inspection can save you time, money, and stress later. Keep these tips in mind:

• Inspect the apartment during daylight hours
• Test everything yourself
• Ask questions before signing the lease
• Don’t feel pressured to rush
• Take photos of every room

Moving into a new apartment should feel exciting, not stressful. A careful inspection helps ensure your new place is clean, functional, and ready to become home.

This article was originally published on October 7, 2014 by Steve Bertolacci and has been updated.

FAQs

What should I check before moving into an apartment?

Before moving into an apartment, inspect the plumbing, electrical outlets, appliances, floors, windows, HVAC system, smoke detectors, and locks. Look for signs of water damage, mold, pests, leaks, or broken fixtures, and document any existing damage with photos or videos.

Why is an apartment inspection important before move-in?

An apartment inspection helps protect your security deposit, identifies maintenance issues early, and ensures the apartment is safe and functional before you move in. It also gives you proof of pre-existing damage so you aren’t charged for repairs later.

How do I document apartment damage before moving in?

Take time-stamped photos and videos of any damage you notice during the inspection. Email the images to your landlord or property manager and keep copies of all maintenance requests and communications for your records.