Before You Sign the Lease: Apartment Checklist for Inspecting the Inside

Sink Faucets in Kitchen/Bathroom and Shower Heads
Check the faucets and shower heads for any leakages. Also, make sure you have a provision for hot water supply.

Toilet
Check that the toilet flush is in good working condition and void of repairs. You may not need to buy a plunger if the toilet flushes properly and thoroughly.

Appliances
Check that all appliances such as refrigerator, oven, air conditioner, stove and the heater are in good working condition.

Electricity
Check that all lights in the apartment are working.

Cell Phone Reception
Check that the cell phone reception is adequate in the rooms. In other words, check each room and see where you can achieve optimum reception for your cell phone. E.g. does your phone work near the window, under a doorway, in the bathroom, etc?

Windows and Sunlight
Check that the window opens, shuts, and locks properly. The windows should be void of cracks in the glass or holes. As per law, the landlord should provide window grates if you have children. Also, during the day, check that you have adequate sunlight coming in your apartment.

Walls and Outside Traffic
Check that your apartment is sound proof. In other words, check how much external noise you can hear from outside the apartment. E.g. honking of car horns or television in the apartment next to you.

Cleanliness
Check that the cabinets and closets are free from dirt. The apartment should be well maintained and dirt free. Make sure there are no cockroaches or ants crawling around in the apartment.

About the Author: Tim Jims has lived in tons of places across the US. So to help spread the word regarding his experiences, he writes about living in apartments. For more information on Baltimore Apartments, visit Avalon Communities.

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