Tips For A Successful Apartment Walk Through

Now that you have found your place, it’s time to do the apartment walk-thru. A walk-thru is when you go through the apartment with a rental agent or landlord to find any problems to be fixed or noted before you actually move in. This is to protect you from any extra charges once you move out. If you see a chip in the tile, point it out or else you could be charged for tile replacement at the end of your lease. This is also the perfect time to measure doorways to make sure that your furniture will fit without any major issues. Make sure you have a camera handy to take pictures to avoid any possible problems.

Common Problems to Check For

Here is a list of common problems you may want to test and look for:

The Bathroom

Flush every toilet
You need to make sure that the plumbing works, the handles don’t break and the toilets stop running. Take it a step extra and look inside the toilet’s tank to check the integrity of the handle so you know for sure that it’s not going to snap.

Turn on every faucet, run every shower
It’s important to check for leaks under the sink, to see every drain empty, to make sure that nothing drips, there’s no water discoloration or smell and that the shower head works or doesn't spray all over the place.

Test the hot water
You need to know how long it takes for the water to heat up if it heats up at all.

Check for mold in the bathrooms.
The last thing you want showing up in your bathroom is black mold. It's been labeled as "toxic" by the CDC and has been known to cause serious health problems. Look for it where ever corners come together and under the sink.

Check for any discoloration in the bathroom mirror.
It may not bother you but it's a problem that you could possibly be charged for once you move out.

The Kitchen

Stove
Turn on every burner to make sure that all of them light up, check the oven door to make sure it’s going to stay on its hinges, check the broiler for any leftover food, check to make sure the oven has all the racks and that they stay in place.

Fridge
Open the doors, pull out every drawer, if there is an ice maker check that it works, make sure that the light comes on and most importantly that the freezer is cold and the fridge is chilly.

Microwave
Open the door to make sure that the light comes on, turn it on to make sure it works.

Dishwasher
Turn it on to make sure it works too.

Garbage disposal
Turn it on while running the water, listen for any strange sounds.

Check for scrapes, scuffs and cuts on the linoleum or tile.
If you are uneasy of the condition its in, request that they fix it before you move in.

Check for stains, burn marks and chips on the counter tops.
If the apartment has already been clean, burn marks are still visible, and your not happy about it, mention it to the landlord. You may receive a discount in your rent.

Open and close all the cupboard doors and drawers.
Make sure the cupboard doors are straight and the hinges are tight, and the the drawers aren't stuck. Check for chips and dings.

The Bedroom and Living Room

Lights
Flip every switch to test every light that’s available.

Air Conditioner
Test both the heat and the cold, listen for any strange sounds and be aware for any burning smell. This could be a sign that the filter needs to be changed.

Blinds
Open and close each one to make sure they work.

Look for cracks and dents in the walls and baseboards.
Cracks may be an indicator of structural damage. If that's the case, request a different apartment.

Doors and Windows

Doors
Check every lock, open and close all the doors.

Windows
Open and close every window to make sure that nothing sticks, check the window locks.

You need to take the time to thoroughly check everything and don’t be afraid to speak up if there is something that you are not completely happy with. Leasing agents want you to be happy. A happy you means a renewed lease.