Apartment viewing checklist: 25 things to check before you rent
A flat that looks great on first viewing can turn out to have damp, cold or noise problems once you move in. Knowing what to check while you walk through can save you a year of regret.
Below is a 25-point checklist to take with you. If you're viewing with roommates, it's easier to divide up.
The condition of the home
- Damp and mould: look at corners, the bathroom ceiling and around windows; is there a smell?
- Water pressure: turn on the taps and shower; how quickly does hot water arrive?
- Boiler and heating: does it work, how old is it, do the radiators heat?
- Electrics: are there enough sockets, do the fuses trip often?
- Windows: do they close, are they double-glazed, do they leak air?
- Floors and walls: any cracks, stains or major damage?
Kitchen and bathroom
- Drains: do the sinks and toilet flush and drain properly?
- Cupboards: are there enough and are they sound?
- Hob and oven: do they work, is the gas connection safe?
- Washing-machine connection: is there a water inlet and outlet?
The surroundings
- Noise: stand still for five minutes; can you hear road, neighbours or a bar? Try different times of day.
- Light: which way does it face, does it get enough daylight?
- Transport: how far to the subway, bus, campus or work?
- Safety: entrance, lighting and the street; how does it feel in the evening?
- Shops and essentials: groceries, a pharmacy and a clinic close by?
- Internet: is fibre or a fast line available and which providers serve it?
Questions for the landlord
- What are the rent, deposit and building fees, and how are they paid?
- How do rent increases work?
- Whose name are the utilities in, and can accounts be transferred?
- Who is responsible for repairs and how do you reach the landlord?
- Are there restrictions on pets, smoking or guests?
- Is more than one tenant allowed, and will all names be on the lease?
- What's the condition at handover; is anything missing or broken, and is it written down?
What to do during the viewing
- Take photos: record damage and anything missing so you have evidence at handover.
- Take notes: if you're viewing several homes, score each (1-5) so you can tell them apart.
- Bring your roommates: if you'll live together, everyone should see it.
- Read the lease carefully: ask about anything you don't understand before you sign.
This list is general information, not legal advice. For lease and deposit matters, check your lease and, if needed, speak to a qualified professional.
Red flags during a viewing
- Fresh paint or a new rug over stains and wall coverings (it may hide damp).
- A landlord who avoids a lease or won't give anything in writing.
- "Decide now, someone else is interested" pressure.
- Listings that ask for money before you see the flat.
- A building or landlord that previous tenants keep complaining about.
A scoring table
If you are looking at several homes, use a simple table (score each row 1-5):
| Criterion | Home A | Home B | Home C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent and total cost | ... | ... | ... |
| Condition (damp, heating) | ... | ... | ... |
| Transport | ... | ... | ... |
| Noise and safety | ... | ... | ... |
| Landlord and lease | ... | ... | ... |
| Total | ... | ... | ... |
Write your scores as soon as you leave so emotion doesn't decide; look again the next day.
Do the budget before you commit
Before you take a flat, count the costs beyond rent: building fees, utilities, internet and shared expenses. Our apartment budget guide helps. If you're renting with roommates, prepare the money questions to ask before the interview.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check when viewing an apartment?
Damp and mould, water pressure, heating, electrics, windows, noise, light, transport and internet. Also ask about rent, deposit, fees, utility accounts and repairs.
What should I ask a landlord before renting?
The rent and how it increases, the deposit, building fees, who the utilities are in the name of, who handles repairs, rules on pets, smoking and guests, and whether roommates are allowed.
Is it safe to pay before viewing a flat?
No. Paying before you've seen the home and met the landlord is a scam risk. Always view it and get a written lease.