Moving into a new apartment is an exciting milestone, but signing a lease without a careful walkthrough can lead to months of frustration. Here is our expert checklist to ensure your next home is as great as the listing photos suggest.
1. Test Water Pressure and Plumbing
Turn on faucets in the kitchen and bathroom simultaneously. Check how quickly water drains and look under sinks for any sign of leaks or mold.
2. Inspect Outlets and Light Switches
Bring a phone charger to verify that wall outlets are functional in every room. Broken outlets can be a safety hazard and indicate faulty wiring.
3. Check Cell Phone Coverage & Wi-Fi Dead Zones
Walk through every room while making a call or loading a video to ensure signal strength is consistent throughout the property.
4. Ask About Pest History
Directly ask the property manager about past pest treatments and check kitchen cabinets and baseboards for warning signs.
5. Review Noise Levels at Different Times of Day
If possible, visit the property during evening hours to check street noise and sound insulation between units.
