Apartment Viewing Checklist: What to Check and Ask Before Renting

Short answer: At a viewing, check for damp, water pressure, heating and cooling, windows, locks, outlets, appliances and noise, and ask the landlord for the total monthly cost, what is included, the deposit terms, the lease length and how repairs are handled. Get everything in writing before you sign.

Key takeaways

• Inspect systematically, room by room, and take notes and photos.
• Ask for the total monthly cost, not only the rent.
• Read the lease fully and check for unusual clauses.
• Do not pay or sign under pressure.

What should you check during an apartment walkthrough?

• Water: run taps and showers, flush the toilet, look under sinks for leaks.
• Damp and mould: check corners, ceilings and behind furniture.
• Heating and cooling: test radiators or air conditioning.
• Windows, doors and locks: they should open, close and lock properly.
• Power: try outlets and light switches, and ask where the fuse box is.
• Appliances: test the stove, fridge, washer and anything that comes with the home.
• Connectivity: check mobile signal and ask which internet providers serve the building.
• Noise and light: visit at the time you will usually be home, if you can.
• Pests and damage: look for droppings, stains, cracks and wear.

What should you check around the building?

• Entrances, stairs, lifts and security.
• Laundry, storage, parking and bin areas.
• Streets nearby at different times of day and the commute to work or school.

What questions should you ask the landlord before renting?

1. What is the total monthly cost, and what is included in the rent?
2. How much is the deposit, and how is it protected and returned?
3. How long is the lease, and what happens at renewal? How much can the rent rise?
4. What are the notice period and the rules for ending early?
5. How are repairs requested, and who handles them?
6. Are pets, guests, sublets or changes to the home allowed?
7. What are the move-in date and any fees due before it?

What is included in rent and what costs extra?

It varies by home and country. Ask about water, electricity, gas or heating, internet, building or service charges, parking, laundry and any agent or admin fees. Add them up to compare homes fairly, and test the total against what you can afford.

Which lease terms are normal and which are red flags?

Usually normal	Red flag
Written lease with named parties, rent and dates	No written lease, or terms that change between conversations
Refundable deposit with stated conditions	Large non-refundable fees with no explanation
Notice before the landlord enters	Entry at any time without notice
Rent increases governed by clear rules	Open-ended or unlimited increases
Clear repair process	Tenant responsible for major structural repairs

If anything looks wrong, see how to spot rental scams, and have your documents ready to apply once you are happy.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for when viewing an apartment?

Signs of damp or mould, water pressure and leaks, heating and cooling, windows and locks, outlets, appliances, noise, mobile signal and any pests or damage.

What questions should I ask before renting an apartment?

Ask about total monthly cost, what is included, the deposit and how it is protected, lease length and renewal, repairs, pets and subletting, and move-in date.

What is included in rent and what costs extra?

It varies. Some rents include water, heating or building services; others do not. Ask for a written list of every recurring charge before you sign.

What lease terms are red flags?

No written lease, vague fees, a non-refundable deposit with no explanation, the landlord entering without notice, or clauses that waive your legal rights.

Should I take photos at the viewing?

Ask permission, then photograph the condition of walls, floors, appliances and any damage. Repeat the photos at move-in and keep them with your lease.

Related: how much rent you can afford, documents needed to rent, homes for rent on Bellokey and more answers to common questions. This is general information, not financial, legal or tenancy advice. Rules differ by country and city, so check your local rules.