Major things to look for during your inspection:

- Sufficient safety features, including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers should be in place. Look inside the apartment as well as in the hallways and in other common areas.
- Check out faucets, toilets and the pipes under kitchen cabinets for potential leaks in plumbing. Look for water marks or the like, which show past water/leak damage.
- Check the water pressure in the unit. Also check the hot water temperature. Turn on the water in the shower when you walk into the unit and see how long it takes to get hot. Keep the shower on while you complete the rest of your walk through. The temperature should remain comfortable by the time you leave the unit. If the water is cold by the time that you leave, there’s good chance that you could run out of hot water in the mornings. It also signals there is something wrong with the hot water system (very expensive and problematic to replace, especially in winter).
- Check the water heater and furnace to make sure they are free of rust. Look for rocks, stones or other debris on the outside of the heater or furnace. This debris or chipping may indicate leaks. These leaks could possibly indicate carbon monoxide problems.
- Make sure that all appliances in the unit work properly and are not damaged. If there is not a washer or dryer in the unit, ask to see the common laundry area. Make sure the common area is well maintained and is well lit. Make sure that access to the common laundry area is limited to residents only.
- Look for any evidence of insects or rodents, both on the floor in visible areas as well as inside cabinets, drawers and closets.
- Run your hand along the outside of the window to check for drafts. You could end up paying up to 50% in heating or cooling costs if the windows do not provide sufficient seals.
- Look up at the ceiling and walls for any water damage, peeling paint or wallpaper. This may indicate either a water leak from or very careless upstairs neighbors. If there is discoloration, it may be a sign of mold.
- Locks should be sturdy and not wobbly. Make sure all copies of the keys you get (at least 2) can open all the relevant locks. Here are some frugal ways to keep your apartment safe after you move in.
- Doors should open and close easily and fit well within the door frame. The hinges should be sturdy. This is of superior importance when inspecting doors that lead to the outside. The apartment should have a deadbolt on all outside doors.
- Turn off and on all lighting inside the apartment to check for electrical shortages.
- Check cell phone reception. A lot of apartment dwellers are doing away with land line phones to save money and thanks to unlimited cell phone calling packages. Check you get reception for your network. Also ensure the apartment has a working Internet connection/access.
Don’t rush through your inspection of your potential new apartment. Be thorough and take your time. If possible try and inspect it at different times of the day to get a sense of noise, community and safety. After all, it will be your home for at least the next year, so make sure you choose a place that you know you’ll be happy with.
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