Residential Rental Walk-through Checklist

Once you have found the perfect rental apartment, condo or house, make sure that you fill out a detailed condition summary before you sign the lease. This document ensures that you have checked to determine if everything is in working order before you move in and, at the end of the lease, that you are not charged for pre-existing defects or damages.

With a checklist in hand, walk through the apartment room by room with your landlord. If your landlord does not have a checklist, you can create your own or download the one below.

Point out -- and photograph -- excessive wear or unsatisfactory condition of floors, walls, carpeting, window coverings, etc. Raise and lower shades and blinds. Be specific about holes in walls, tears in fabric, scratches on cabinets or wood trim, peeling paint or other problems, no matter how minor they may seem at the time.

Confirm that all light fixtures and toilets are in good working order. Turn on the faucets in the sinks and showers to make sure that there is sufficient water pressure. Check for leaks in and under sinks and around plumbing fixtures. Look at the ceiling, walls and floors for water stains or signs of mildew, mold and pest infestation.

Inspect windows and doors to make sure that they open and lock properly, that screens are not broken and that there are no chips or cracks in the glass. Test the appliances, smoke detectors, air-conditioning and heating systems. Walk outside and note the condition of the walkway, siding, roof, stairway, porch, balcony or other areas for which you would be responsible.

Following the inspection, have your landlord sign the checklist as proof of the agreed-upon condition of the property. Clarify the terms of the security deposit. Determine who is responsible for repairs and what is considered normal ‘wear and tear’ while you reside there.

Take the time before you move so as to reduce the chance of disagreement when you move out.

Rental Walkthrough Checklist