Complete Rental Inspection Checklist for Tenants

Embarking on your rental journey? Our rental inspection checklist is an essential tool for assessing the condition of any rental property before signing your lease. This comprehensive guide helps you scrutinize everything from utility setups like heat and A/C controls to ensuring the home is free of pests and has adequate insulation. Make informed decisions and avoid future hassles by using our detailed checklist.

Our checklist covers critical aspects such as the condition of appliances, safety of electrical outlets, and availability of essential services like on-site laundry. With our rental property evaluation guide, tenants can confidently evaluate their prospective homes, ensuring that all areas are up to standard. Remember to check for signs of water damage or leaks, and confirm responsibilities for snow removal and lawn care with your landlord to ensure your rental experience is as smooth as possible.

Print this form and use it when you inspect the places you would like to rent.

Apartment Address
Landlord Name
Landlord Phone
Lease/Rent Period
Overall Rating
[Poor]
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
[Excellent]
Quick Facts
 
Date available
 
Monthly rent
 
Rent due by
 
Security deposit
 
Application fee
 
Heat included
 
Gas included
 
Electric included
 
Water included
 
Sewer included
General Items
 
Smoking policy
 
Pets allowed
 
Central air conditioning
 
Can control the heat and A/C [thermostat]
 
I will have my own gas and electric meter [so I only pay for MY unit]
 
Washer hook-ups and drains
 
Gas or 220 electric line for dryer/stove
 
Enough outlets
 
Outlets are grounded [have three prongs?]
 
Cable/satellite ready?
 
Enough closet, cabinet, & storage space
 
Insulated walls [must ask landlord]
 
Storm windows [more efficient to heat]
 
Screens for the windows
 
Lower ceilings [more efficient to heat]
 
Free of roaches, rats, mice, or ants
 
Free of visible water damage or leaks
 
Enough water pressure
 
Hot water tank large enough [at least 40-gallons]
 
Is landlord responsible for snow removal and lawn care?
 
Laundry facilities on-site?
Landlord-Supplied Items
 
Refrigerator
 
Stove
 
Washing machine [in unit?]
 
Dryer [in unit?]
 
Dishwasher
 
Garbage disposal in sink
 
Air conditioning [central, window, other]
Safety Items
 
Emergency exits
 
24/7 emergency maintenance
 
Smoke detectors work
 
Carbon monoxide detectors work
 
Grounded plugs & ground fault interrupters
 
Windows lock
 
Windows function [open & stay up]
 
Built in 1978 or later [little chance of lead hazard from paint chips and dust]
 
Working locks/chains on all doors
 
Well lit halls, stairwells, & outside areas
 
Solid railings around all balconies, decks, & other drop-offs
 
Fire extinguisher
 
No asbestos hazards: flaking ceiling tiles, or crumbling pipe wrap or insulation
Community Items
 
Near to school/work [save money by living close]
 
Near to grocery, bank, post office, health facility, laundromat, etc.
 
Close to public transportation?
Your overall impression of the rental unit
 
 
 

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