Why should I take photos and videos before moving in, and what should I do with them?

Taking dated photos and videos of every room, including existing damage, is the most important step to getting your security deposit back at the end of your lease. You should complete a move-in checklist, ask the landlord to sign it, and keep a copy for yourself. Note every issue no matter how small, such as a stain or a scratch.

What red flags tell me I should NOT rent that apartment?

You should avoid renting if you find extensive mold or a persistent musty smell, clear signs of pests, or serious safety issues like broken locks or missing smoke detectors. It is also a red flag if the landlord avoids showing you certain areas or pressures you to sign without allowing an inspection first. These situations can put your health, safety, and money at risk.

What key questions should I ask the landlord before signing the lease?

Before signing, ask which utilities are included in the rent, how much the deposit is and under what conditions it is returned, and what the maintenance policy is for reporting problems. It is also important to ask how much advance notice they give before a rent increase and what the pet and guest policy is. If the landlord makes any verbal commitment, ask for it in writing in the lease.

Apartment inspection: complete checklist before you rent

Why the inspection matters so much

Inspecting the apartment before signing serves two goals: discovering hidden problems that could ruin your experience, and documenting the initial condition so you are not blamed for damage that existed before you moved in. One hour of inspection can save you hundreds of dollars.

Before the visit: get ready

Bring your phone with a charged camera

A notebook or notes app

A small charger to test outlets

If you can, visit during the day to see well and at night to assess the neighborhood

Checklist by area

Kitchen

Do the stove, oven and refrigerator work?

Are there leaks under the sink?

Is the water pressure good? Does hot water come out?

Do the cabinets and drawers close properly?

Are there signs of pests (cockroaches, mice)?

Bathroom

Does the toilet flush correctly?

Do the shower and sink drain well?

Is there mold on tiles, ceiling or seals?

Does the fan or window work to prevent moisture?

Bedrooms and living room

Do the windows open, close and have locks?

Are there enough outlets and do they work? (test with the charger)

Do the doors close well and have secure locks?

Is the floor in good condition (no stains or damage)?

Do heating and air conditioning work?

Safety

Are there working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

Are the front door locks solid?

Is there adequate lighting at entrances and hallways?

Does the building have clear emergency exits?

Utilities and details

Does the cell / internet signal work inside the apartment?

How are trash and recycling handled?

Is parking included? Laundry?

Can you hear noise from neighbors or the street?

Key questions for the landlord

1. Which utilities are included in the rent?

2. What is the maintenance policy and how do I report problems?

3. How much is the deposit and under what conditions is it returned?

4. What is the pet and visitor policy?

5. How much notice do you give of a rent increase?

Document everything (protect your deposit)

This is the most important step for recovering your deposit at the end:

Take dated photos and videos of every room, including existing damage

Complete a move-in checklist and ask the landlord to sign it

Keep a copy for yourself

Note any problem no matter how small (a stain, a scratch)

Warning signs NOT to rent

Extensive mold or persistent damp smell

Clear signs of pests

The landlord avoids showing you certain areas

Serious safety problems (broken locks, no detectors)

The landlord pressures you to sign without letting you inspect

After the inspection

If everything is fine, negotiate in writing that minor problems be repaired before you move in. If the landlord commits verbally, ask for it in writing in the lease. Never rely on spoken promises alone.

A good inspection gives you peace of mind, negotiating power and the evidence you will need the day you move in. Do not skip this step.