What Should Renters Inspect Before Move In

Nothing feels better than settling into a new rental. Arranging furniture and adding your personal touch with fun decor choices can be invigorating as you start a new chapter. But don’t rush into signing a rental lease until you’re confident the space is secure and free of maintenance issues.

Like a professional handyman, you’ll want to conduct a thorough inspection to make sure you’re not moving into a space that’s prone to leaks or uneven temperature control. Read on to learn what every renter should inspect before moving into a new space.  

Understand the Value of a Rental Inspection

Don’t start making arrangements for a moving truck until you’re sure your rental is ready. Plan on spending time in each room of your house or apartment, and document everything you see. If you notice cracks in the walls, chipped grout, leaky toilets, or stains on carpet, capture them through photographs and videos.

With a rental, you don’t want to face costly repair bills for issues you didn’t cause when you move out. By being proactive about capturing every maintenance detail, you’ll protect yourself. You also can show your landlord the images and request repairs before moving in.

Test All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Devices

When you’re moving into a new place, always check the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Confirm that there’s a smoke alarm in each bedroom, plus hallways and the kitchen. Ideally, you’ll have a device in each room that monitors for smoke and CO.

As part of a home maintenance routine, even before you move in, press the button on each device to test that it works. Check the expiration date on the alarms to ensure that they are still valid. And it’s fair to ask your landlord when they last replaced the batteries. 

If you notice that there aren’t enough alarms or that they are outdated, ask for new ones. Never neglect your safety when you’re moving into a new place. 

Evaluate Every GFCI Outlet

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are meant to keep you safe from electrical shocks in rooms where water is present. You’ll generally find GFCI outlets in bathrooms or kitchens. And while they should be a good security measure, don’t assume that they’re working

GFCI outlets should be tested each month, and you’ll want to test each outlet you see. Check that the outlet successfully shuts off power. When you reset the outlet, it should bring back power.

Malfunctioning units should be replaced. If you see cracks or notice one constantly trips, ask your landlord to have a qualified electrician fix it. 

Check for Leaky Faucets

You’ll need reliable hot water for showers and cooking. And you won’t want to come home from work only to find water pooling on the floor near your kitchen sink. Always test faucets and let them run for several minutes. 

Listen for odd sounds and watch for slow drainage issues that could indicate blockages in your pipes. Look for discoloration and water pressure issues. 

Check the status of pipes beneath each sink, too. Mold, gouges, or other indications of deterioration should be addressed quickly before they cause bigger issues. 

Open and Close Every Window

Windows can be surprisingly problematic. As they age, they may warp or let in moisture, leading to difficulty opening and closing them. And gaps in seams or cracks can let in unwanted hot or cold air. 

Check all windows to ensure they open and close comfortably. Locks should be secure, too, so you feel safe. Additionally, confirm that you can open windows high enough to exit the rental if needed during an emergency. 

Weigh the Costs of Maintenance

While you might not be responsible for covering the costs of all maintenance, those costs might be reflected in your monthly rental total. And in more expensive cities, like New York or San Francisco, you’ll need to be smart about budgeting. 

Look at rental prices and consider utility costs. Do you have parking provided, or will you need to pay extra for a space? And will you need to make a deposit to secure your space?

Especially if you’re moving to a new city, it’s wise to investigate the cost of living considerations. Whether you’re looking at shared rooms in San Francisco or another major city, compare neighborhoods to see if there are ways to shave costs. 

Turn on the HVAC System

You don’t want to be sweating when you’re inside on a summer day. And you don’t want to be shivering at night. Test your heating and cooling system to see if it’s working efficiently. 

Keep furniture and other obstructions away from vents to permit better airflow. Look for dust and listen for clunking noises that may indicate the system should be serviced. Ask your landlord when their HVAC equipment was serviced so you can trust that it’s safe and functional. 

Conduct a Good Rental Inspection

Always do a thorough rental inspection before signing a lease and moving in. Follow the lead of a good handyman and check outlets, faucets, windows, and HVAC systems. Test CO monitors and smoke alarms, too, to ensure they are functioning properly. 

Spend time documenting each room, so you have evidence of pre-existing concerns, like cracks in walls or corroded plumbing. When you’re diligent with your inspection, you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother move-in process.