Touring an apartment is a critical step in the renting process, and should be done before you sign any lease. But what exactly should you be looking for when you tour an apartment?
Generally speaking, renters should look for a few key things, such as the overall condition of the apartment, checking appliances, and determining whether their couch will fit once they actually stand in the living room—all of which are very important. There are also a few little things that renters should check that are often overlooked, but checking them can make a massive difference in determining whether an apartment is the right fit for you.
To make the most of your search, we’ve compiled a complete guide to all the things you should check on your apartment tour. What this guide covers:
- General things to look out for (the basics you should always check)
- Little-known details that often get ignored—until it’s too late
The Basics: A general checklist for any apartment tour
These are the meat and potatoes of your apartment tour—aspects of a rental everyone should assess when viewing an apartment, whether in person or virtually. They help you evaluate whether the apartment matches your needs and whether the building is well-managed.
1. Cleanliness and condition
Look for signs of regular upkeep. A few key indicators of condition include:
- Fresh paint
- Clean floors
- No unusual odors
- No cracks in walls or ceilings
- No visible mold, mildew, or water damage
2. Appliances and fixtures
Test every major appliance:
- Check the stove. Does it turn on?
- Open and close the fridge. Does it seal properly?
- Turn the faucets on and off. Does the bathroom faucet seem to have hot water?
3. Windows and natural light
You’ll want to make sure the windows are in good shape. Top things to look for include:
- Secure locks
- Cracks or condensation inside panes
- Adequate light in all rooms (especially if you work from home)
4. Storage and layout
Tour every closet, cabinet, and hallway. You’ll want to note:
- Are there coat closets or built-ins?
- Will your furniture fit without blocking doors or outlets?
- Is there enough room to move around comfortably?
Whether or not there’s storage, you’ll also want to assess if the apartment is a good size for you, that it has enough space for your furniture, for your pets if you have them, and for your lifestyle. For example, if you like to host game nights, you’ll want to check if there enough room for a table and multiple people to sit.
5. Noise and neighborhood feel
Pause for a moment inside the unit to see if you can hear street noise with the windows closed, and if so, how much. Then, take a minute (or a few, ideally) outside the apartment to look around the immediate neighborhood. Ask yourself:
- Is the surrounding area clean and safe?
- Are there grocery stores, laundromats, or cafes nearby?
- Where is the nearest parking or transit stop?
- If you have kids, where is the nearest school?
Now that you’ve got the big-picture items covered, let’s talk about the less obvious things that make or break your living experience.
12 often-overlooked details to check during your apartment tour
1. Check the outlets. All of them.
Bring your phone charger. Plug it into outlets in every room—especially the bedroom and kitchen.
Watch out for:
- Dead outlets
- Loose plugs that fall out
- Only two-prong plugs (no grounding)
- Burn marks
- Minimal outlets in a large space
Ask about the fuses. For example, does the property manager know if you can run a toaster, microwave, and kettle without blowing a fuse?
2. Run the shower. Then wait.
Let the shower run for a full minute so you can get a sense for:
- Hot water and its consistency
- Drain speed
- Any pipe noises or strange smells
Close the door while it runs. If the fan can’t clear steam, you may get mold or moisture problems.
3. Look under the kitchen cabinets and sink
Open every cabinet and inspect:
- Signs of water damage or leaks
- Mouse or roach droppings
- Moldy smells or warped wood
You should also look at the ceilings and external walls—hidden water damage is not something you want to discover anywhere in the apartment halfway through your lease (from personal experience).
4. Feel the walls
Touch the walls to see if they’re unusually cold or warm. That could mean poor insulation or high utility bills.
Also note:
- Visible patch jobs (may signal old leaks)
- Whether you can hear neighbors through the walls
5. Open every window
Make sure:
- Windows open and close fully
- Screens are intact
- Locks work
- No drafts or seal issues
Bonus: Check if you can open them all. Some landlords paint them shut.
6. Check the floors for slope or creaks
Bring a marble or a small ball. Place it on the floor and see if it rolls.
Squeaky floors? Not ideal, but normal in older buildings. Uneven floors could point to structural issues or water damage. These could also mean you live in an old walkup, but it’s worth noting.
7. Open the fridge and look behind it
Yup, behind it. You’re looking for:
- Roach motels or rodent traps
- Dusty, unmaintained vents
- Leaks or bad smells
A clean fridge area = likely better landlord maintenance overall.
8. Ask about trash and recycling (and actually look)
Find out
- Where to take trash out
- How often does pickup happen
- If bins are shared or personal
🛠️ If you see overflowing bags or a smelly hallway while you’re touring, that will likely not change while you live there.
9. Test the front door’s fit and locks
Shut the door behind you, and test the locks:
- Lock and unlock the deadbolt
- Confirm it seals fully or rattles
A door that doesn’t seal well could let in hallway noise or bugs. If the lock hardware needs an upgrade, it’s better to call attention to it now rather than later.
10. Check your cell signal + internet options
Use your phone in every room. Some apartments can have dead internet zones, making it hard to work from home, make calls, or browse your socials.
Also, make sure to ask:
- Which ISPs serve the building?
- Is fiber available, or just cable?
- Is Wi-Fi included or separate?
Spotty reception + limited providers = a frustrating setup to anyone who works remotely or likes to stream TV.
11. Open and close closet doors
Check if the doors open fully or if they stick, get jammed, bump into walls, or fall off the track. Also, check for usable shelves and rods.
Closets are also another space to check for damage or signs of pests.
12. Check for AC and heat controls
If the apartment is climate-controlled, look for the thermostat. Does it work? If not, confirm what the heat source is and then check the condition. Again, from experience, if the electric heater is so dusty it looks painted over during your tour, chances are it will be that way when you move in. If the apartment has radiators, check the location of the nozzle to turn them on/off, ensure it works and turns on, and inspect the condition of the pipes.
Apartment tour checklist (under-the-radar edition)
✅ Outlets work and are in usable places
✅ Shower pressure and water temp are acceptable
✅ Cabinets and sinks are clean, no signs of pests or leaks
✅ Windows open, close, and seal well
✅ Floors are level and not overly creaky
✅ Fridge runs cold, no odors or grime
✅ Trash/recycling area is clean and accessible
✅ Front door locks easily and seals tightly
✅ Cell reception and internet options are acceptable
✅ Closet layout is usable
✅ Noise levels are tolerable during quiet moments
✅ Walls feel insulated and heat sources function and are in good condition
Final thoughts: trust the small things
A well-lit kitchen, a nice view from the front window, or antique fixtures might catch your attention at first glance, but if you end up with a drafty window, outlet scarcity in your living room, or paper-thin walls you share with your neighbor, these are the things you’ll likely remember after you’ve moved in.
So, while it might feel excessive when you just need a place to move into, it is still worth checking the fridge, the bathroom, under the sink, and the walls and windows. These small things add up to your day-to-day quality of life. And hey—maybe you don’t care about the rattling window or the creaky floors! But checking these little details on your apartment tour and knowing about them before you sign a lease gives you the power to make the best, most informed decision for yourself.
FAQ: Apartment tour questions
Can I take photos during a tour?
Yes, and you should. It helps you remember what you liked (or didn’t).
How long should an apartment tour take?
At least 20–30 minutes if you’re checking thoroughly. Don’t let anyone rush you.
What’s the biggest thing people forget to check?
Outlets, internet options, and noise levels. All of which are hard to fix after move-in.
What if I discover something less than ideal on the apartment tour?
Talk to the property manager. Some of these issues are not permanent, and the management team or landlord can fix them before you move in. How the property manager handles the information can also tell you a lot about how they’ll handle issues that arise once you move in.
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