First Apartment Checklist
Table of Contents
Safety
Check doors and locks
Make sure the door shuts securely and that all the locks work. You should have a deadbolt lock on each entrance to the apartment.
Check windows and locks
Each window should also fit securely and have it's own lock as well.
Look for smoke detectors
There should be a smoke detector on each level of the apartment and they all must be in good working order.
Look for fire extinguishers
If you're moving into a multi-story building make sure there are fire extinguishers in the halls.
Get renter's insurance
Most automobile insurance companies also offer renter's insurance that can be added to your policy for a very low fee.
Contact a rental service
To save time and make sure you're getting the apartment you really want you should contact an apartment rental service to find quality rentals available in your area.
The Neighborhood
Look at the condition of the neighborhood.
What condition is the neighborhood in? Will you feel safe living there?
Is the location convenient?.
Is the apartment close to work or school, shopping, your family and friends? If you don't have a car, is public transportation available nearby?
The Kitchen
What appliances come with the apartment?.
Does the apartment have a refrigerator and stove? Is there a microwave? Or will you have to provide your own appliances?
Test the plumbing
Turn on the water at the kitchen sink and check for leaks under the sink. Also make sure the garbage disposal works.
Look for infestations
Check the cupboards and around baseboards and appliances for signs of rodents or insects.
The Bathroom
Check the shower/tub
Turn on the water in the shower or tub to check the pressure and make sure the drain is working properly.
Flush the toilets
Flush the toilet to make sure it works. Previous tenants have been known to intentionally clog up toilets if they're evicted and it's not noticeable until it's used.
In General
Look at your budget
Look at your budget and make sure you can afford the monthly rent plus the security deposit. You're probably going to have to sign a lease and if you don't make your rent payment every month, even if you move out in the middle of the lease, you may still be legally required to continue paying the rent.
Read the lease
Make sure that you can live in that apartment for the length of the lease. Not just whether you can afford it or not. But will you feel comfortable living there until the lease expires?
Ask for a renters checklist
Ask for an apartment checklist so that you can list any damages you see to the apartment when you rent it. That way you won't be held liable for those already existing damages when you move out.
Are pets allowed? If you've always dreamed of getting a puppy as soon as you get your first apartment, make sure they allow pets before you sign the lease.
Look for signs of rodents
Check the entire apartment for signs of rodents and insects. Ants or an occasional mouse are one thing but if you have a whole family of rats in the closet or a nest of cockroaches under the tub, that's a whole different story.
Check the heating and air conditioning
Make sure you know who is responsible for paying all utility bills and make sure they work before you move in.
Where will you park? If you have a car you're going to want to know that it's safe, too
And you'll also want to know how far away you're going to have to park it.
Where are the laundry facilities? Are there laundry facilities on site or will you have to go to the laundromat every week? Remember, mom isn't going to be around to do you laundry every day.
What Floor Is It On? That fifth floor apartment might have a really nice view but how are you going to get your furniture up there? Is there an elevator? Are you going to like climbing those stairs every day for the year or two until your lease expires? What about your visitors? Will they be able to climb the stairs, too? And what about that puppy?! Seven flights of stairs is a long way to go when you're trying to housebreak a new puppy! Maybe your first apartment should be on the ground floor.
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Presented by:
Nicole Nichols-West
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Details
How exciting! Today's the day you're going to start looking for your first apartment! You're ready to spread your wings and leave the nest and set up your own little home now. A place to call your own that you can decorate anyway you like, you can entertain in whenever you like and you can clean – or not clean – as often as you like. No more sharing a room with your brother or sister, no more party noises from the dorm next door. You can get a cat or a dog if you want. You can eat cereal for dinner if you want. And you can walk around in your underwear if you want to! It's your first apartment and you have big plans for this place! So here's our 20 Things To Look For In Your First Apartment Checklist.
Tips
Well, before you move into that first apartment you need to remember that mommy and daddy aren't going to be there to chase away the bogeyman – or pay your bills. You also won't have a nice warm garage to store your car in during the winter, you probably won't even have your own parking space and if you don't have a car at all you better make sure that first apartment is close to public transportation. But let's not talk about negatives right now. After all – you're about to move into your first apartment and this is the beginning of a whole new chapter of your life. Why, YOUR first apartment is going to have everything you ever dreamed of – a self-cleaning bathroom, someone who comes in and prepares your meals, a shower with a never ending supply of hot water and a bed that makes itself! Of course, all of those amenities will cost you a little bit extra every month and since this is your first apartment you may not have the budget for that.
Who it's for
This First Apartment Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your First Apartment essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven First Apartment structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this First Apartment Checklist
- Save First Apartment Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for First Apartment (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.