Forty things to check before signing a lease. Print this page (Cmd+P / Ctrl+P), bring it to your viewing, tick boxes. If a landlord refuses any of these checks, walk away.
Walking up to the building
- Building entrance: secure, working buzzer, well-lit
- Mailboxes: locked, no mail spilling out
- Common areas (lobby, hallway): clean, no trash piled up
- Elevators (if any): both work, last inspection date visible
- Stairwells: well-lit, no broken steps
Inside the unit — first impression
- Smell: no mold, no smoke, no pest scent
- Floors: level, not warped, no soft spots
- Walls: no cracks bigger than a hairline, no water stains
- Ceiling: no brown spots (water damage)
- Windows: open, close, lock — every single one
- Window screens present
Kitchen
- Stove burners: turn each one on, all heat
- Oven: turns on, heats
- Refrigerator: cold inside, freezer freezing
- Microwave (if included): works
- Sink: hot and cold water, drain runs fast
- Dishwasher (if included): runs through one cycle
- Cabinets: open, close, no broken hinges
- Counter: no major chips or burns
Bathroom
- Toilet: flushes properly
- Shower: hot water within 30 seconds, good pressure
- Drains: not clogged
- Caulking around tub/shower: not moldy
- Exhaust fan: works
Bedroom + closets
- Closet space: actually fits a wardrobe
- Door closes fully, lock works
- Light fixture works, plus all switches
Electrical + climate
- Plug in your phone charger — every outlet you might use
- Heating: turn it on for 10 min, confirm warm air
- AC (if installed): turn it on, confirm cold air
- Thermostat: works, accessible
- Smoke detector + CO detector: present in every required area
Internet + cell signal
- Cell signal in every room (run a speed test)
- Ask which ISPs serve the building (Comcast/RCN/etc.)
- Look for ethernet jacks if you need wired internet
Building amenities + rules
- Laundry: in-unit, in-building, or off-site? Cost per load?
- Trash + recycling: where, how often picked up
- Bike storage / parking: included? extra fee?
- Package room or front desk for deliveries
- Pet policy + fees
- Quiet hours
- Guest policy (overnight, parties)
Lease specifics — ask before signing
- Exact monthly rent
- Security deposit amount + return timeline
- Application fee, broker fee, move-in fee — total upfront
- What utilities are included vs. tenant responsibility
- Average utility cost for similar units
- Renter's insurance required? Recommended carrier?
- Lease length, early termination fee, sublet allowed?
- Auto-renewal terms + notice period
- Maintenance request process — online portal? phone?
After viewing — before signing
- Read the FULL lease, every page
- Google the landlord/property manager + reviews
- Visit the neighborhood at night and on a weekend
- Check Chicago crime stats for the address (chicago.gov/crime-data)
- Ask current tenants what they think (knock on a door)
If anything feels off — pressure to sign immediately, vague answers about deposits, refusal to let you check appliances — walk away. There are always more apartments. Submit the form below if you want us to vet specific listings for you.
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Written by MyHomeversity
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