Apartment viewing checklist (printable, 2026)

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.