The Ultimate Apartment Tour Checklist for Renters and Landlords

Going on apartment tours is an interesting experience. You’re trying your best to think about just what it would be like to live in a place… possibly for a very long time. And if you’re the landlord, you’re trying to market it appropriately and cater to the various needs of these potential renters. In each case, an apartment tour checklist could make a big difference in making sure you cover all your bases.

We oversee a lot of different types of apartment tours in Massachusetts and the various other places we serve. Our Boston MA property management includes the works… from listing the apartments to managing the tours to answering questions throughout the process. And yes, checklists are wonderful. Let’s go over a number of things to consider when putting together an apartment tour checklist.

Table of Contents

• Why an Apartment Tour Checklist Is Essential
• List of Things to Have on Yours
• How Property Managers Can Help

Why an Apartment Tour Checklist Is Essential

An apartment tour checklist can seriously help both renters and landlords keep things on track during a showing. If you’re looking to rent, it gives you a solid way to slow down, take in all the details, and make sure you’re not missing something important in the moment. Going on an apartment tour can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get swept up in a good-looking kitchen and forget to test the windows or peek at storage. With a checklist, you walk in ready to notice what matters — beyond just the first impression. Whether you’re finding an apartment in Boston or a rental house in Philadelphia, ultimately being organized in your search goes a long way to settling on the best option possible.

For landlords, having a checklist ready to go shows that you’ve got your act together. It’s a way to walk people through the space with intention, without scrambling to remember what to highlight or forgetting something that could come back to bite you later. It also creates a smoother conversation. Renters can ask more informed questions, and you can give more direct answers. It keeps the whole process clear and focused.

And beyond the actual tour, the checklist becomes a reference point. You might consider merging it with a housing code checklist so that you’re covering overall items as well as things that are specific to housing codes and safety needs. In any case, both sides now have something they can look back at later, especially when move-in or move-out time comes around. It helps cut down on confusion or arguments about what condition things were in. A little prep on the front end can make the whole renting experience way less stressful.

List of Things to Have on Yours

When you’re checking out a potential new apartment (or renting one out), having a solid apartment tour checklist can be a game-changer. But what should actually be on it? Along with checking out local considerations such as neighborhoods or proximity to certain colleges, there are a lot of basics things you can check. Here we break down a number of key things you are probably going to want to have on it.

General Apartment Checklist:

• Structural Integrity – Look for cracks, water stains, or signs of mold on floors, walls, and ceilings.
• Windows and Doors – Open and close all of them to make sure they function properly and lock securely.
• Electrical Outlets – Test each outlet with a phone charger to confirm they’re operational.
• Lighting – Flip all switches to check that lights and fixtures are working.
• Safety Equipment – Verify the presence (and yes, condition) of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.

Kitchen:

• Plumbing – Run the faucet to assess water pressure and temperature; inspect under the sink for leaks.
• Appliances – Test the stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal to ensure they operate correctly.
• Storage – Open cabinets and drawers to evaluate space and check for signs of pests.

Bathroom:

• Fixtures – Flush toilets, run sinks and showers to check for proper drainage and water pressure.
• Ventilation – Confirm that exhaust fans work effectively to prevent moisture buildup.
• Surfaces – Look for signs of water damage, mold, or mildew around tubs, sinks, and toilets.

Bedroom:

• Closets – Assess storage space, and also make sure doors operate smoothly.
• Windows – Check that they open, close, and lock securely… and that screens are intact.
• Outlets and Lighting – Test all to confirm functionality.

Living Area:

• Space Layout – Envision your furniture arrangement to make sure the space suits your needs.
• Heating/Cooling – Test the HVAC system or any ceiling fans for proper operation.
• Flooring – Inspect carpets or hardwood for stains, damage, or excessive wear.

How Property Managers Can Help

If you want to own or manage a rental that will attract tenants, being organized with things like checklists can go a long way. It’s also important to have excellent management skills. For instance, you’ll want to stay up to date with maintenance, provide excellent customer service, and carefully screen new tenants. But what if it is all just too much?

Contact Us Today! 

Luckily, landlords and owners don’t have to do it all alone. Hiring a trusted property management team like Bay Property Management Group can improve your business and maximize your rental portfolio. Contact BMG today if you need rental management services in Beacon Hill, Boston, and other surrounding areas, as well as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Virginia, Texas, and in many other places where we serve.