8 Items You Need to Check Before Signing That Lease

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by Ice Artificio • Jul 14, 2023 • General

Picture this: after a couple of viewings, you have found “the one”. You’ve gone through the contract details and everything seems great.

So, what’s the next step before closing the deal?

Why, inspecting the plumbing, electricity, and construction conditions, of course.

While not everybody (including me!) can be experts at this, there are a few things you must check to indicate if the utilities in your would-be apartment are in working order. Here are 8 items you should test and take photos of before signing that lease:

1. Locks

Image credit: Jaye Haych on Unsplash.com

Try locking and unlocking doorknobs. Then, give the locked door a little nudge. Do they give easily?

Also, try out the keys to see if they easily turn. Are there double locks available? Will your landlord/lessor allow you to install extra locks or will they do it for you?

2. Electrical plugs

Image credit: Clint Patterson on Unsplash.com

Bring a small portable light or your phone charger to test if all plugs are working properly. Furthermore, inspect if there are any burnt outlets.

Burn marks are a red flag as they may be a result of arching (a hot wire touching the neutral/ground or loose connections), corrosion, improper wiring, overloaded circuit, or worn outlets.

Voice out your concerns with your lessor and ask them to have their electrician check and fix any suspected burnt outlets. You could also check the circuit breaker to see if there are any obvious signs of corrosion or damage.

3. Faucets

Image credit: Sasikan Ulevik on Unsplash.com

Open and close the faucets. How strong is the water current? Is the water clear or cloudy? Does it have any odor?

After letting the water flow, check how good the drainage is. Does it drain the water easily or does it clog?

4. Shower

Image credit: Jakayla Toney on Unsplash.com

Similar with the faucet test, see how strong the water is, and if it comes out clean and odorless.

5. Flush

Image credit: Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash.com

Try out the flush a couple of times, getting a feel of how strong the gush of water is and how long before the tank is refilled.

Open the top if you can and take a peek at the condition of the toilet. Do the parts look like they’re in good condition or is wear and tear showing?

I once made the mistake of not checking the toilet flush handle - turns out it’s been corroded. Unfortunately, it snapped a few days after moving in.

6. Light bulb sockets

Image credit: Johannes Plenio on Unsplash.com

Some units have pre-installed lights. If the unit you are looking for has those, all you have to do is flick the switch on for every light in the apartment.

If not, bring a small bulb that you can screw in all the light bulb sockets around the unit. If the ceiling sockets are difficult to reach, ask your lessor for a step ladder.

They most likely have one around that you can borrow or you can politely ask the caretaker/handyman to try the sockets out for you.

7. Cabinet doors

Image credit: Sanibell BV on Unsplash.com

Test all cabinets and cupboards to see if they close properly and open easily. Is there a squeaking sound when you open and close cabinet doors? Is there a gap even after you close it or does it fit snugly?

8. Mold

Image credit: Michael & Diane Weidner on Unsplash.com

Give your potential-apartment a good whiff. Do you smell anything musty, wet sock-like? The answer should be no as that could be a sign of mold.

Examine areas in the house that are usually wet. Look for cottony or leathery spots. Mold can be white, black, or yellow.

Their usual breeding places are under the tiles, behind the sink, in the attic, under the basement, and any moist area in the unit.

If you see molds, be careful not to touch or inhale the spores - those are toxic and you should inform your lessor immediately.

Final thoughts

Remember to watch out for anything you may have missed on your first viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for any damaged items or pieces of furniture that look like they are almost past their prime. Take photos of the unit for documentation, paying close attention to small details.

Why? So that you know what to ask your lessor prior to moving in, first and foremost. Second, to protect yourself from any damages that can be contributed to wear and tear (instead of being taken out of your deposit).

Last, to make the moving out process easier as you will know exactly at what state to restore the apartment.

Stay informed and happy renting, everyone!

* This blog post was improved by Nina Tambal on November 2022.

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