• What exterior lighting exists?
  • Street lights?
  • Porch lights?
  • Garage/alley?
• Who has access to the basement?
  • Is it locked?
  • Is the storage area secure?
• If the rental unit is on the first floor, are there bars on the windows or extra security measures?
• Is the garage/parking secure?
• Do all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work?
  • How many are there?
  • How often are the batteries changed?
• Are there window locks on all windows?
  • Do they all work?
• Are there screens and storm windows on all windows?
  • Are window coverings included?
• Will the door/key locks be changed before I move in?
• Is there a locked lobby (if applicable)?
• Are there deadbolts on all doors?
  • Do they all work?
  • Do the bolts stick out at least one inch?
• Are there fire extinguishers?
  • When are they charged?
• Are there sprinklers?
• Will you feel safe in the rental?
• Will you feel safe while walking to and from classes during the day and at night?
• How is the cell phone reception in the unit?
  • Can you send and receive calls and texts?

• Are appliances included?
  • Do all of the appliances work?
• Are window coverings included?
• Is there a washer and dryer?
• Is the electrical wiring up to code?
• Do all outlets work?
• Do the lights work in all the rooms?
• Does the plumbing work? Check all faucets and showers, and flush all toilets.
• What is the water pressure like?
  • How is the water temperature?
• Do the fans in the bathrooms work?
• How is the unit heated?
  • Do we have our own thermostat?

• How close is the nearest:
  • Post Office?
  • Grocery Store?
  • Bank/ATM?
  • Laundromat?
• When is garbage day?
• When is recycling day?

• Is this rental unit handicapped accessible?
  • Is there a ramp?
  • Is there an elevator in the building?
• How many entrances to the rental unit exist?
  • *There must be at least 2 to be a legal unit.*
• Can I paint?
  • If I paint, do I have to paint it back?

• Have you had previous noise complaints?
• Who do I contact if noise becomes a problem?

• How much is the monthly rent?
• How much is the security deposit?
• Do you require 60 days notice for non-renewal of my lease?
• Are there more students or long-term residents living in the building/area?
• What is the manager’s contact information?
  • Email
  • Phone
• Are there any items that need to be repaired or replaced?
• What is the maintenance contact information?
• How long does maintenance usually take?

*Consider asking the current tenants about their experiences with the owner or management. Are they pleasant and professional? Do they respond quickly to maintenance and repair requests?

• Always take a friend – never tour a rental unit alone.
• Make sure you see the actual unit you will be renting, not a model.
• Check out the area at night with friends to see if it’s well-lit and to get a feel for the neighborhood.
• Check your cell phone reception in the unit to see if you can send and receive calls and texts.
• Check for damages from current tenants, pets, rodents, insects, water and fire throughout the unit, especially on the floors, walls, ceilings, and inside drawers or cabinets.
• If there are any items that need to be repaired or replaced, discuss them with your landlord and write them in your lease.
• If you are seriously considering a rental property:
  • Ask for a copy of the lease and addendums.
  • Read the lease carefully. Pay special attention to “Non-standard Lease Terms.”
  • Consider asking current tenants about their experiences with the owner or management.
• Most importantly, trust your instincts!