How to Make Sure Your Apartment is Up to Snuff

Helpful Tips:

Make sure to have all the information for filling out a lease (references, banking information, etc)
Dress and Act Presentably – show the landlord that you are dependable
Be wary of verbal agreements. Make sure it is all written down

Sturdiness of front door, is there a dead bolt, etc.
Are the walls dirty? Is the paint chipping away?
Check electrical outlets to see if there are enough and if they are in working condition
If the apartment is not furnished you should have a pretty good idea of what furniture you want in your apartment and where you want it to go. While examining the apartment keep this in mind.
Tiling in bathroom and kitchen – is it moldy? chipped?
Are there enough windows? Is there enough natural light?
Test the lighting; is it sufficient?
Test out the windows to see if they work
Check for wear and tear, stains, etc, on carpets. On floorboards, check for rotted wood
If you will be sharing an apartment with other people it is a good idea to examine the thickness of the walls. This may be an issue for when you are trying to sleep/study while someone is another room playing music, etc
Check for cockroaches, bugs, etc – Check behind/under furniture, along baseboard, around corners, in cupboards, for evidence
Consider how old the wiring is. If there aren’t many sockets or if they are two-pronged, there is a good chance the wiring is old

Check cupboard for mouse droppings, rotting wood, etc
Does the kitchen have enough space for you? Are there enough electrical outlets, etc.
Is the stove a gas stove? If so, is it in good condition?
Test out the sink, see if the enamel is scratched away
Are appliances included? All the appliances you want/need?

Test out the sink, shower, etc. see if the enamel is scratched away
Flush the toilet to see if it works; listen for weird sounds
Look around the toilet for mold or moisture condensation
Check the cupboard underneath the sink for condensation or rotting wood
Do water heaters and boilers look safe? Is there a safety relieve valve and is it piped close to the floor?
Do the pipes drip of leak? Rust stains are a good indication of this.

Is it the right size?
Will all your furniture fit?
Look in the closets – Will all your clothes fit?

Are utilities included on the lease? Which utilities? If not, how much extra will they cost?
Do smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work?
If the paint on the walls is in bad condition is the landlord willing to have it repainted?
Will the place will be cleaned before you move in?
Is the front door locked? At all times? Are there security cameras?
Have there been vermin problems in the past?
What is the minimum term of the lease?
Who are the neighbors? What are they like?
Is the landlord present often?
Are pets allowed?
Is the property well insulated? Check the windows for drafts, possible water leakage, and rotting that prohibits safe operation.
Are there signs of insect and/or rodent problems? Shine a flashlight in cabinets and closets looking for insects or droppings.
Are the floors, walls, and ceilings in good condition and free of holes? Are there stains that indicate leaks?
Operate furnaces and other provided ventilation equipment. Ask when it was last professionally serviced.
Who is responsible for maintenance of the residence? Are you required to make normal repairs? Who is responsible for exterior or yard maintenance?