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1. What should I look for when I do the walk-through inspection with my landlord before I move in?

You want to look over the apartment closely and make a note of anything that is not working properly  or is broken.  Areas to pay attention to include the following:

Smoke and CO2 detectors are working

Check around showers, tubs, sink, toilets, and in the basement for mold or signs of water leaking in from the foundation

Check walls and ceilings for holes or signs of water damage/stains

Check for broken windows, windows that won't open, and that the window frames are free of cracks and sealed properly

Check every light switch and outlet to make sure they work

Check toilets, faucets, tubs and showers to make sure the hot and cold water work and they they drain properly

Check that all appliances turn on and operate properly

Check to make sure the hot water heater, furnace and air conditioner turn on and operate

Look for signs of pests or mice

Look for holes in the exterior siding and the roof

Make sure all the door close and lock properly

Check that steps and handrails on stairs and decks are secure and in good working condition

Note any stains, holes, or damage in carpet and other types of flooring.

2. What should I ask my landlord before signing a lease?

You might want ask about the following items.

What is the parking spaces?  How many spaces are assigned to my unit?  Are there any visitor parking spaces? Is the parking on a driveway or the street.  

Are pets allowed?  How many? What kind of pets are allowed?

Which utilities is the tenant responsible for setting up and paying?

Who is responsible for mowing the lawn and removing snow?

Is there a 24 hour emergency maintenance number?

When did the landlord last replace the smoke detectors or C02 detectors?

Is there a regular pest control/bed bug maintenance program?

3. Something in my unit is broken, what do I do?

Joe

4. My landlord won't respond to my request. What do I do?

Joe

5. I think I have mold in my unit. What do I do?

Joe

6. There isn't enough room for me and all my roommates to park on the driveway. Can I park in the grasss?

Jane

7. My landlord won't fix the heater, can I stop paying rent?

Joe