When you move into a new apartment, the landlord usually asks you to check the property for damages, either before you sign a lease or after you have moved in. 

As you check the property, you should make a list of any issues that you can find, such as large holes in the wall, a faulty doorknob, or a defective light fixture in the bathroom. Don't forget to take note of everything as you move in. When you do a move-in inspection, you should check all of these important spots in the apartment, as listed below.

Kitchen Appliances

Check the fridge and oven to make sure they are working correctly. Check the sink as well, confirming the garbage disposal works and the water drains out properly. Inspect the doors of the cabinets and drawers to make sure they are in good condition and notate and deep scratches or broken pieces.

Walls

Check your walls thoroughly and make sure there aren't any large holes, dents, or any bumpy or soft spots from bad repairs. Also, check the moldings around the windows and doors to see if there are any gaps.

Flooring

Check for peeling or chips in the corners – if they're flush with the wall. See if little tugging can shift the flooring and  make sure the nails on it are secured. Inspect for any scuffs, scrapes, dents, or other unusual marks that shouldn’t be there. Check if any of the flooring has soft spots, dips, or smells unpleasant.

Safety Items

Check if the fire extinguisher is still unused and in the right place, or at least that it's easy to access. Ensure also if the apartment has smoke alarms and check the batteries. 

Doors

Check for scuffs or chips around the door, the doorknob, and make sure the hinges are all in good condition. Push the door to the edge and see if you can feel a draft..

Heating and Air

To check the furnace or air-conditioner - turn it on, and place your hand over the vent. If the temperatures aren't heating or cooling, this may be a sign that it needs repairs. You don't want to wait until the middle of summer or winter before fixing it, so consult this to your landlord immediately.

Bathroom

Check your tub or shower, ensuring it drains properly, the water gets hot, how high the water pressure is. Make sure that the safety bar is steady and the shower rod is secure. The doors should be stable in their tracks. 

Outlets and Light Fixtures

Plug something into every outlet and ensure they all work. Switch the lights on and off to make sure that they are all working as they should. Inspect the outlets also for any signs of burning or melting. If so, bring this to the landlord's attention so the outlets can be checked by the maintenance team.

What to Put Your Foot Down On

Make sure you are aware of what comes as-is and what issues will be fixed, before you sign your lease. A lease is a legally binding agreement and most landlords will address “functional” issues such as no air conditioning or no hot water. However, “cosmetic” issues, such as a fresh coat of paint or replacing old carpets is not an obligation of the landlord to change.