What to Look for During First Apartment Walkthrough

Conducting your first apartment walkthrough is an essential step before signing a lease or moving your furniture inside. It is your best opportunity to document pre-existing damage, verify that everything works, and avoid costly security deposit disputes when you eventually move out. Whether you’re renting in Atlanta, GA, Manhattan, NY or Los Angeles, CA, this Redfin guide outlines key areas to inspect during your initial move-in assessment to ensure your new home is safe, functional, and fully documented. Inspecting utilities and everyday functionality When touring an apartment, it is easy to assume basic utilities work seamlessly. However, subtle issues like poor drainage or inactive outlets can quickly turn into major daily inconveniences once you move in. Andrew Fothergill of Blue Anchor Property Management says, “Everyone remembers to check that the water turns on, but almost no one checks that it drains. Run the sink and tub for a full minute and watch how fast the water clears. Slow drainage during a walkthrough is often the first sign of a plumbing issue that becomes your headache the week you move in. Additionally, test the things you can’t renegotiate later: stand in each...