Appendix A: Apartment Checklist
We suggest you examine prospective apartments with this checklist in hand.
*Rhode Island law requires that your landlord provide these.
Interiors |
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| Are there shades in bathroom and bedroom windows?* | |
| Is there adequate work/study space? | |
| Is there adequate storage space? | |
Living Room |
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| Is there a cable outlet? | |
| Is there a phone outlet? | |
| Are there sufficient electrical outlets? | |
Bathroom |
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| Does it have a tub? | |
| Does it have a shower? | |
| Is there ventilation? | |
Bedrooms |
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| How many bedrooms are there? | |
| Are there phone outlets where needed? | |
| Are there sufficient electrical outlets? | |
Kitchen |
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| Is there a stove hookup* or stove? | |
| Is there a refrigerator hookup* or refrigerator? | |
| Is there a sink?* | |
| Is there ventilation? | |
Exterior |
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| Is the space for parking adequate? | |
| Is there a yard or porch? | |
| Are there screens and storm windows in all windows? | |
| Are walkways/steps/stairwells in good condition? | |
Structure |
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| Are the walls, ceilings, and floors in sound condition? | |
| Do windows and doors open and close properly? | |
| Is the apartment properly insulated? | |
Plumbing |
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| Do any faucets leak, or do water stains show signs of leakage? | |
| Do the sinks, tub/shower drain properly? | |
| Do toilets flush properly? | |
| Is water pressure adequate? | |
| Is there sufficient hot water? | |
Safety |
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| Are there at least two means of egress?* | |
| Are the fire escapes in good condition?* | |
| Is there any exposed wiring? | |
| Are stairwells and halls clear and well-lit? | |
| Are there smoke detectors?* | |
| Are there carbon monoxide detectors? | |
| Are appliances, if provided, in good working condition? | |
| Are fire extinguishers with current certification? | |
Security |
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| Are there sufficient locks on all exterior doors and windows? | |
| Is there a dead bolt lock on the apartment door? | |
| Does the building door fall shut on its own weight and self-lock? | |
| Is there a working electric door buzzer? | |
| Do windows accessible from the ground have security screens? | |
| Are entrances, walkways, and parking areas well lit? | |
Services |
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| Are laundry facilities available for your use? | |
| Is there a lock on the mailbox? | |
| If there is an elevator; is it in satisfactory condition? | |
| Is the apartment handicapped accessible? | |
| Is the landlord responsible for clearing snow from walks and driveways? | |
| Is the landlord responsible for cutting grass, raking leaves, etc.? | |
Health & Environment |
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| Regular garbage collection and adequate containers with lids? | |
| Is the landlord responsible for moving garbage containers to the curb for trash pick-up, or are you? | |
| Is recycling available, and are containers provided? | |
| Is smoking allowed in the apartment/house? | |
| Is a GFI outlet provided in the bathroom, kitchen, or other spaces where there is running water? | |
Questions to Ask Current Tenants:
- What do the utility bills tend to be, especially winter-time heating bills?
- Does the heating system provide adequate heat?
- Are heating controls provided, and are they effective?
- Is there sufficient hot water?
- What are noise levels like?
- How responsive is the landlord?
- How well does the landlord maintain the property?
- How safe is the neighborhood?
- How secure is the building?
- What are the other tenants like? Have you had any problems with any of them?
- What are the neighbors like? Have you had any problems with any of them?