12 things you should check at a rental home inspection

The most important things to consider when viewing a rental home are humidity, water pressure, heating, electricity, windows, noise and neighbors, appliances, transportation, and proximity to daily necessities. In addition to these, asking about the approximate amount of utility bills allows you to see your monthly expenses in advance. Keep the following 12-item list open on your phone when you go to the inspection.

Inside the house: humidity, water and heat

1. Moisture and mold. Look in the corners of walls, ceilings, window sills, bathrooms and behind cabinets. Black spots, blistered paint, strong smell of dampness require attention. Even a single freshly painted wall can sometimes hide a problem, so don't hesitate to ask. Light up dark corners and closets with your phone's flashlight.
2. Water pressure and hot water. Turn on the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom, see how water flows from two faucets at the same time. Check how long it takes for hot water to arrive, how the water heater or combination works. Flush the toilet and check for leaks under the sink.
3. Heating system. Find out how the house is heated: combi, central system, stove or electric heater. Is the number of radiators enough for the rooms? If you are visiting in the fall or winter months, ask to turn on the heating system for a short time. Winter is cold in Nakhchivan, and the quality of the heat directly affects your comfort. Do not forget the summer months: consider the side of the house facing the sun and whether it has air conditioning, because summer is hot in Nakhchivan.

Electricity, windows and household appliances

4. Power outlets and light. Grab your phone charger and check a few outlets. Turn on all the lights. Burned socket marks, loose switches and exposed wires should get your attention. See if the kitchen has enough sockets for powerful appliances.
5. Windows. Open and close each window, making sure that the locking mechanism works and that air is not leaking around the frame. If there is a crack in the glass, a water mark under the window, note it. Also see if the windows have fly screens for the summer.
6. Household appliances. If appliances such as refrigerator, washing machine, gas stove, air conditioner are supplied with the house, turn them on for a short time. Make it clear during the inspection which items will stay at home and which will be taken, so that there is no misunderstanding later.
7. Entrance door and locks. Check that the door closes easily and that the lock works properly. Ask the host how many copies of the keys they have.

Voice and neighbors

8. Sound insulation. During the viewing, stand quietly for a few minutes and listen: is there a car sound from the street, a conversation from the neighboring apartment, the sound of the elevator or the stairs? If possible, look at the house in the evening as well, because a place that looks quiet during the day can be completely different in the evening.
9. Neighbors and the general environment. Pay attention to the entrance to the building, the stairs, the yard: cleanliness, lighting, the state of the garbage cans say a lot about the general environment. If possible, have a short talk with one of the neighbors. And in the courtyard house, look at the condition of the neighboring yards and the quietness of the street.

Environment: transportation and daily needs

10. Transport. Check where the nearest public transport stop is, and how long it will take to get to work or school every day. If you have a car, find out in advance where you will park the car. If you are returning home late, look at the street lighting and the way from the parking lot to the house.
11. Shop, pharmacy and other services. See how far you will have to go for daily needs such as bread, food, medicine. If you have children, consider the distance to school, kindergarten and playground.

Ask about utility bills

12. Estimated amount of utility costs. Ask the landlord about the approximate monthly bills for electricity, water, gas and heating, and how the difference varies in winter and summer. If you can see the receipts, you're seeing the numbers as real data, not estimates. This helps you calculate your total monthly cost, including rent.

Also find out where the meters are located and how the readings are checked. Taking pictures of the meter readings on the day of your move-in will clarify the bills later and make things easier for both you and the landlord.

How to prepare for the inspection

A few simple things to make the inspection more efficient:

a phone with a full battery: for flashlight, photos and notes;
a charger to check the sockets;
your furniture in the rooms a measuring tape to check if it will fit;
a list of your questions, including the 12 items above;
a second set of eyes if possible: a family member or friend.

If you are looking at several houses, take pictures of each one and write your notes on the same day. After a few days, it becomes difficult to tell the houses apart. You can compare suitable options in the active ads section.

Frequently asked questions

How long should an inspection of a rental house take?

Twenty to thirty minutes is usually enough to check all rooms, water and electricity. Take your time, because a few minutes of extra inspection can save you a lot of trouble later.

Is it better to look at a house during the day or in the evening?

Light, humidity and general condition look better during the day. In the evening, you can see the noise level, the street lighting, and the neighborhood environment, so if you can, try both.

What questions should you ask the landlord?

Ask the estimated amount of utility bills, how the heating system works, what items will be left in the house, and who to contact if there is a problem. Marking the answers makes it easier to compare later.

If you are looking for a house to rent in Nakhchivan, Evim Imlak can help you choose options that suit your needs and arrange viewings. Go to the contact page to write us your needs.