Your Apartment Tour Checklist: What to Look For and Ask
What to check, measure and ask before you sign a lease.
A tour is your best chance to find out whether an apartment will really work for you. Photos can only tell you so much. Use this checklist to make the most of every showing and compare your options with confidence.
Before the tour
- Know your budget. Many renters aim to keep rent at roughly 30% of their gross monthly income, but what matters most is what feels comfortable for you.
- List your must-haves. In-unit laundry? Parking? Pet-friendly? Decide what you can't live without before you fall in love with a view.
- Check the location. Map your commute, grocery store and other regular stops.
- Bring your phone. Take photos and notes so you can compare apartments later.
Inside the apartment
- Measure the space. Bring a tape measure or note room sizes so you know your furniture will fit.
- Check storage. Open closets and cabinets. Is there enough space for your things?
- Test the basics. Turn on faucets, flush toilets and check water pressure and hot water.
- Look at appliances. Are they in good shape? Is laundry in-unit or shared?
- Notice light and noise. Which way do the windows face? Can you hear neighbors or traffic?
- Look for outlets and cell signal. Small things, but they matter every day.
- Check heating and cooling. In Minnesota, you'll want to know how the apartment stays warm in winter and cool in summer.
Around the building
- Is the building clean and well maintained?
- Where is parking, and is it included or extra? Are garages available?
- How are packages handled?
- What amenities are available, such as a fitness room, playground or outdoor space?
- Is the entrance secure and well lit?
Questions to ask the leasing team
- What is included in rent, and which utilities am I responsible for?
- What lease lengths are available?
- What is the application process, and what does it cost?
- What is the pet policy?
- How do I submit maintenance requests, and how quickly are they handled?
- How do I pay rent? (At Lakeshore, residents use an online portal to pay rent and submit maintenance requests.)
- When is the apartment available?
Documents to have ready
If you find a place you love, you may want to apply right away. Having these on hand can speed things up:
- A photo ID
- Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or an offer letter
- Contact information for previous landlords
- A way to pay application fees
Red flags to watch for
Pay attention to signs of water damage, pests, broken fixtures or a building that looks neglected. Also notice how the leasing team communicates. Clear, prompt answers during a tour are often a good sign of how maintenance and questions will be handled later.
After the tour
Review your notes and photos the same day while details are fresh. If you are comparing several apartments, a simple list of pros and cons for each can make the decision much easier. If you love a place, don't wait too long. Good apartments can lease quickly.
Ready to schedule a tour?
At Lakeshore Management, you can browse available apartments, open a listing and select Schedule a Showing to see available tour times. Have questions first? Contact our team.
