Key takeaways
- Renters should narrow options online, use virtual tours and gather documents (ID, proof of income, credit info, bank statements, tax returns) ahead of time because competitive markets move quickly.
- Schedule viewings as soon as possible, good units often don’t wait for weekends, and always insist on seeing the exact unit you’ll rent, not just a staged model.
- During tours, check condition, water pressure, outlets, phone service and potential red flags, while also asking about utilities, maintenance, fees, pests and building operations to avoid surprises later.
Before signing a lease, you will want to tour the unit you would live in.
Using online tools, many renters are able to narrow their search to a few buildings or properties. Many listings on Homes.com and Apartments.com, a multifamily affiliate of Homes.com, offer video tours or Matterport virtual tours so viewers can get a sense of a home's layout. Research online, check your credit score and have your proof of income ready because once you start in-person tours, the process to rent can go fast, especially in competitive markets.
"Taking time to produce all your documents might cause you to lose on a place you liked," said Rany Burstein, CEO and founder of Diggz, a New York City-based roommate and room rental platform used by renters across the United States and Canada. "Be ready with everything upfront, including employment letters, bank statements and tax returns to stay competitive."
Schedule appointments
Depending on the type of rental, the process will vary. Apartment complexes likely have a full-time leasing agent on site who handles the tours. But if you are renting from a landlord, you likely will meet them or a broker.
Depending on the market, apartments could go very fast, so scheduling viewings promptly is important.
"Most people opt to schedule viewings when they are free, after work, over the weekend, but good apartments don’t wait for the weekend," Burstein said. "Ask the broker when is the earliest you can view it, and make it work. If there's an open house, try to see it before — be adamant."
Apartment complexes
Call, email or use the apartment building's website to set up an appointment to tour an available unit. When you show up, you likely will chat a bit in the office with the leasing agent who might hand you some information about the rental.
The agents will then take you to see the unit or units. As you go through the building, take note of how clean the halls are, the condition of the elevator and how extensive the building security is. Look at the size of the stairs or elevator to see if moving large items would be difficult.
In some cases, apartments will have model units. Remember that the models are often staged to look great — but that is not the unit you are renting. Always insist on seeing the unit you will rent before signing a lease.
Landlord-owned units
These units could be in a house, townhouse or condo. A landlord-owned property is different from traditional apartment complexes in a few ways, primarily how they are managed. You might be dealing with the owner directly, a third-party property manager or broker they've hired. They should be able to answer all your questions about the unit.
When you are touring, you will likely meet at the unit and information should be provided about the space. If the landlord is the one providing the tour, use this time to interview them about how responsive they will be.
Accessory dwelling units
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an apartment attached to a home: a basement, guest house or upstairs apartment. What sets these rentals apart is the owner and landlord typically lives in the main home. People often rent out these extra spaces to make passive income and these units can be very affordable. But this means you might not have as much privacy as a traditional apartment.
If you are renting through a broker for ADUs or landlord-owned units, there might be a broker's fee to pay when you rent. So ask about that upfront.
Touring a unit
Once you get to the unit, assess the condition of the apartment. Depending on when the unit was last rented, it’s possible they are still painting or cleaning from the last tenant. It is also possible the prior tenant is still moving out or living there until their lease is up. If you see issues, ask if they will be addressed.
"Bring a measuring tape," Burstein said. "The broker doesn't know all the dimensions and an accurate floor plan isn't always provided. Make sure the place will fit your furniture or vision."
While your tour is about seeing if the space will meet your needs, it’s OK to be a little nosy. Open the cabinets and look in each closet.
"Check water pressure, count outlets, turn on the lights and ask about utilities," said Kyle Davis, a real estate agent with EXR in New York City. These details can make a difference once you’ve moved in.
Take photos and videos during the tour to keep track of the apartment and the condition it was in.
Pro tip: Check the phone service in each room of the apartment to make sure you have a signal.
Red flags to look for
- Cracked or chipped paint
- Brown water stains on the walls, ceiling or under sinks
- Signs of pests like droppings, dead bugs or traps
- Strong odors of smoke or mildew
Questions to ask:
- Are any utilities covered in the rent or will they cost extra?
- How often is maintenance handled? Who pays for repairs?
- Are there any upcoming renovations or construction?
- Is there an extra fee for pets?
- How are pest issues handled?
- How do the trash and recycling work and is there a fee?
- How are mail and packages handled?
Inspect the amenities and exterior
Once you have toured the unit, take some time to view the amenities.
For apartments, this often includes shared space with other tenants. Popular amenities are gyms, coworking space, rooftops, pools and dog parks. During the tour, walk through each space and notice the condition they are in. A dirty pool and gym could indicate the shared spaces are not well kept. Packages being stolen or misplaced can be a bit of an issue in large apartment complexes, so be sure to inspect any mail or package rooms if those are offered.
For rental homes, walk around the yard or outdoor space provided. Ask who is responsible for yard work or who pays for lawn services.
If possible, visit during a high-traffic time to observe what the place is like during its busiest time. This helps you get a sense of the noise from the street or from the neighbors in an apartment.
Walk the street and check out the parking situation.
Red flags to look for:
- Overflowing trash bins, dumpsters or trash on the street
- Overgrown landscaping or neglected common areas
- Signs of pests like nests or droppings
- Cracks in foundation or exterior walls
- Peeling paint or rotting wood
- Poor drainage or standing water near the building
- Broken or missing roof shingles
- Rusted or damaged gutters
- Insufficient outdoor lighting
Questions to ask
- What steps are taken to prevent pests?
- Is there space for pets?
- Who is responsible for landscaping and snow removal?
- How often is exterior maintenance performed?
- Are parking spaces assigned, and is there guest parking?
- Is outdoor lighting maintained by the landlord?
- Have there been any recent repairs to the roof or foundation?
- How are trash and recycling handled?