THE INTERIORBefore agreeing to the lease, make sure that things actually work — lights, appliances, etc. Don’t assume everything works. Having to deal with broken stuff is not a good way to break in a new place.

• Appliances:  Check the refrigerator, heating and air conditioning, the oven and stove, for starters.  
• Walls: If the building is close to a road, can you hear traffic? Can you hear the neighbors in the next apartment?
• Bathroom: Check the water pressure, including the hot water, and flush the toilet to make sure it works.
• Windows: Make sure they open and close simply, and make sure there are no cracks or holes.  
• Electricity: Try every switch in the apartment.

THE EXTERIOR

• Do you feel sale? That’s the bottom line. If you don’t, don’t move in. If you visit the apartment during the day, consider how it will feel coming home late at night, or early in the morning. If you can visit at night, do so to gauge your comfort level. Ask your neighbors about safety, and check in with the local cops about crime statistics and their thoughts on the complex.  
• Is the building clean and well kept? Are entryways and hallways well lit? Are bad characters hanging around? The building’s upkeep is a good sign of the overall quality of the apartment.
• Is the laundry in the building or close-by? If you don’t have a car, it better be close. Picture yourself trudging there every week or so — are you OK with the walk?  
• Is the building close to major roads and public transportation? Find out how long it would take to reach your work or other frequently visited places.  
• Locate the following: Gas stations, supermarkets, restaurants, banks, drug stores and gyms. Are they close by or far away? If you’re on public transit, figure out how long it will take to get to these various places that you might visit often.