8 Things to Check Before Moving Into an Apartment

When you buy a new home, all you can think about is moving in and maybe even hosting a ceremony! However, is moving into a new apartment just about finishing the paperwork, fixing a date and relocating all your stuff? There’s a lot more to it! A home is where you feel secure and live carefree. Before you step in, it is essential to make sure your new home is all set to welcome you. From basic amenities like electricity to fittings and finishes, there are many important things to check before moving into an apartment.

If you’re wondering what pre-move-in checklist you should have, this blog has you covered! Read on to know the 8 most important things to verify before buying or renting an apartment.

Why a Pre-Move-In Apartment Check Is Important 

Owning a home is probably something you’ve been dreaming about. Even if you’re renting, a new home is more than just a fresh start. But, doing the necessary checks before moving in is key to a secure and peaceful living. It helps you spot discrepancies early on and avoid stress and wastage of time and money later. 

Knowing about the things to check before buying an apartment helps ensure your new property is safe, secure, neat and ready to occupy. It protects your investments as a buyer or tenant and gives you peace of mind by helping:

• Identify issues early: Both old and new properties are prone to hidden defects, like faulty plumbing or wiring, leaks or weakness in structure. These are often overlooked. However, a thorough check can reveal them before they lead to major concerns.
• Ensure safety and compliance: A thorough check is essential to verify the working of electricity supplies, HVAC, plumbing, drainage, etc. It helps to check whether the property is compliant with the local regulations and building standards for safe living
• Save money and time: Spotting and addressing minor issues early on is better than having to spend time and money on hefty repairs later. It also prevents these problems from turning into an emergency or crisis later on.
• Verify the developer’s commitment: Checking is the best way to make sure the developer has kept the promises made. It is vital to verify if the amenities, finishes, fixtures, and overall quality align with what’s mentioned in the brochure.
• Gain negotiating power: Any defects and incomplete work spotted early on gives you the space and power to negotiate. The seller or builder will be required to complete the necessary fixes before the final transaction is done, as per the sale agreement.
• Get legal protection: A documented and signed inspection report is legal proof for the property’s condition at the time of handover. It helps prevent future disputes over existing damage and helps you get the quality you were promised.

Top 8 Things To Check Before Moving Into An Apartment

Knowing what to check before buying apartments is key. It helps spot any damage and confirm the condition of facilities and fittings. In other words, it ensures that the apartment offers everything as promised. This simple step protects your investment and gives you peace of mind before you settle into your new home. But with several things that make an apartment a complete home, you may wonder where to begin and what all to check. 

That’s where an apartment move in checklist can come in handy. Ideally, prioritise the most important and basic features, followed by less critical ones. Below, we list the 8 most essential things to check before moving into an apartment.

1. Documents and Possession Readiness 

Ensuring you have all the essential documents is the foremost thing to do before you plan the best time to move into an apartment! It ensures the readiness for occupancy and avoids issues and conflicts later. Gather all documents related to property compliance, ownership, handover, finance and approvals. Confirm that the apartment is legally ready for possession. The key documents include:

Legal ownership documents

• Sale agreement or builder-buyer agreement
• Title deed (mother deed) and sale/transfer deed
• Allotment or possession letter
• RERA registration certificate

Construction & compliance-related documents

• Building plan approval
• Building commencement, completion & occupancy certificates
• No objection certificate (NOCs) from the concerned authorities

Financial, dues and insurance

• Property tax receipts
• Encumbrance certificate
• No dues certificate from the association/society
• Bank NOC (if the seller has bank loans)
• Property insurance documents
• Final inspection documents

2. Structural and Interior Inspection 

Among the primary things to check before moving into an apartment is the building’s structure and interiors. This helps you spot cracks, leaks or poor finishes if any. Structural c completeness and perfection are key to a safe and comfortable living. It also helps you plan minor changes and fixes before you settle in. Key things to inspect include:

• Walls & ceilings: Look for cracks, damp marks, uneven finishes or improper painting.
• Doors and windows: Verify that their position and features match the specifications provided by the builder. They should seal well and open & close smoothly, without noise.
• Floors and tiles: Check for loose tiles, cracks or uneven areas.
• Paint and finishes: Examine the quality of paint and wall finishes. Verify if the painting is double-coated. Explore modern paint ideas to fine-tune the interiors to your lifestyle.
• Kitchen and cabinets: Check cabinets, shelves and countertops for alignment and quality. 
• Balcony and railings: Verify the safety and finishing of railings and balcony flooring. 

3. Plumbing and Water Checks 

Imagine moving into a flat with leaky pipe connections, dampness and clogged drains. It’s unhygienic and something that you’d want to avoid entirely. Hence, it is best to check plumbing and drainage facilities beforehand. It helps, especially when you consider how to check for mold in apartment. Mold forms and thrives on damp and wet surfaces, which is probably a result of leakage. 

Here’s an apartment move in checklist​ for plumbing, drainage and molds:

• Turn on all taps to check water pressure and drainage.
• Look beneath sinks for moisture or leaks.
• Check walls, corners and ceilings for signs of wetness, damp spots or mold smell.
• Ensure proper water flow and drainage systems in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Make sure the overhead tanks and pipelines are clean, functional and secure.

4. Electrical and Safety Inspection

One of the many vital things to check before moving into an apartment is the electricity and safety settings. Moving into a new home without the power supply is unimaginable. Nor would you prefer living in a place where you plug in an appliance to end up with a short circuit! 

• Test all lights, switches and power sockets. 
• Make sure the wiring is neat and properly insulated. 

Moreover, safety is paramount! Make sure the safety systems, like circuit breakers and earthing, are in place. This helps prevent short circuits, damage to appliances or fire hazards.

5. Pest, Cleanliness, and Hygiene Check

Cleanliness and pest checks are unavoidable! It is vital to keep your home clean, hygienic, and pest-free for a healthy living. Examine the kitchen, balcony, bathrooms and dark corners. Besides, check walls, floors, cabinets, hinges, and furniture (if any) for signs of pests or dirt.

Moving into a new apartment checklist​ for cleanliness should ideally include checking for:

• Bugs, cockroaches, droppings or damage to wood or fabric by termites.
• Signs of bed bugs. This is where tips to get rid of bed bugs in apartments can come in handy.
• Cleanliness of walls and floors, and presence of stains, dust or mold.
• Sinks, drains and corners, if dirty or smell bad.
• Garbage area for waste bins, whether they are clean and well-kept.

6. Common Areas and Building Facilities

When it comes to apartment living, common areas and shared amenities matter. They should be functional and well-kept. Checking them helps you understand how well the property is managed by the concerned authority.

Many people consider the following moving into first apartment checklist:

• Clean, well-lit and secure entrance and lobby
• Safe and functional lifts and easy-to-use staircases
• Accessible and and marked parking spaces
• Power backup or generators and water storage systems
• Well-maintained and functional gym, play area, garden or clubhouse
• Security features like CCTV cameras, guards and access control

7. Internet, Network, and Daily Utilities

Connectivity and utility provisions are key, no matter where you settle down. Verifying them in advance helps you avoid delays while moving in. Here are some basic utility-related things to check before moving into an apartment to support your daily needs:

• Mobile network signal inside the apartment
• Clean water supply
• Cooking gas connection or provision
• Storage facilities
• Proper waste management and disposal system

8. Maintenance, Costs, and Association Rules

Knowing the monthly costs and maintenance charges helps you plan your budget and avoid confusion later. Moreover, knowing the community/association rules helps you follow along and enjoy a peaceful living. Check the following:

• Fixed monthly expenses (like bills) 
• Maintenance charges and what they cover
• Association rules and by-laws
• Pet, parkeing and renovation-related rules
• Contact details of association members

What to Buy or Arrange Before Moving In 

A fresh start in a new home is simply sheer excitement! But planning helps avoids last minute hassle. Having a moving into first apartment checklist keeps you organised and stress-free. Prior checking of the important things listed above gives you ample time to get the fixes done. Buy the essential items and arrange key services for your home to be ready from day one.

Here’s what you can plan and arrange in advance:

• Basic furniture: Bed, mattress, chairs, table, sofas and storage units.
• Kitchen essentials: Cooking utensils, basic groceries and cleaning supplies.
• Bathroom items: Buckets, mugs, mats, toiletries.
• Lighting: Extra bulbs, extension cable and night lamps.
• Cleaning tools: Mop, broom, dustbin, floor cleaners.
• Safety items: Door lock, curtains, first-aid and emergency supplies.
• Utilities: Internet or Wi-Fi, electricity, water & gas supply
• Home decor: Simple home decor and indoor plants to add freshness and make your living space lively. Need some ideas? Here are 10 stylish indoor plant decor ideas you can try!

Common Red Flags to Avoid Before Moving Into a New Apartment 

Before moving into a new apartment, you should watch out for some warning signs that can be a problem later. Spotting these red flags early on helps you take the right steps to avoid stress, extra costs and safety concerns. These include:

• Missing documents, no proper handover or possession letter
• Leaks, damp walls, mold smell
• Non-functional switches and poor wiring
• Poorly maintained common areas
• Incomplete shared facilities
• Signs of bugs, termites or other pests
• Structural defects, poor finishes and lack of safety features
• Missing utility provisions
• Unclear maintenance charges or community rules

End Note

Homebuying is an important milestone you’d love to cherish. But, amidst all the excitement to move into your new home, prior checks are essential. Having a clear listing of the things to check before moving into an apartment is key. It eliminates extra cost, stress and problems later. From documents and structural finishes to safety and daily needs, every check matters. A careful verification helps ensure your apartment is safe, legal and ready to occupy. 

Looking for properties with modern design, high-end finishes and quality? Explore apartments in your preferred location that match your lifestyle with a trusted realtor like Confident Group. With decades of experience and expertise, we deliver excellence through our choice of world-class living spaces where you can spot your dream home! 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to know before moving into an apartment?
Find out the maintenance cost, community rules, shared amenities, utility provisions and safety features. Inspect structural finishes, water, gas, power supplies, and cleanliness.

2. What to ask when moving into a new apartment?
Ask about maintenance costs and coverage, monthly fixed charges and association or community by-laws, parking, rules, power backup and utility options.

3. What are the first things to check when getting a new apartment? 
Check the structure and interiors, walls, floors, windows, doors, locks, painting and finishes, railings and balcony. Check plumbing, electricity supply & wiring, water supply and drainage, pest signs and cleanliness.

4. What documents are required before moving in? 
You need a sale agreement and a sale deed or a lease agreement, a possession letter, ID and address proofs, completion and occupancy certificates of the building, RERA certificate, tax receipts, NOCs and relevant approvals.