Landlord issues crop up sometimes.  These can be a real pain and leave you with a bad taste after it’s all said and done.  There are a couple of ways to keep conflicts with the landlord to a minimum, but one of the best ways is to inspect the apartment with the landlord before you sign a lease.  There are a few things you want to look for while you have the landlord with you.

While you have the landlord with you for the initial apartment viewing, make sure you check everything in the apartment.

Check the faucets in the kitchen and all bathrooms, make sure they provide adequate water pressure and that the hot water works. Check all the appliances within the apartment, including the stove, microwave, refrigerator and the washer and dryer if they come with the apartment.

Look for signs of mold, mildew and insect infestation.  The apartment should be clean and well kept with no signs of any of this. Check the bathrooms for mold, in the grout between the tiles and even the ceiling.  Mold can kill, so make sure there’s none evident.

Check the doors and windows to make sure they open and close smoothly and that the locks work.  Ask the landlord if the locks on the door have been changed since the previous tenant; if they haven’t, ask for them to be changed now.

While you’re on your inspection, get any promises in writing.  This is your only defense if the landlord says you didn’t mention the items.  Get it all written down and you can hold the landlord to their word.