Apartment Inspection: Essential Guide for Renters and Buyers

Apartment inspection can indicate different walk-throughs. It’s mostly described as a scheduled visit (with proper notice) by landlords. It also means a move-in inspection from the renter to make sure they’ve found the house that they’re looking for.

In this guide, we’ll cover what an apartment inspection checklist includes, when to schedule one, how much it costs, and the key benefits for you as a renter.

What Is an Apartment Inspection?

Apartment inspections are scheduled walk-throughs by the landlord to check the unit’s condition, flag issues, and create a record of the apartment’s state, whether it’s at move-in, during the lease, or at move-out. But that’s not it. This inspection is needed by/during:

• Landlords and property managers, to make sure tenants are following lease rules, keep the property in safe working order, and catch maintenance needs early.
• Tenants, to document pre-existing issues when moving in, avoid disputes over the security deposit when moving out, and report necessary repairs during the lease.
• Ongoing lease checks, as some provinces allow periodic apartment inspections (e.g., monthly in B.C. with notice) to monitor upkeep and make sure health and safety standards are met.

When Should You Schedule an Apartment Inspection?

An apartment inspection is most helpful when it’s based on key stages in occupancy and maintenance. The recommended times to schedule one are as follows:

• Before renting: A pre-rental inspection, AKA pre-market or move-in inspection, helps you verify the unit is safe, clean, and ready for moving in before signing the lease.
• Before buying: If a landlord or investor purchases a rented property, a change-of-ownership inspection assesses its current condition and identifies immediate repairs or tenant concerns.
• Routine maintenance: Regular inspections (typically every 3 to 6 months, or at least 1 to 3 times a year) are a great help for catching deferred repairs, seasonal preparation, and lease compliance.

Note: For landlords, apartment inspection may also be needed when something out of the ordinary comes up; for example, when urgent repairs are needed, tenants file a complaint, or a lease violation is suspected. Regulated housing (e.g., public housing) might require annual safety checks, too.

What Does an Apartment Inspection Include?

Every apartment inspection checklist covers these key systems and overall condition of the unit to ensure they’re safe, functional, and well-maintained, including:

• General condition (doors, windows, walls, finishes)
• Interior spaces like the kitchen, living areas, bedroom(s), bathroom (not as in-depth as a bathroom inspection), and their systems
• Exterior areas (balconies, storage, add-ons)
• Plumbing
• HVAC and utilities
• Electrical safety, switches, and outlets
• Structural integrity (walls, ceilings, floors, foundation)
• Safety features (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, door locks)
• Furniture in furnished rentals

Apartment Inspection Cost

In Canada, apartment inspection costs typically range from $300 to $600, with regional variations influenced by multiple factors (just like the home inspection cost). For instance, average fees in British Columbia are $350 to $500, while in high-demand areas like Ontario, costs can vary from $300 to $1,000+, depending on the property's specifics.

Besides location, the main factors that affect apartment inspection cost are:

• Unit size, age, and condition
• Inspector's experience
• Additional services like testing for mold or pests

Benefits of Apartment Inspections

There are some similarities between the advantages of home inspection and move-in inspection, including:

• Preventing future repairs: It pinpoints minor issues before they turn into costly, disruptive fixes.
• Ensuring safety and comfort: It guarantees that all appliances and systems are fully functional, and structural components are safe and sound.
• Supporting negotiations: You’ll have written proof of the unit’s condition, which will be useful when discussing rent, returning the deposit, or assigning repair responsibilities.
• Clear communication: A shared, transparent record of the property's condition will help you and your landlords avoid misunderstandings.

FAQ

Do landlords usually pay for apartment inspections?

Yes, landlords generally pay the apartment inspection cost. Exceptions include when the tenant caused damage due to negligence or misuse, or if they request specialized inspections.

How long does an apartment inspection take?

Anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours.

Is an apartment inspection required by law?

According to CMHC, a condition inspection report is required by law. At move-in and move-out, the tenant and landlord should fill out the form and sign it to keep a clear record of the apartment’s condition.

Can I do my own apartment inspection?

Yes, you can book a move-in inspection to have your record of the unit’s condition. However, it can’t replace the periodic inspection conducted by the landlord.

Final Thoughts: Make Smarter Renting and Buying Decisions

Taking the time to understand apartment inspections (especially the move-in process) puts you in the driver’s seat of your rental experience.

Looking for reliable experts to inspect your future unit? Submit a free request at Houmse to get multiple quotes, compare experts, and hire the best of the best in your region.