Viewing and move-in checklist

Before the viewing

• Ask for recent photos or a video walkthrough, to avoid wasted trips.
• Confirm the rent, deposits, what furniture's included and the earliest move-in date.
• Check your commute at the time you'd actually travel.
• Bring your phone (for photos and a torch) and, ideally, a phone charger to test sockets.

At the viewing: inside the unit

Water and bathrooms

• Run every tap and shower. Check the pressure, and how quickly the water heater gets hot.
• Flush toilets and watch for slow drains.
• Look for leaks under sinks and stains on ceilings below bathrooms.
• Check silicone and grout for mould.

Electrical and aircon

• Switch on every aircon unit for a few minutes. Is it cold? Does it drip or smell?
• Test lights, fans and a few sockets.
• Ask when the aircon was last serviced.

Walls, windows and doors

• Look for damp patches, bubbling paint and cracks, especially near windows.
• Open and lock every window, sliding door and main door.
• Check the grilles and main-door lock. Ask if the locks have been changed since the last tenant.

Kitchen and appliances

• Turn on the hob, hood, fridge and washing machine if they're included.
• Open the cabinets and look for pests, damp and broken hinges.

Living conditions

• Check phone signal and ask what internet the building supports.
• Listen for highway, construction, nightlife or neighbour noise.
• Notice where the afternoon sun hits. West-facing rooms get hot.

At the viewing: the building and area

• Lifts: how many, what condition, and how long the wait is at peak times
• Car park: your bay number, lighting and visitor parking
• Rubbish collection, security at the gate, and access cards
• Facilities you care about: are they open and maintained?
• The walk to the MRT or LRT, the shops and the school, done on foot

Questions to ask the landlord

1. Why is the unit available, and how long has it been empty?
2. What repairs will be done before I move in? (Get them in the Letter of Offer.)
3. Who pays for aircon servicing and minor repairs?
4. Are the utility accounts in your name? Are there any unpaid bills?
5. Are pets allowed under the building rules?
6. Is the rent negotiable for a longer tenancy?

Move-in day checklist

This is your evidence if there's a dispute over your deposit later. Do it with the landlord or agent, and keep copies.

• Inventory: go through the list item by item, and note the condition of each, not just “sofa ✓”.
• Photos and video: every room, wall, floor, appliance and existing mark, with the date visible.
• Meter readings: photograph the electricity and water meters.
• Keys and cards: count and record every key, access card, remote and car park sticker.
• Test everything again and report problems in writing within the first week.
• Utilities: confirm how you'll pay the bills, and set up the internet.
• Building management: register as a tenant, and get emergency contacts and the house rules.