Short Term Lease Apartment Inspection Checklist

Short term leases are becoming more popular, especially for students, medical interns, and others who don’t want to commit to a long-term rental. They work well if you're staying somewhere temporarily, relocating for school, or doing a short work assignment. But just because the lease is short doesn’t mean it should be rushed. Taking time to inspect a place upfront could save you from headaches later.

Baltimore has a lot of rental options, and some look great at first glance. But if you're not careful, small problems can turn into bigger ones really fast. Before you sign anything, it's worth checking things out in detail. This checklist breaks down how to look over an apartment so you can move in with confidence, knowing what you're walking into.

Inspecting the Basics

Start simple. Walk into the apartment and take in your first impression, but then slow down. There’s more to check than clean counters and new-looking walls. Look a little closer.

Pay attention to these areas:

• Walls: Check for cracks, holes, stains, or bubbling paint that might signal water damage.

• Ceiling: Stains or sagging spots can point to past leaks or issues from units above.

• Floors: Try stepping around to notice squeaks, soft patches, or tiles that move underfoot.

• Windows and doors: Open and close each one. Make sure they don’t stick and that the locks work.

• Blinds or curtains: Make sure they’re clean and not broken. If they're missing, ask the landlord if replacements will be provided.

Don’t forget to flip on the lights in each room to see if bulbs work or if there’s a wiring issue. While walking around, take a deep breath near the closet or under the sink. A musty or earthy smell could mean hidden mold, even if everything looks clean.

Another thing to watch for is pests. You might spot droppings in corners, behind appliances, or inside cabinets. If something seems off, bring it up right away. One student noticed tiny holes near the baseboard and ignored them. Later, they had to deal with mice, setting traps and calling maintenance. A closer look during inspection could have prevented that hassle.

Examining Utilities and Appliances

Once the visible things check out, test what’s behind the scenes. Utilities and appliances might seem fine at first glance, but these are things you’ll use every single day.

Here’s a quick rundown to help cover the main ones:

1. Flip every light switch. Plug your phone into a few outlets in each room to make sure they work properly.

2. Adjust the thermostat to heating and cooling. Both settings should kick on and run for at least a minute without strange smells or sounds.

3. Turn on every faucet. Let them run for 30 seconds to see if the water pressure is steady. Test hot and cold taps separately. Listen for banging or knocking from the pipes.

4. Flush the toilets. Make sure they flush cleanly and that the tanks refill without odd noises or long delays.

5. In the kitchen, open the fridge and freezer. The light should come on and the freezer should feel cold after a few seconds. Try the stove burners. Turn the oven on briefly to see if it heats up.

6. Place a mug of water in the microwave and heat it for 30 seconds to see if it works.

7. If there's a garbage disposal, run it and listen for odd noises or strong odors.

Write down anything that seems off. A fridge that doesn’t cool or a hot water issue can turn into a real headache after move-in. It’s better to bring these things up now than deal with them while juggling classes or a job.

Reviewing Safety Measures

Safety should be a top priority before committing to any short term lease in Baltimore. The apartment might look great, but missing or outdated safety features are a serious concern.

Start by checking for smoke detectors. There should be one in every bedroom and hallway. Press the test button to make sure they work. Some might beep if the battery is low, which is also worth pointing out. If there aren't any visible smoke detectors or they aren’t functioning, bring it up with the landlord.

If the apartment has gas appliances or heating, there should also be carbon monoxide detectors. Test any that are installed. In the kitchen or hallways, look for fire extinguishers. If one is mounted or stored nearby, check the pressure gauge and see if it's expired.

Check how secure the doors and windows feel. Your entry door should have a sturdy deadbolt and ideally a peephole. For windows, see if the locks work smoothly. If you're on the ground floor or a low level, secure windows matter even more. Also, take a quick walk around shared hallways or stairwells. Some buildings post evacuation routes near exits or elevators. Make sure escape routes are marked, unlocked, and usable.

You can also ask the property manager how often safety inspections are performed and how quickly emergency issues are addressed. Feeling secure in a rental is a big deal, especially if you’ll be out late or working irregular hours.

Checking Lease Terms and Conditions

Even if the apartment looks good and is in the right location, don’t forget to read the lease carefully. This legal document tells you what you're agreeing to. Treat it seriously and ask questions if something is unclear.

While going through the lease, look for:

• The exact lease duration and your expected move-out date

• What kind of notice you need to give if you leave early or want to extend

• Whether rent includes utilities like water, electricity, gas, or internet

• If there's a specific procedure for submitting maintenance requests

• Fees or penalties for switching units or breaking the lease

• Renewal options and how rent might change if you stay longer

You should also check for hidden or extra costs. Some places charge monthly for assigned parking, trash pickup, or pets. There might be restrictions on long-term guests or noise levels.

Understand what you’re expected to handle. If the lease says you’re responsible for things like HVAC filters or small repairs, ask what that includes. Some landlords expect more than others.

One renter assumed internet was covered because it came up during the tour. But nothing in the lease backed that up, so they ended up paying out of pocket. Double-checking every detail in the lease helps make sure you’re fully informed before signing.

Getting Peace of Mind Before Move-In

Inspecting a short-term lease apartment doesn’t take hours, but doing it properly can make a huge difference. Whether you're headed to Baltimore for a hospital rotation, a school term, or a quick job placement, walking through every room with a checklist gives you better control over your space.

Keep detailed notes. Jot things down and take pictures if needed. This way, you can talk through your concerns before signing or request repairs in advance. If anything’s broken, worn out, or missing, ask if it will be fixed before your move-in date.

A quick move can make it tempting to just sign and go. But you’re still paying for a place to live, and that place should be safe, clean, and fully working. Spending a little extra time on inspection up front means fewer surprises and a better overall living experience during your time in Baltimore.

After ensuring your new apartment fits the bill, you might be ready to find a comfortable space that offers flexibility. If you're looking for a short term lease in Baltimore that keeps you close to everything you need, check out what's available at Hopkins View. Feel free to explore our options and book your tour today to secure a spot that meets your needs.