What to Bring to Your Apartment Tour: The Ultimate Renter’s Checklist
Touring apartments soon? Here’s exactly what to bring — from documents and questions to tools, red-flag checks, and tour-day essentials. Includes tips for self-guided, agent-guided, and locator-guided tours, plus professional insights to help you avoid mistakes.
Introduction
An apartment tour isn’t just a walk-through — it’s a fact-finding mission. This is where you evaluate the space, the atmosphere, the security, the fees, the community, and whether the apartment actually fits your life. Most renters show up unprepared, get overwhelmed by information, and leave without answers to the questions that matter most.
This guide breaks down exactly what to bring, what to ask, what to look for, and how to make sure no detail slips through the cracks. Whether it’s a self-guided tour, a leasing-agent tour, or a tour I attend with you (yes, I can come with you or do a virtual walk-through on your behalf), this checklist will help you stay grounded, organized, and confident.
1. What You MUST Bring to Your Apartment Tour
These are your non-negotiables — the things that help your tour go smoothly and prevent delays or confusion.
Government-Issued ID
Most gated or secured communities require ID before showing any unit.
(They cannot legally copy your ID without permission, but they must verify it.)
If you’re working with me, I always remind you of ID requirements beforehand so you’re never caught off guard.
Your Budget (Written Down)
Tours get emotional. Spaces look nice. Leasing agents talk fast.
Your budget keeps you grounded.
Bring your numbers written down so you don’t get swept into touring units above your comfort zone.
If you want help determining a realistic rent range before touring, I do that as part of the Apartment Match service — so you already know what fits.
Your Move-In Date
Availability relies heavily on timing.
A perfect unit may not align with your date window.
I always verify availability ranges for you before your tour so you don’t fall in love with something you can’t apply for yet.
A Notebook or Notes App
You need somewhere to record:
Fees (application, admin, deposits)
Specials
Parking details
Utility billing methods
Pet fees
Preferred floorplans
Any concerns
Any red flags
If I’m touring with you — in person or virtually — I take these notes FOR you and organize them after the tour.
A List of Questions (Prepared Ahead of Time)
This prevents you from forgetting important details during the tour.
Later in the article, you’ll get a full checklist of questions to ask.
If I accompany you, I ask these questions for you and confirm everything with the leasing agent.
Optional: Application Documents
ONLY bring these if you intend to apply the same day.
Not required otherwise.
These may include:
Recent pay stubs
Offer letter (if relocating)
Pet records (vaccinations, breed info)
Employer verification documents
If applying is part of your plan, I tell you exactly what the building requires ahead of time so you don’t bring unnecessary paperwork.
2. Tech Tools That Make Your Tour Easier
Your phone is your best tool on a tour. Here’s what to use:
Your Phone Camera
Take photos of:
Views
Hallways
Closet sizes
Laundry area
Cabinet layout
Appliance condition
Parking garage entry
Amenity spaces
Photos make comparing units SO much easier later.
I also record your entire tour for you if you prefer a virtual walkthrough.
Video Walkthrough
Especially if you’re touring more than one place.
Video is gold when your memory blends units together.
Measure App or Tape Measure
Helps you track:
Couch placement
Bed size compatibility
Dining table fit
TV wall space
Flashlight App
For checking:
Under sinks
Inside closets
Around water heaters
Dark corners
Behind appliances
Screenshots of the Listing
Save the online listing photos and floorplan before the tour so you can compare reality vs marketing.
3. What to Wear and Bring Physically
Touring involves walking, stairs, outdoor areas, and multiple buildings. Bring:
Comfortable shoes
A water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothes
Hair tie if you’ll tour outdoor amenities
A tote or small bag for papers
4. Touring With Pets in Mind (If Applicable)
If you're planning to apply with a pet, bring:
Pet weight
Pet breed
Vaccination documentation (only if applying)
Any temperament notes
If you’re unsure whether your pet will be approved, I verify pet policies BEFORE the tour so you never waste time.
5. Questions to Ask During Your Tour (Full Checklist)
This is where most renters freeze — so here is your complete question list.
If I tour with you, I ask every one of these and confirm the answers in writing.
FEES
What is the application fee?
What is the admin fee?
How much is the security deposit or move-in fee?
What fees are refundable?
What is the monthly rent INCLUDING fees (valet trash, pest control, amenities)?
UTILITIES
How are utilities billed?
Is the building on RUBS or metered?
What is the average electric cost for this floorplan?
Who are the required internet providers?
LEASE TERMS
What lease lengths are available?
Do specials apply to all lease terms or only certain ones?
When do specials expire?
AMENITIES
Are amenities included or extra?
What are the hours?
Any guest restrictions?
PARKING
How much is parking per month?
Is there guest parking?
Is parking assigned or first-come-first-served?
PET RULES
Pet rent?
Pet fee?
Breed restrictions?
Weight limits?
SECURITY & MAINTENANCE
How secure are access points?
Average maintenance response time?
How often is pest control performed?
These questions save renters from surprises — and as your locator, I already know which properties have the strongest answers in these areas.
6. Red Flags to Watch for During the Tour
Renters miss red flags ALL the time. Look for:
Hallways that smell like mildew or smoke
Water stains on ceilings
Soft or warped flooring
Security doors that don’t latch
Trash areas overflowing
Loud hallways or thin walls
Dark or poorly maintained parking areas
Appliances making odd sounds
Elevators shaking or lagging
Vibe check: does the community feel maintained?
If something feels “off,” record it and send it to me — I’ll tell you whether it’s normal or a genuine red flag I’ve seen before.
7. Tour Safety Tips
A few basics:
Tour during daylight if you’re unfamiliar with the area
Pay attention to access points and how easy it is for non-residents to enter
Look at lighting in hallways and parking decks
Don’t go into isolated areas alone during self-guided tours
If you don’t feel comfortable touring alone, I will happily attend with you — in person or virtually — so you’re not navigating a new space by yourself.
8. Self-Guided vs Agent-Guided vs Locator-Guided Tours
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach.
Self-Guided Tours
You explore the unit on your own using a temporary code or app.
Pros: No pressure, flexible timing.
Cons: You might miss critical questions or red flags.
Agent-Guided Tours
A leasing agent walks with you.
Pros: Immediate answers to questions.
Cons: Information may be biased toward the sale.
Locator-Guided Tours (This Is Where I Come In)
A locator is your advocate — not the property’s.
Pros:
I ask the right questions
I take notes for you
I confirm fees, specials, and availability
I record the unit if needed
I identify red flags
I help compare this unit to others
I protect you from wasting application money
This option gives you clarity AND confidence — especially if you’re touring multiple properties or relocating.
9. After the Tour: What to Do Next
Here’s your post-tour checklist:
Review your notes and photos
Compare prices, fees, and specials
Rewatch your video walkthroughs
Confirm which fees are refundable
Ask for a sample lease (many buildings provide it upon request)
Check your move-in timeline against availability
Review your parking, pet, and utility details
Get your gut reaction down in writing
If you toured several apartments, I can help you compare the pros and cons, break down the price differences, and identify the best long-term value — not just the best marketing.
10. TL;DR Summary
Bring your ID, budget, move-in date, notebook, questions list, and your phone for photos and videos.
Ask detailed questions about fees, utilities, pet policies, and parking.
Watch for red flags.
Tour safely.
And if you want support, I can attend tours with you or handle virtual tours on your behalf.
Need Help Touring or Evaluating Apartments?
If you want someone to:
Tour with you
Record virtual walk-throughs
Ask the right questions
Identify red flags
Confirm pricing and specials
Compare your options
Protect you from wasting application fees
