Landlord                                            

Address                                             

Kitchen

• Is refrigerator included? Is it clean?

• Sink large enough to wash dishes; drains properly and doesn't leak?

• Stove & oven in good repair?

• Turn on stove – do all burners work?

• Garbage disposal run?

• Adequate hot & cold water?

Bathroom

• Toilet: free from leaks
• Sink, tub, shower: free from leaks; drain properly, in good condition
• Newer electric socket (GFCI) near sink
• Adequate ventilation (fan or window)
• Walls: from floor to 4 ft. must have non-absorbent, easily cleaned material (tiles or vinyl coating)

Water

• Enough hot & cold water for ordinary use
• Hot water heater in good condition (heats to 120F degrees)

Heat

• Oil, gas or electric?
• Who pays, and how much?
• How to contact utility company?
• System must be adequate to keep every room at 68F between September 16 & June 14, 7 am-11 pm; 64F 11pm-7am.

Wiring

• For each room, 2 separate outlets or 1 outlet & 1 overhead light fixture
• Electric light fixtures in storage & hallways
• No temporary wiring
• No wiring under rugs or passing   through doorways
• Will your computer/stereo cause fuses to blow? (Is system old or new?)
• Will you need lamps?
• Internet access installed?

Bedrooms

•  Adequate closet space?

General Safety

• Visit apt at night with a friend to get a feel for neighborhood; are front & back doors and street well-lighted?
• Lighted parking area?
• Working locks on all doors & windows?
• Working screens?
• Appropriate # of persons per unit.
• Sliding glass doors with bar or stick across base?

Fire Safety

• Two exits per unit; no blocked exits
• Adequate & accessible fire escape
• Working smoke detectors in/near every bedroom, hallway and basement
• Candles and open flames are FIRE HAZARDS and should be avoided
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors must be present in the unit.

Transportation

• Driveway parking?
• Near "T"/ bus stop?
• Approximate walking time                     

Garbage Collection

• Where are garbage cans/covers kept?
• Recycling boxes?
• When is trash pick-up?

Structural Maintenance

• Foundations: water-tight, rodent-proof, in good repair
• Floors: free of holes, cracks or bulges
• Walls: in good repair
• Ceilings: in good repair
• Doors & windows: water-tight, no drafts
• Stairways: stable with handrail
• Porch: railing is over 3 ft. from ground
• No lead paint if children under the age of six are living in the apartment

General Maintenance

• No rats or roaches
• Water, heat, electricity, and gas must be on at all times except during actual repair

Concerns or Complaints
Discuss questions or concerns about an apartment's condition with the landlord before signing a lease. If repairs are needed, write agreement into lease, eg, “Landlord will fix leaky sink before move-in date.”  Sign and date.

After you move in: complaints about unresponsive landlords (who do not respond to repeated phone calls or letters) should be made to the local Board of Health.

• Medford Board of Health, (781) 393-2560
• Somerville Board of Health, (617) 625-6600 ext. 4300