1. Print out the RENT Property Inspection Checklist to help you compare and keep notes on each property you see
2. Try to see the property in the daytime. You'll want to know about the natural light and shade, and properly see the condition of the property
3. Do a careful walk-through of any property you're serious about. The best time to ask about repairs and improvements is before you commit.

Some questions to ask and things to look for:

1. How's the water pressure?
2. How many electrical outlets and where are they placed?
3. How big is the water heater?
4. Is it clean, is there mould?
5. Are Pets allowed?
6. What cable or broadband facilities are provided?
7. Is there an extra storage area?
8. Find out where your allocated parking spaces are
9. If there is a garden, pool or other main feature, ask who is responsible for the maintenance.
10. What is the security like?

Ask about the neighbours!

1. Will you live above or below someone;
2. Do you share walls?
3. Find out if neighbours are friendly, how they feel about noise, what they like about the neighbourhood.
4. Find out ‘the demographic’ of your immediate neighbours to make sure you are comfortable.
5. Take measurements of your larger furnishings (and take along a tape measure) to see how your things will fit...or what things you'll need to buy.

Make sure you ask the landlord or manager how repair requests are handled.

You can ask questions such as: "Is there a resident manager that handles all maintenance problems?", "Are maintenance hours restricted?" or "How long does it typically take for repair requests to be answered?" The answers should give you a little insight into the way that things are handled, eg:. You might be looking at an apartment with a great outdoor spa... but if it has a bad draining problem or needs constant repairs, you might be paying for it but not ever get to enjoy it!

If you intend to do things like adding picture hooks on walls, add locks, add telephone or cable extensions or even paint walls; ask what the policy is on these matters as you are normally not allowed to do these types of alterations or renovations without the owners’ permission. Make sure any agreement on these matters is documented in the lease.