Flat Viewing Checklist: What to Check Before Renting

Last updated: June 2026 · 8 min read

Quick answer

At a flat viewing, systematically check six things: water pressure and plumbing, signs of damp and mould, heating and insulation, electrics and broadband, locks and safety alarms, and the condition of fixtures and appliances. Run every tap, smell for damp, test switches, and photograph any existing damage. Then ask the landlord the practical questions — what bills cost, why the last tenant left, deposit and notice terms — before committing. Walking through a checklist turns a 15-minute viewing into a decision you will not regret.

A flat viewing is your one chance to catch problems before you commit to months of rent. Most renters spend the time admiring the décor and forget to test whether the basics actually work. This checklist fixes that — go room by room, run the tests, ask the questions, and you will spot the issues that matter long before you sign.

1. The room-by-room checklist

Work through these six areas in every property. They cover the issues that are expensive, hard to fix, or easy to hide.

Water & plumbing

✓Run every tap — check pressure and how fast hot water arrives
✓Flush toilets and look under sinks for leaks or damp
✓Check the shower works and drains properly

Damp & mould

✓Smell for musty air; check corners, behind furniture and window frames
✓Look for fresh paint hiding stains, especially on ceilings
✓Inspect around windows for black mould and condensation marks

Heating & insulation

✓Ask how the property is heated and the typical winter bill
✓Test radiators or heating turn on
✓Check windows are double-glazed and close fully

Electrics & connectivity

✓Test light switches and a few sockets with a phone charger
✓Ask about broadband speed and provider
✓Locate the fuse box and check for obvious hazards

Security & safety

✓Check door and window locks work
✓Look for a working smoke alarm and (if gas) a carbon monoxide alarm
✓Assess the entrance, lighting and general building security

Storage & condition

✓Open cupboards and wardrobes — is there enough storage?
✓Note existing damage, scuffs and worn items for the inventory
✓Check appliances (oven, fridge, washer) actually power on

2. Questions to ask the landlord

The right questions reveal as much as the property itself. Ask:

✓What are the average monthly utility bills?
✓What exactly is included in the rent (water, broadband, service charges)?
✓How much is the deposit, and how will it be protected?
✓What notice period applies if I want to leave?
✓Why did the last tenant move out?
✓How are repairs reported and how quickly are they handled?
✓Are there any planned works or building disruptions?

3. Red flags to walk away from

✗The landlord refuses an in-person viewing and pushes for a deposit sight-unseen.
✗You are pressured to pay a deposit immediately or "lose the flat".
✗Fresh paint only on ceilings or specific corners — often hiding leaks or mould.
✗A persistent musty or damp smell, however clean the flat looks.
✗Broken locks, missing smoke/CO alarms, or visibly unsafe electrics.
✗The landlord cannot prove they own or are authorised to let the property.
✗A price far below the market with an urgent, emotional backstory — a classic scam.

On GeraRent every landlord is identity-verified and many listings include dated photos and 3D tours, so you arrive at a viewing already knowing the property and the owner are real.

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GeraRent listings come from identity-verified landlords with dated photos — so what you see is what you get.

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Related: Renting with no history · Rental deposit guide · Need work done before move-in? Book trades on GeraHome.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check when viewing a flat?

Check water pressure, signs of damp and mould, heating and insulation, electrics and broadband, door and window locks, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, storage, and that all appliances work. Photograph any existing damage for the inventory.

What questions should I ask the landlord at a viewing?

Ask: what are the average monthly bills, what is included in the rent, how much is the deposit and how is it protected, what notice is required to leave, why did the last tenant move out, and how quickly are repairs handled.

What are red flags when viewing a rental?

Walk away from: a refusal to show the property in person, pressure to pay a deposit immediately, fresh paint only on the ceiling (hiding leaks), a musty damp smell, locks or alarms that do not work, and a landlord who cannot prove they own the property.

How long should a flat viewing take?

Allow at least 15–20 minutes. Rushed viewings benefit the landlord, not you. Take your time to test taps, switches and windows, and to ask your questions properly before deciding.

Should I view a flat more than once?

For a long-term tenancy, a second viewing — ideally at a different time of day — is worth it. It reveals noise levels, natural light and traffic you might miss the first time. Bring someone with you for a second opinion.