Renting an apartment in your city: a checklist
Updated October 25, 2026
Good apartments go fast, and a checklist lets you decide quickly without missing something expensive. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rental rules differ by city and country, so check the official tenant information for your city or ask a local lawyer about your contract.
Know the real monthly cost
The rent is only part of it. Ask which bills you pay (electricity, gas, water, internet), whether there are building or local fees, and what they usually cost. Ask whether there is a broker or agency fee and who pays it. Roomly marks listings that have a broker fee.
Have your documents ready
Landlords often ask for proof of income, photo ID and sometimes references or a credit check. Some ask for a guarantor. Having these ready lets you apply the day you see a place you like.
At the viewing
- Damp, mold, leaks or pests, especially in bathrooms, under sinks and in closets.
- Water pressure and hot water.
- Heating and air conditioning, and how well they work in each season.
- Windows, locks and the general condition of the building.
- Noise from the street, nearby bars, neighbors or a building site.
- Phone signal and internet options in the building.
What the lease should say
- The lease length and whether you have an option to extend.
- How and when the rent can rise.
- Which bills you pay and which the landlord pays.
- Who fixes what, and how fast.
- Whether pets, roommates or subletting are allowed.
- What happens if you need to leave early.
The deposit
Most landlords ask for a security deposit. Many places limit how much it can be and how fast it must be returned, so check the local rules in your city. Pay by a traceable method, get a written receipt, and know the conditions for getting it back.
Move-in day
- Photograph every room, including existing damage, and send the photos to the landlord.
- Write down the meter readings.
- Move the utility accounts into your name if the lease says so.
- Keep a copy of the signed lease and every payment receipt.
Searching on Roomly
Set your city, budget and move-in date once, and Roomly ranks apartments and rooms by how well they match. You can save listings, compare them, and contact owners directly.
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