Checklist
Inspection-Day Checklist
What to watch and ask about while a professional inspects your first rental — roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sewer line, and the systems that quietly cost the most.
- Show up and walk the property with the inspector Reports are useful, but a live walk lets you ask questions and see problems with your own eyes. Block out a few hours.
- Check the roof age and condition Ask how many years are left. A roof near the end of its life is one of your largest near-term expenses.
- Look hard at the foundation Stair-step cracks, sloping floors, and sticking doors hint at movement. Foundation work is rarely cheap, so flag it early.
- Confirm the HVAC system works and its age Run heating and cooling. A unit past its expected lifespan is a replacement you should price into your offer.
- Run the plumbing throughout the house Test water pressure, check under sinks for leaks, and ask about the pipe material. Old galvanized or polybutylene lines are red flags.
- Have the electrical panel inspected Outdated or recalled panels and aluminum wiring are safety and insurance issues. Ask whether the panel meets current code.
- Order a sewer line scope A camera down the main line catches roots, cracks, and collapses. A failed sewer line is a five-figure surprise you can avoid.
- Note the water heater age and type Check the label for the manufacture date. Most last about a decade, so budget accordingly if it is older.
- Test for proper drainage and grading Water should flow away from the foundation. Pooling near the house leads to leaks and structural problems over time.
- Inspect the attic and insulation Look for moisture stains, daylight through the roof, and adequate insulation. Hidden leaks show up here first.
- Check windows, doors, and seals Drafts and failed seals raise utility costs and signal deferred maintenance. Open and close a few to test them.
- Ask about past water damage or mold Stains, musty smells, and fresh paint in odd places deserve questions. Moisture problems compound if ignored.
- Verify smoke and carbon monoxide detectors These are often legally required in a rental. Knowing what is missing helps you budget the make-ready.
- Turn the report into a repair dollar figure Sort findings into safety, soon, and someday. A real number lets you renegotiate or re-run your deal before contingencies end.
Inspection day is when the house stops being a listing and starts being a building with real, measurable problems. A good inspector is the best money you will spend before closing, but you should still attend, ask questions, and understand what each finding means for your wallet. Use this list to make sure the big-ticket systems get the attention they deserve, then translate everything you learn into dollars while you can still act on it.