Rental Inspection Checklist to Avoid Rental Issues
Before Viewing the Property
Bring a ground-check tester;
Tape measure?
Before Signing
Negotiate viewing arrangements as the lease nears expiration (do you need to be home? How much advance notice is required for viewings?).
Does the sale break the lease? ("买卖不破租赁" – lease survives sale)
Subletting clause?
Can you register your residence (居住证), business address, or file official records?
How are damages and furniture replacements handled? Request an itemized price list.
Ask about replacing appliances and curtains, and whether pets are allowed.
Pet policy (ensure this is written into the contract).
Check if the property is mortgaged, has loans, or is under court seizure.
Review the contract (AI review): No liability for natural wear and tear; lease survives sale; verify previous tenant's utility bills; confirm the landlord has legal right to lease; clauses on compensation for losses due to产权 disputes. Beware of absolute terms.
How long after move-out does the landlord inspect + return the deposit? (Write this into the contract)
What other fees apply? Water, electricity, internet, property management, trash? How are they billed? Are utilities residential rates?
Property Inspection
Appliances
Is the air conditioner working well? Does both heating and cooling work? Is it cool enough? Does it leak after running too long? Any bad odors?
Water heater? Gas water heaters should be at least 16L/min; check electric water heaters for limescale.
Are appliances functioning normally (refrigerator, washing machine, water heater)? Any noise? Limescale? Frost buildup?
Run the washing machine empty to check for leaks; run the dryer to see if it throws error codes.
Turn on the oven, water heater, and microwave simultaneously on maximum to check if the breaker trips.
Water
Check for leaks (air conditioner dripping after prolonged use, dripping from upstairs, leaking pipes, window seepage during rain).
Test toilet flush buttons (large and small); check if all sinks drain properly and are unblocked.
Is the showerhead water pressure strong enough?
Does the sewer odor back up?
Check sink and floor drain functionality; ensure drains are at a low point, especially in the bathroom (floor drains may be higher than surrounding areas, causing water to not drain after showers).
Electricity
Wire hazards? Exposed wires, incorrect connections. (Use a ground-check tester.)
Is the leakage protector functional (press the test button next to the circuit breaker).
Use a voltage tester to check neutral/zero-line voltage.
Room
Is the balcony enclosed? Will laundry blow away in the wind? Is it pet-friendly (risk of falling)?
Any hidden cameras or two-way mirrors?
Soundproofing? Apart from road noise, will you hear footsteps from upstairs/downstairs? Is soundproofing adequate?
Are door locks working properly? Easy to lock? Can it fully deadbolt?
How is community access control? How do delivery/courier drivers enter? To the door or to a pickup station?
Moving convenience (elevator? Can moving truck park downstairs, or do you have to carry things far?).
Test, replace batteries, and reset the smart lock.
Does natural gas/backdraft occur in flues?
Test all drawers, wardrobes, and movable parts. Check window handle tightness.
Hygiene
Check blind spots, under the mattress, under sofa covers, behind the refrigerator for bloodstains or bugs?
Are there stains under the carpet?
Internet
Which ISPs can connect?
Are Ethernet ports usable? Do you need a Fluke cable certifier?
Parking
How much is the parking space? How to register? Any special requirements (e.g., vehicle registration must match the owner's name)?
Can visitors park?
After Viewing
Before Moving
Boxes (German moving boxes don't require taping the bottom / consider ones with handles).
60cm x 40cm x 50cm: Might be a bit large.
40cm x 30cm x 30cm:
Vacuum bags.
Get an exit permit from the property management.
Before Move-in
Pest control; spray insecticide.
Take photos documenting stains, unusable appliances, etc., for records.
Clean the house or hire professional cleaners before move-in.
Use drain cleaner to disinfect all floor drains and sewers.
Use a fitted bed sheet to protect against water stains and menstrual leaks.
Replace batteries in smart locks and clocks.
Clean air conditioner, water heater, washing machine, range hood, and refrigerator.
Clean curtains, carpets, and sofa?
After Move-in
Update your housing subsidy address.
Individual income tax rental subsidy address.
Residence registration address.
Consider renting insurance?
Others
Moving Tips
German boxes don't need taping on the bottom.
Best with handles;
Stretch wrap + vacuum bags
60cm x 40cm x 50cm Standard moving box, can hold:
Small van: 8 boxes
Medium van: 15-20 boxes
Large van: 30-34 boxes
40cm x 30cm x 30cm For smaller items