☐ Remove all trash, debris, and leftover items
☐ Use a blower/vacuum to clear dust and dirt from floors and corners
☐ Sweep, mop, and vacuum all floors
☐ Wipe down baseboards, doors, and trim
☐ Wash windows (inside/outside where possible)
☐ Inspect every wall for damage, holes, or marks. Patch and repair as needed
☐ Repaint all walls, corners, and trim. No unpainted spots left
☐ Touch up ceilings if stained or discolored
☐ Check all doors (entry, bedroom, bathroom, closet) for smooth operation
☐ Repair/replace broken locks or handles
☐ Check all windows: open/close properly, replace cracked glass, repair locks
☐ Inspect kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Tighten or replace hinges, handles, and locks if loose/broken
☐ Test all electrical outlets and light switches. Replace broken covers
☐ Replace missing/burnt-out bulbs
☐ Check ceiling fans for proper operation
☐ Confirm fixtures are secure and complete (no missing globes/shades)
☐ Test toilets for leaks, clogs, and flushing issues
☐ Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers – check for leaks and drainage
☐ Re-caulk around bathtubs, sinks, and showers
☐ Ensure faucets work and have hot/cold water
☐ Clean stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher
☐ Test all appliances to confirm they work
☐ Check stove burners and oven heating
☐ Inspect refrigerator for cooling and freezer function
☐ Install working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room, and hallway
☐ Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm in the hallway and living room
☐ Confirm all locks (doors/windows) are secure
☐ Check for any visible safety hazards
☐ Look for obvious issues that could fail inspection (loose wires, leaks, broken fixtures)
☐ Ensure apartment smells fresh and is move-in clean
☐ Confirm nothing is left unpainted, uncleaned, or broken
☐ If parts are needed, make a proper list of all parts before leaving. Be organized so you don’t have to go back and forth to Home Depot
☐ If tenant is present, avoid unnecessary conversations – tenant may be upset or say negative things
☐ Ask the tenant to make a list of requested repairs. Follow that list accordingly
☐ Once repairs are completed, have the tenant sign and date a paper confirming that the listed repairs were done
Disclosure---This is all advisory, it all depends on work
Tip----Always ask handyman to take pictures before job, ask handyman to give estimate in writing to avoid dispute, ask lot of questions, never give full amount, before completion of job.
In case of housing Inspection---Ask handyman that you will hold $200 and will pay once inspection passes
Try to take 2-3 bids/estimate to know better