Apartment photos can tell you a lot, but there are some things you simply can’t learn from a rental listing. An apartment tour gives you the opportunity to see how the space actually feels, take a closer look at its condition, explore the surrounding area, and ask questions before deciding whether to apply.
It’s easy to get distracted by a great kitchen, a large bedroom, or a nice view and overlook details that could affect your everyday life. Whether you’re searching for your first apartment or simply ready for a change, knowing what to look for during a tour can help you make a more informed decision.
Here are some of the most important things to check when touring a potential rental.
1. Look Beyond the Apartment’s Appearance
First impressions matter, but try to look beyond furniture, décor, and cosmetic details. Instead, pay attention to the condition and functionality of the apartment itself.
Look at the floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, cabinets, and countertops. Minor wear and tear is normal, especially in an occupied apartment, but visible damage or signs of larger problems are worth asking about.
If the apartment is currently occupied, remember that it may look very different once the current resident’s belongings are removed and the property has gone through the rental turnover process.
2. Pay Attention to the Layout
A floor plan that looks good online may feel completely different in person.
Walk through the apartment and imagine your normal routine. Is there enough room for your furniture? Is the kitchen large enough for the way you cook? Does the bedroom have space for your bed and other furniture? Is there a comfortable place to work from home if you need one?
Think about storage, too. Open closets and look at available cabinet and pantry space.
Square footage is important, but a well-designed smaller apartment can sometimes feel more comfortable than a larger apartment with an awkward layout.
3. Check the Windows and Natural Light
Natural light can dramatically change how an apartment feels.
Notice how many windows the apartment has, which direction they face, and whether nearby buildings or trees block much of the sunlight.
You should also take a closer look at the windows themselves. Do they appear to open and close properly? Are there screens? Do you notice obvious drafts or condensation?
This is particularly important when renting an apartment in Missoula, where winter temperatures make good windows and heating especially valuable.
4. Look at the Heating and Cooling
Montana winters make heating an important consideration when choosing a rental.
Ask what type of heating system the apartment uses and whether heating costs are included in the rent or paid separately by the resident.
If the apartment has air conditioning, find out whether it is central air, a wall unit, or another system.
It’s also helpful to ask about typical utility costs so you can develop a more realistic monthly rental budget instead of looking at rent alone.
5. Test the Water Pressure
If permitted during the tour, turn on a faucet and check the water pressure. You can also see how quickly the water warms up.
Look underneath sinks for obvious signs of leaks or moisture and glance around faucets, tubs, showers, and toilets.
A tour isn’t a professional property inspection, so you don’t need to examine every pipe or fixture. You’re simply looking for anything noticeable that you may want to ask about before applying.
6. Look at the Kitchen Appliances
If appliances are included with the apartment, take note of what is provided.
Depending on the property, that might include a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer, or dryer.
Ask which appliances are included with the rental and whether the appliances you see during the tour will remain in the apartment.
If having certain appliances is important to you, don’t assume they’re included simply because they appear in listing photos.
7. Find Out About Laundry
Laundry can make a surprisingly big difference in your daily routine.
Does the apartment have a washer and dryer? Washer/dryer hookups? Shared laundry facilities?
If laundry is shared, ask where the laundry room is located and how residents pay for machines.
If there are only a few machines serving a large apartment community, you may also want to ask about availability.
8. Check Your Cell Phone Signal
This takes only a few seconds and is easy to forget.
Check your phone while you’re inside the apartment. Walk into the bedroom and other areas where you’re likely to spend a lot of time.
If your signal is weak, ask what internet providers service the property. Reliable connectivity may be particularly important if you work remotely or frequently stream entertainment at home.
9. Listen to the Apartment
Spend a moment simply listening.
Can you hear traffic? Neighbors? Dogs? Construction? Trains?
No apartment is completely silent, and the amount of noise you’re comfortable with is a personal preference. However, knowing what to expect before moving in is much better than discovering it afterward.
If possible, consider what the neighborhood might sound like at different times of day as well.
10. Look at Parking
If you have a vehicle, ask exactly what parking comes with the apartment.
Questions to Ask About Parking
Is there an assigned space? Is parking covered? Is there an additional monthly charge? Where can guests park? Are there restrictions on the number or type of vehicles?
In Missoula, you may also want to think about how easy the parking area will be to navigate once snow arrives.
If you don’t have a car, consider access to public transportation, bike storage, and how easily you can reach the places you visit regularly.
11. Ask About Pets Before You Apply
Never assume an apartment is pet-friendly.
If you have a pet or are considering getting one, ask about the property’s pet policy before submitting an application.
Find out whether there are restrictions on the number, size, or type of pets permitted and whether additional deposits or monthly charges apply.
Reviewing the pet policy for your rental ahead of time can prevent surprises during the application process.
12. Explore the Community Amenities
If you’re touring an apartment community, don’t just look at the unit.
Ask to see the amenities available to residents. Depending on the property, these might include a fitness center, community lounge, outdoor spaces, dog park, storage, playground, package area, or other shared facilities.
Think realistically about which amenities you’ll actually use. A feature you’ll use several times a week may add meaningful value, while something that sounds impressive but doesn’t fit your lifestyle probably shouldn’t influence your decision very much.
You can also explore Missoula apartment communities before scheduling tours to compare locations, floor plans, and amenities.
13. Look Around the Neighborhood
Your apartment doesn’t exist in isolation.
Before or after your tour, spend a few minutes exploring the surrounding area.
Consider how close the property is to work, school, grocery stores, restaurants, parks, trails, public transportation, and other places you visit regularly.
If you’re moving to Missoula, looking at a map beforehand can help you narrow your apartment search to areas that make sense for your lifestyle.
You may also want to drive your potential commute rather than relying entirely on the estimated time shown by a mapping app.
14. Ask What Is Included in the Rent
Two apartments with the same advertised rent can have very different total monthly costs.
Ask which utilities or services are included and which are the resident’s responsibility.
Depending on the property, additional expenses might include electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, parking, pet rent, or other charges.
Knowing these expenses before applying will help you understand the true cost of renting an apartment and compare different properties more accurately.
15. Understand the Lease Terms
Before getting too attached to an apartment, make sure the basic lease terms work for you.
Ask about the lease length, expected move-in date, security deposit, application requirements, and any other important conditions.
If you’re not familiar with rental agreements, learning about common lease terms renters should know can make the process much less intimidating.
16. Ask About the Application Process
If you like the apartment, find out what happens next.
Ask how to apply, what documentation you’ll need, whether there is an application fee, and what criteria applicants are expected to meet.
Having your documentation ready can be especially useful when you’re interested in a property with limited availability.
Before applying, review the rental application requirements so you know what information you’ll need to provide.
17. Take Photos and Notes
If you’re touring several apartments, they can quickly start blending together.
Take notes about each property and, when permitted, snap a few photos or videos for your own reference.
Record things that aren’t obvious from the listing, such as:
- Which utilities are included
- Parking arrangements
- Storage space
- Laundry options
- Pet policies
- Move-in dates
- Features you particularly liked or disliked
Creating a simple comparison can make choosing between your top options much easier.
Questions to Ask During an Apartment Tour
You don’t need to arrive with a clipboard and conduct an interrogation, but having a few questions ready can help you get the information you need.
Consider asking:
- What utilities are included in the rent?
- What is the lease term?
- When is the apartment available?
- What parking is included?
- Is the property pet-friendly?
- How does laundry work?
- What internet providers service the property?
- Are there additional monthly fees?
- How are maintenance requests submitted?
- What are the application requirements?
- What community amenities are available?
- Is the apartment you’re touring the actual unit available for rent or a model?
If something is particularly important to you, ask before applying rather than assuming.
Don’t Feel Pressured to Decide Based on One Feature
Every rental involves tradeoffs.
One apartment may have a fantastic location but less storage. Another may offer more space but require a longer commute. A third might cost slightly more but include utilities or amenities that you’d otherwise pay for separately.
Think about your priorities before you start touring and separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves.
The goal isn’t necessarily to find a perfect apartment. It’s to find the apartment that works best for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Looking for an Apartment in Missoula?
Knowing what to look for during an apartment tour can help you ask better questions, compare your options, and feel more confident about your decision.
Missoula Property Management offers a variety of apartments, townhomes, and rental homes throughout the Missoula area.
Start by browsing our available Missoula rentals online. When you find a property that looks like the right fit, review the listing details and follow the instructions to take the next step.
Your next Missoula home might be closer than you think.