Should I take photos during a viewing?
Only where allowed, and avoid private personal details. Keep your own records before signing.
Viewing checklist
Apartment viewing checklist for Canadian renters.
A viewing is your best chance to catch practical issues before money changes hands. Use this checklist with the building profile, city guide, and submit flow when you find useful facts.
What to do next
- 1.Check entrances, locks, intercoms, lighting, mail areas, garbage rooms, laundry, elevators, parking, and storage.
- 2.Run taps, look under sinks, ask about leaks, heating, cooling, humidity, windows, and past pest treatment.
- 3.Listen for hallway, street, neighbour, elevator, and mechanical noise at different points in the showing.
- 4.Ask for every fee in writing: deposit, key/fob, parking, storage, move-in, utility, application, and cleaning charges.
- 5.Take notes and photos where allowed, then compare what you saw with the public building profile.
Use BeforeYouRent as part of the check
Search the address, compare the city page, check linked management company pages, and add firsthand building facts when they can help the next renter. Public pages avoid unit numbers, private files, and unmoderated accusations.
Quick answers
What if the building is not on BeforeYouRent?
Use the request form or submit a renter report to start a moderated profile.
This is general renter safety information, not legal advice.