Apartment Building Annual Inspection Checklist
A yearly condition report across every system of a multifamily property. Read the full checklist below, or run it on your phone and get a professional PDF report — condition score, findings by severity with photos, and repair-cost ranges.
What are you inspecting?
Pick the closest match.
Free · No signup · Your photos and notes stay on this device.
The apartment building inspection checklist
Every item is rated Good, Fair, or Poor with photos and notes; Poor items get a severity tier, and where relevant a repair-cost range and remaining-useful-life estimate.
Site & Grounds
- Parking lot / walkways — cracks & trip hazards
- Site drainage / ponding
- Exterior lighting
- Signage
- Fencing / gates
- Landscaping / irrigation
- Dumpster / trash enclosure
- ADA parking & ramps
Building Exterior / Envelope
- Siding / stucco / masonry — cracks or water intrusion
- Exterior caulking & weatherstripping
- Windows / seals
- Doors / hardware
- Balconies / railingsCritical
- Exterior stairwellsCritical
- Foundation — visible cracksCritical
Roof
- Membrane / shingle conditionCritical
- Ponding water or missing materials
- Flashing
- Gutters & downspouts
- Roof drains
- Penetrations / skylights
- Rooftop equipment mounts
Structure
- FoundationCritical
- Load-bearing wallsCritical
- Visible settlement / movementCritical
- Basement / crawlspace moisture
- Sump pumps
HVAC / Mechanical
- Unit age & condition
- Filters
- Coils
- Thermostat operation
- Refrigerant leaks / staining
- Boiler pressure & service tagsCritical
- Exhaust fans
- Mechanical room condition
Plumbing
- Water heater — age / leaks / anode
- Water pressure
- Visible leaks & supply lines
- Backflow preventer test tag
- Drains
- Fixtures
- Signs of past water damage (ceiling stains)
Electrical
- Panel — condition / labeling / clearanceCritical
- Breaker issuesCritical
- GFCI in wet areas
- Exposed wiringCritical
- Exterior / emergency lighting operation
Life Safety
- Smoke & CO detectors testedCritical
- Fire extinguishers charged + current tagCritical
- Fire alarm panel statusCritical
- Sprinkler heads clearCritical
- Exits unblockedCritical
- Exit signs litCritical
- Egress paths clearCritical
Elevators / Vertical
- Current inspection certificate postedCritical
- Operation
- Door sensors
- Machine room
Interiors / Common Areas
- Flooring
- Walls / ceilings — stains = water history
- Lobby / hallways / laundry
- Appliances
- Pest evidence
- Odors (mold / gas)Critical
Compliance & Documents
- Inspection certificates current (elevator, boiler, backflow, fire)
- Pre-1978 lead paint consideration
- Permits for visible recent work
Questions
What's on a apartment building inspection checklist?
A yearly condition report across every system of a multifamily property. It covers site & grounds, building exterior / envelope, roof, structure, hvac / mechanical, plumbing, electrical, life safety, elevators / vertical, interiors / common areas, compliance & documents — each item rated with photos, notes, and (where relevant) repair-cost and remaining-useful-life estimates.
How long does due diligence take?
Typically about 2–6 weeks, depending on deal size. A standardized checklist keeps the physical assessment consistent so defects surface early rather than after closing.
Is it really free?
Yes — free, no signup, no watermark. Run the inspection on your phone and download a professional PDF report.
Other checklists: Apartment Due Diligence Inspection Checklist · Commercial Property Condition Assessment Checklist · Office Property Condition Assessment Checklist · Warehouse Property Condition Assessment Checklist · All types
Bought it? Turn the findings into a preventive-maintenance schedule →
Want to hear when we launch a new free tool? No spam — a few emails a year, unsubscribe anytime.
Last reviewed July 2026. This checklist and free tool produce a visual condition assessment, not an engineering evaluation, appraisal, or warranty. Repair-cost and useful-life figures are rough planning estimates that must be verified by licensed professionals.