# New Apartment Tour and Move-In Checklist (PDF) > A printable checklist for touring and moving into a new unit: sound ratings, heat, phases, the 48-hour form and day 7 and 30 punch lists. URL: https://newapartmentsdallas.com/guides/new-apartment-tour-move-in-checklist/ Last-Modified: 2026-10-26 Tags: new apartment move in checklist, apartment move in inspection checklist, new construction apartment punch list, apartment tour checklist pdf Decision guide · Lease-Ups # Tour and Move-In Checklist for a Brand-New Apartment A printable checklist for touring and moving into a new unit: sound ratings, heat, phases, the 48-hour form and day 7 and 30 punch lists. By New Dallas Apartment Team [/about/#new-dallas-apartment-team →](/about/#new-dallas-apartment-team) Updated October 26, 2026 6 min read - Free to you, and your rent is the same either way - 120 new communities tracked - Prices pulled every morning ![Clipboard checklist on a new kitchen counter with a tape measure](/images/featured/clipboard-checklist-on-a-new-kitchen-counter-with-.webp) - Licensed brokerage Spirit Real Estate Group, TREC #562021 - Every price dated Every price dated and sourced - Commission-blind Commission never touches our score or sort - Corrections logged Corrections logged within one business day ## Why do new apartments need a checklist? Because new isn’t perfect, and even premium units have hidden defects. A proper **new apartment move in checklist** turns a tour into documented evidence and ensures a clean start. We see homeowners and business owners assume a fresh build means zero maintenance, which is rarely true. Lease-up apartments [/lease-up-apartments/ →](/lease-up-apartments/) pass city inspections, but individual units often retain punch-list items like stuck doors or whistling vents. The most common new construction defects in 2026 include drywall imperfections, incomplete caulking, and missing outlet covers. Our team recommends printing this page directly from your browser or requesting a digital PDF copy via email. ## Tour checklist Bring this list on every single visit to ensure you evaluate the space thoroughly. An organized approach prevents you from missing critical details in the excitement of a new space. Our touring guide [/guides/touring-new-apartments-dallas/ →](/guides/touring-new-apartments-dallas/) explains exactly how to route these visits for maximum efficiency. A remote option works perfectly for busy professionals moving their operations. The technology brings the walk-through directly to your desk. We can also run this inspection for you on live video if you are relocating from out of state. ### Sound Acoustic privacy dictates your daily comfort, especially when working from home. The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) Section 1207 sets clear minimums for noise transfer. We look for a rating of 50, which is the legal code minimum between dwelling units. Luxury properties often exceed this with STC scores of 55 or 60 to block out heavy footfalls. A quiet environment requires testing the physical space yourself. Our inspectors always verify the exact acoustic ratings using the following steps: - Ask the leasing agent how the building meets the required **STC/IIC 50** rating between units. - Listen closely at the front door, the primary bedroom wall, and the main windows. - We always note any noise sources located above, below, or directly beside the unit. Our guide on how to pick the right unit in a new building [/guides/how-to-pick-unit-new-building/ →](/guides/how-to-pick-unit-new-building/) covers noise traps by floor and stack. - Check for proximity to the trash room, the fitness center, or the elevator shaft. - These adjacent spaces generate constant, unpredictable noise throughout the day. ### Heat and exposure Our checklist ensures the air conditioning system is properly sized for local extremes. Climate control directly impacts both your comfort and your monthly utility costs. West-facing windows take the brunt of the afternoon sun and drastically heat up the space. We verify the system can handle the Dallas design heat standard, which runs to **101°F**. City Ordinance Chapter 27-11 mandates that rental units must maintain a temperature of 85°F or 15 degrees cooler than outside. A failing system in July quickly becomes a serious health hazard. Our standard climate checks include these specific items: - Check the exact compass direction the primary windows face. - Ask the manager how the AC capacity handles the intense summer heat. - We test this by feeling the actual airflow output at every single vent in the unit. - Confirm the system can legally meet the 85°F city mandate. - A weak breeze from a ceiling vent indicates severe duct issues. ![Close-up of a new window frame and HVAC vent being checked](/images/content/close-up-of-a-new-window-frame-and-hvac-vent-being.webp) ### Phases and access Our team maps out the completion timeline for every adjacent building to prevent surprises. Construction phasing determines how much noise and dust you will endure after moving in. A unit might be finished while the rest of the property remains an active job site. We request visual proof that the city has issued the Certificate of Occupancy for the specific unit. This document proves the space is legally safe to inhabit. Access routes often change as new sections of a large community open up. We recommend completing these access checks on every tour: - Ask which construction phase includes this specific unit. - Ask what structures are being built next door and when they will finish. - We always walk the actual path from the assigned parking spot to the front door. - Locate the working elevator, the mailroom, and the active trash facilities. - Ask which specific amenities are open today and when the rest will debut. ### Money We scrutinize the ledger to guarantee all promotional specials apply correctly to the account. Financial terms for new builds often include temporary concessions that require careful review. A verbal promise of a free month means nothing without written documentation. Our financial review process exposes hidden costs for parking, trash valet, or package lockers. Utilities must be set up through the specific electric provider assigned to that address. Missing a utility activation deadline delays your entire move-in schedule. We advise gathering these financial details immediately: - Confirm the exact move-in special, its active term, and its expiration date for this unit. - Demand the comprehensive written fee sheet before signing anything. - We double-check the mandatory electric provider operating at this specific street address. > **Take dated photos on tour** > > A visual record provides undeniable proof of the property’s initial state. The unit you actually lease might differ from the model you toured. We keep dated tour notes and maintain our own comprehensive photo files. Do the same during your visit. Clear photos make any layout or finish differences instantly obvious. ## Move-in checklist (first 48 hours) Our standard procedure involves filling out the condition form while taking time-stamped photographs. Most management companies give you exactly **48 hours** to file this critical paperwork. This tight window requires a fast, methodical inspection of every single room. We focus heavily on cosmetic flaws like floor scratches or cabinet scuffs right now. Catching these details early prevents unfair security deposit deductions later. A comprehensive **apartment move in inspection checklist** ensures you document the baseline condition accurately. | Area | Check | | --- | --- | | Doors | Open, close and lock smoothly; weatherstripping intact | | Windows | Open, lock, no cracked panes or broken seals | | AC and heat | Cools and heats each room; thermostat works | | Water | Pressure and hot water at every tap; no leaks under sinks | | Appliances | Fridge, oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer all run | | Electrical | Every outlet and switch works; covers in place | | Finishes | Floors, counters, cabinets, paint, trim | | Safety | Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors present and working | ![Phone photo of a small scuff on new cabinet trim for a move-in form](/images/content/phone-photo-of-a-small-scuff-on-new-cabinet-trim-w.webp) ## Day 7 and day 30 punch lists We submit a highly detailed **new construction apartment punch list** to the community manager at **day 7** and **day 30**. Some hidden defects only reveal themselves after you actually live in the space for a while. Issues like poor HVAC balancing between rooms, a slow drain, or a wooden door that swells require daily use to notice. We monitor these secondary items closely because contractors typically take between 14 and 30 days to resolve them. A structured follow-up guarantees your move-in specials correctly appear on the second month’s ledger. Consistent documentation keeps the management office accountable for finishing the job. Our inspections often reveal these common deferred maintenance items: - Unbalanced airflow leaving one bedroom significantly hotter than the rest. - Small drywall cracks caused by the new building settling. - We frequently spot gaps in the shower caulking that only appear after exposure to hot water. - Misaligned cabinet hinges will loosen after repeated daily use. - A running toilet wastes water and inflates your monthly utility bill. ## What if repairs don’t happen? We rely on the Texas Property Code § 92.052 to enforce mandatory landlord repairs. Ignored maintenance requests demand an immediate escalation through formal, written channels. You must submit all follow-up communications directly through the official resident portal and keep personal copies. Our documentation always confirms the tenant is fully current on rent, which is a strict legal requirement for demanding repairs. State law requires landlords to fix conditions that materially affect physical health or safety after receiving proper notice. State guidelines presume that seven days is a reasonable time frame for a landlord to act. We advise following these exact steps if a critical repair stalls: - Verify your rent balance is at zero, as delinquent accounts lose repair protections. - Send a dated, written notice via certified mail to establish a formal legal timeline. - We cite local laws in our requests, such as the Dallas mandate for 85°F maximum indoor temperatures. - A malfunctioning air conditioner in 100°F heat qualifies as a severe health hazard under these regulations. - Property Code § 92.331 also prohibits landlords from retaliating for six months following a legitimate request. We take any stuck issues up directly with the community management in writing and report back with a clear resolution plan. A solid paper trail is your best defense against negligent property management. Keep copies of every single message you send. ## What’s the next step? We invite you to Get my shortlist [/contact/ →](/contact/) and choose either an in-person walkthrough or a detailed live video inspection. Securing a flawless luxury unit requires more than just a quick glance around an empty room. A thorough **apartment tour checklist pdf** prepares you to ask the hard questions and document the facts. Our professional guidance ensures your transition into a fresh space is smooth and stress-free. The right preparation turns a stressful move into an organized success. Reach out today to start planning your upcoming move. ## Where it usually goes wrong 1 ### Phases still delivering A building can lease one phase while the next is under construction. Noise, access and unopened amenities come with the deal. 2 ### First-year defects New units have punch-list items: HVAC balancing, doors, finishes. Miss the 48-hour move-in form and they're harder to fix. 3 ### Deep special, big renewal The deepest specials sit in lease-up. So do the biggest year-two jumps when the special ends and renewal starts from base. **So we confirm phase status in writing, send a punch list at days 7 and 30, and show year two beside every lease-up special.** ## Questions renters ask ### What should I check on move-in day? Doors, windows, AC, water pressure, appliances and finishes. Log anything you find within about 48 hours. ### What is a punch list? A written list of defects for the community to fix. We send one at day 7 and day 30. ### Is there a printable version? Yes. Print this page from your browser, or ask us and we'll email the checklist as a PDF. ### Can you guarantee a price or approval? No. The community sets both, and we confirm them before you sign. ## Related guides Decision guide Touring New Apartments: Four in One Afternoon or a Live Video Walk How we route up to four new buildings in one afternoon or walk the actual unit with you on live video, and what to ask on tour. Read the guide [/guides/touring-new-apartments-dallas/ →](/guides/touring-new-apartments-dallas/) Decision guide How to Pick the Right Unit in a New Building Floor, stack and sun exposure tradeoffs in a new building, plus elevator, trash and amenity proximity and how unit prices differ. Read the guide [/guides/how-to-pick-unit-new-building/ →](/guides/how-to-pick-unit-new-building/) Learn more about Lease-Up Apartments Buildings in lease-up, filtered by stage, with deal depth and build-complete status. Go to Lease-Ups [/lease-up-apartments/ →](/lease-up-apartments/) ## Where to look next Lease-Up Apartments Buildings in lease-up, filtered by stage, with deal depth and build-complete status. Open [/lease-up-apartments/ →](/lease-up-apartments/) New Construction Apartments Map and cards for every ground-up building, with the real monthly price and the date we checked it. Open [/new-construction-apartments/ →](/new-construction-apartments/) Apartment Specials Current specials with the term, end date, net effective and year-two price shown side by side. Open [/apartment-specials/ →](/apartment-specials/) ## Want us to run this on real buildings? Text your move date, budget, and where you work. You'll get buildings decoded and tolls priced within hours. - We confirm the unit, the special and a written fee sheet - We check the electric provider at the address - We price the toll route to your job ### Thanks, we have your request. We make the calls and send your shortlist the same day during hours. We couldn't send that. Try again, or email us at hello@newapartmentsdallas.com. ## Tell us your move date. We make the calls. Text your move date, budget, and where you work. You'll get buildings decoded and tolls priced within hours. Get my shortlist [/contact/ →](/contact/) See the New Build Board → [/new-construction-apartments/ →](/new-construction-apartments/) Free. Your rent is the same either way. Same day during hours. We don't guarantee pricing or approval. The community sets both, and we confirm them before you sign.