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Research the area - Is the property set over a restaurant? Is it located next to a noisy bar? Are the neighbors noisy? It's always a good idea to check all the surroundings before you sign any paperwork.

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Obvious signs of damage - A no-brainer, really. Obvious signs of physical damage like broken windows, faulty light fixtures, chipped countertops, carpet stains, etc. all point to a questionable rental property and a landlord that doesn't care.

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Old pipes - Exterior water pipes that are misaligned or rusty immediately raise a red flag. Besides the obvious risk of leaks and bursts, damaged piping can lower water pressure.

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Leaky pipes - During your walk-through of a property, check the pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks and the tub for signs of leaks. Piping should be sturdy and rust-free

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Check for water damage - Plumbing leaks or leaks in the roof leave telltale signs that are impossible to ignore. Look for discolored patches in the ceiling, walls, and flooring. If nothing is clearly visible, sniff around. Dampness and mold growth have their own distinct odor.

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Low water pressure - Even if the plumbing all seems in order, it's always wise to run the taps and the shower to check water pressure. Low water pressure can be indicative of a number of potential issues.

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Hot and cold water - Running the taps is also a convenient way of checking that the property has a hot water supply.

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No heat supply - Speaking of heat sources, most landlords are required to provide adequate heating as part of a rental agreement. The extent of this responsibility, however, is open to interpretation and will depend on the legal small print.

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Check the white goods - Inspect the appliances, items like the stovetop, fridge, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, and the  like.

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Check gas/electric supply - Check the power supply feeding cooking appliances. This can be gas or electricity. 

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Check all appliances - Any defective appliance discovered during a property walk-through should be reported as soon as possible. Items like these should be included in the inventory on the rental agreement: get the landlord to confirm in writing that they all work satisfactorily.

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Beware poor seals on windows and doors - When touring a prospective rental, check that seals around windows and doors are airtight. Damaged, aged, or loose sealant is detrimental to a comfortable indoor environment.

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Signs of rodent activity - Chewed cable and small, dark brown pellets scattered on the floor are sure indicators of rodent activity. This is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Mouse or rat infestation is a potential health hazard!

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White chalk along skirting board - Similarly, if during your walk-through you spot a white, chalky substance set along the skirting board and floor trim this could indicate that a landlord or previous tenant is attempting to rid the property of cockroaches using insecticide chalk.

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No fire extinguishers? - Not every landlord is required to furnish a fire extinguisher to an individual tenant. However, there should be a number of extinguishers available in public spaces in a larger property.

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Smoke detectors - Check that the rental you're considering is fitted with working smoke detectors. There should certainly be one in each bedroom.

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CO2 detectors - Likewise, CO2 detectors can save lives by alerting a person to deadly carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. These should be fitted throughout a property.

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Is the property pet friendly? - The question of pets should be brought up early in negotiations with a prospective landlord. Put simply, if a landlord does not accept animals at the address, look for somewhere else.

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New paint job? - Many new tenants like to stamp their approval on a property by giving it a new lick of paint. Ask the landlord if they will repaint the walls before you move in. Some landlords are happy to do this and other tasks before handing over the keys. But they are not compelled to do so before a tenancy agreement is set up.

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Do-it-yourself? - If a landlord is not willing to undertake any decoration, inquire whether you can do it yourself, so to speak. But get that permission in writing.

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Conduct a thorough inventory - A landlord should provide a detailed inventory, which a prospective tenant should go through with a fine-tooth comb, noting any defects and the condition of furniture and fittings in the process.

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Suspicious rental agreements - So you've completed a walk-through, decided you like the property, and would like to proceed. But before agreeing to rent a property or paying a deposit, ask to see the lease or rental agreement. Remember, a lease is used for a fixed, longer-term rental, such as a year's lease. A rental agreement is used for shorter-term contracts, like month-to-month leases.

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Suspiciously low rent - Beware of rental scams. A rent that is advertised way below market price for your area probably has something to hide. Rental scams are the scourge of the internet, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If in doubt, ask around, use common sense, and go with your gut.

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Credit check - If your landlord is above board, it makes sense that they'll want to rent to an equally trustworthy and financially sound tenant. A landlord that doesn't run a credit check on a prospective tenant (which always requires a tenant's permission) should be viewed with suspicion.

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Cash upfront - Equally eyebrow-raising is a landlord who insists on cash upfront. Never part with any kind of payment until you've checked the property inside out and have turned in an application. And always get a signed receipt!

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Check if you will need a guarantor - Whether you've got a healthy bank balance or are getting by on low income, be prepared to offer up a guarantor. This is a landlord's prerogative if doubt surrounds a tenant's ability to pay the rent.

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Protecting your deposit - In some countries landlords are required by law to protect tenants’ deposits in a deposit protection scheme. This way a tenant knows where their deposit is being held.

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Not happy with the terms? - Don't be afraid to challenge any terms and conditions you're not happy with, but do so before signing the tenancy agreement.

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Know your rights - Does your contract contain a release clause? Do you understand how rent increases work? It pays to know your rights, and when in doubt it's best to consult a lawyer.

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Get everything in writing -

A tenant's best protection against any unscrupulous landlord is to get everything in writing and signed, preferably in the presence of an independent witness. Again, when in doubt consult a lawyer.

See also: How to decorate your house with waste materials. 

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