Tips on property inspection

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Doors. Make sure doors to the outside have properly working locks. At least one exit door must be accessible to the outside without the use of a key.
Ceilings, walls, and floors should have no large cracks, holes, peeling paint, leaks, or serious structural defects. Carpets should lay flat. (Note, we check for lead paint problems, but we can also help fix them.)
Windows and screens. If windows are accessible from the outside, they should have permanently installed working locks. They also need to be in good condition without cracks or leaks. (Hint: cracks and gaps can be fixed with silicone or weather stripping.) If screens are present, they should fit properly with no holes or tears. Please make sure each bedroom has at least one window that opens (sometimes they're painted shut) and that if iron bars are installed they have a "quick release" capability and take only one step to open (for example, with only one handle to lift). People need to be able to get out quickly if there is an emergency such as a fire.
Smoke detectors. Each floor should have its own working smoke detector. (Please make sure they have working batteries.)
All kitchen fixtures and appliances should be in good working condition, including: faucets (should run hot and cold without dripping or leaks), oven/stove (all knobs and burners should be present and working, and the stovetop free of grease), refrigerator (make sure it's clean, and that the lights turn on and the doors shut properly), dishwasher, garbage disposal, lights, drawers and cabinets.
Water heaters need to be working (and if placed in the garage, need to be placed on a platform 18 inches off the ground), have earthquake straps, and a properly installed pressure release valve (with a discharge line directed downward that reaches six to 24 inches from the ground).
Heating. A permanent (vs. portable) working heating system needs to be in place.
Electrical switches and outlets. Make sure that fuse boxes and wires are covered and that outlet cover plates are in place and not cracked.
Bathrooms should be clean and free of mildew. Faucets, toilets, and light fixtures must work. A ventilation fan or window that opens is required. Also, be sure to reconnect the vent if your previous tenant disconnected it because of the noise.
Exterior. Last but not least, we'll take a look outside to make sure there's a working mailbox, that the address is visible from the street, fences are in good condition, and that there isn't any chipped or peeling paint or graffiti.