Viewing apartments is critical for finding quality housing in Taiwan, yet many expats rush through inspections only to discover problems after moving in. This comprehensive checklist ensures you evaluate apartments thoroughly, identify potential issues early, and make informed decisions protecting your comfort and finances.
Before the Viewing
Preparation before stepping into apartments maximizes your viewing efficiency and effectiveness.
Research and Questions
Confirm the viewing time and exact address including floor number. Ask about building age, last renovation date, and included furnishings or appliances. Inquire about monthly rent plus additional costs (utilities, management fees, parking). Request information about lease terms, deposit requirements, and minimum contract length. Clarify who you'll meet—landlord, agent, or current tenant.
What to Bring
Smartphone or camera for photos and videos (ask permission first—most landlords allow documentation). Measuring tape for checking furniture fit if needed. Notepad or phone for taking notes and marking concerns. This viewing checklist (digital or printed). A Mandarin-speaking friend if your Chinese is limited. Pen for jotting quick observations.
External and Building Inspection
Your apartment evaluation begins before entering the unit itself.
Neighborhood and Location
Walk around the immediate area noting cleanliness and maintenance. Check proximity to MRT stations, bus stops, and main roads. Identify nearby amenities like convenience stores, markets, and restaurants. Observe neighborhood character—residential quiet versus commercial bustle. Note potential noise sources like bars, construction, or busy roads. Assess safety—adequate street lighting, general maintenance level, and whether you feel comfortable.
Building Condition
Examine the building's external condition including facade maintenance, visible cracks or damage, and general upkeep. Check entrance and common areas for cleanliness, security features (intercom, locks, cameras), mailbox conditions, and whether stairwells/hallways are well-maintained. Verify elevator functionality if applicable—test it yourself noting speed and noise. Assess bike parking availability and security if you'll have a scooter or bicycle. Look for adequate trash disposal areas that are clean and organized.
Neighbors and Building Culture
Observe other residents you encounter—families, students, professionals, or mixed. Notice noise levels in hallways and adjacent units. Check building notice boards for community rules, announcements, or complaints that reveal building culture. Buildings with visible management and resident care generally indicate better living experiences.
Inside the Apartment: Room by Room
Systematic room inspection prevents overlooking critical issues.
Entry and General Impression
Note your immediate impression entering—smell (mold, smoke, cooking odors), natural light levels, overall cleanliness, and whether the space feels maintained. Check door locks and security—do they function smoothly and feel secure? Verify peepholes or camera intercoms work properly. Measure ceiling height if you're tall—some older buildings have low ceilings.
Living Areas
Test all windows—do they open, close, and lock properly? Assess natural light throughout the day if possible. Check for signs of water damage on ceilings and walls (stains, discoloration, peeling paint). Examine floors for levelness, damage, or excessive wear. Test electrical outlets with your phone charger—do they work and hold plugs firmly? Count outlets and assess if sufficient for your needs. Check air conditioning units—are they present, functioning, and clean? Turn them on if possible. Inspect walls for soundproofing quality (tap and listen—thin walls sound hollow).
Kitchen Inspection
Test all gas stove burners—do they ignite easily and burn evenly? Check the range hood—turn it on and verify it vents properly (outside or through filters). Open all cabinets checking for pests, water damage, or unpleasant odors. Verify storage is adequate for your cooking needs. Test faucets for water pressure and temperature (hot water should arrive within 30 seconds). Look under the sink for leaks, mold, or water damage. Check the refrigerator if included—does it cool properly and is it clean? Verify counter space and workspace suffices for your cooking style.
Bathroom Assessment
Run water in sinks, showers, and bathtubs checking pressure and drainage speed. Test water heater by running hot water for several minutes—verify consistent temperature and adequate flow. Flush toilets checking they function properly without running continuously. Inspect for mold on walls, ceilings, and grout—Taiwan's humidity makes this common but excessive mold indicates poor ventilation. Check ventilation—is there a fan, window, or adequate air circulation? Look for water damage on ceilings and walls. Test all bathroom electrical outlets, especially those near water sources. Verify showerheads provide good pressure and spray patterns.
Bedroom Evaluation
Check closet and storage space—is it sufficient for your belongings? Test windows for external noise penetration. Verify room darkening capability—are there curtains, blinds, or shutters? Check for any musty smells indicating moisture issues. If furnished, test the mattress for comfort and condition. Verify electrical outlets are conveniently located for lamps, phones, and devices. Check air conditioning placement and noise levels.
Critical Systems Check
These systems critically impact daily living comfort and should receive extra attention.
Air Conditioning
Taiwan's subtropical climate makes air conditioning essential. Turn on all AC units verifying they blow cold air within 2-3 minutes. Listen for unusual noises indicating mechanical issues. Check remote controls function properly. Inspect units for cleanliness—dirty filters mean poor maintenance. Ask when units were last serviced—should be annually at minimum. Verify each room has adequate cooling capacity for its size.
Water Systems
Test water pressure throughout the apartment at multiple outlets simultaneously. Check hot water reliability—Taiwan uses tankless heaters that sometimes have pressure or temperature inconsistencies. Inspect for any visible leaks under sinks, around toilets, or at pipe connections. Verify drainage speed in all sinks, showers, and tubs—slow drains indicate blockages. Ask about water quality—some areas have harder water or older pipes affecting taste and quality.
Electrical System
Count total electrical outlets and verify placement meets your needs. Test outlets throughout the apartment, not just a few. Check for grounded three-prong outlets where needed for computers and appliances. Look at the breaker box if accessible—modern organized breakers indicate good electrical maintenance. Verify adequate amperage for your needs especially if you use multiple high-power devices. Ask about any electrical issues or quirks current tenants have experienced.
Internet Connectivity
Ask about existing internet infrastructure—is fiber optic available? Check if internet is included or you'll need to arrange installation. Verify previous tenants had stable connections. Test cell phone signal strength in different rooms—Taiwan generally has excellent coverage but some buildings have dead zones. If working from home, confirm the apartment can support your connectivity needs.
Mold, Pests, and Hygiene
Taiwan's humidity and climate create environments where these issues require vigilance.
Mold Inspection
Check bathroom corners, shower areas, and grouting carefully. Inspect bedroom closets and wardrobes for musty smells or visible mold. Look behind/under furniture if possible. Check window frames and seals for mold growth. Examine air conditioning units and vents. Ask about building dehumidifier usage—essential in Taiwan. Some mold is manageable, but extensive growth indicates serious moisture problems or poor ventilation that no amount of cleaning will permanently fix.
Pest Signs
Look for cockroach droppings (small dark specks near water sources). Open cabinets quickly and check for scurrying—indicates active infestation. Check for ant trails along walls or near food areas. Inspect for mosquito entry points through screens and windows. Ask landlords directly about pest control measures and frequency. Well-maintained buildings have regular pest control while neglected ones face ongoing problems.
Furniture and Appliances (If Furnished)
Furnished apartments require additional inspection of provided items.
Furniture Condition
Test all furniture for sturdiness and comfort, especially beds and seating. Check for excessive wear, stains, or damage. Verify furniture matches your needs—adequate desk space if working from home, comfortable seating, etc. Look for signs of bedbugs on mattresses (small dark spots, unusual smells). Open all drawers and cabinets checking they function smoothly. Photograph everything documenting pre-existing conditions to avoid deposit disputes later.
Appliance Functionality
Test refrigerators by checking if they're cold (bring a thermometer if serious). Run washing machines through a quick cycle if possible. Turn on all lights and lamps verifying bulbs work. Test any provided electronics like TVs, microwaves, or rice cookers. Ask about appliance ages and warranty situations. Request replacements for non-functioning items before signing leases.
Noise Assessment
Noise issues cause more tenant dissatisfaction than almost any other factor.
During Viewing
Stand quietly in different rooms listening for sounds from adjacent units, above, below, and outside. Ask to visit during different times if possible—early morning, evening, and weekends when noise patterns differ. Tap walls checking thickness—hollow sounds indicate thin walls with poor sound insulation. Traffic noise particularly affects street-facing units on lower floors. Night markets, bars, and entertainment areas create evening and late-night noise.
Questions to Ask
Directly ask about noise issues from neighbors, traffic, or businesses. Inquire what neighbors are like—families, students, professionals, or mixed. Ask if there are noise complaints or problematic tenants in the building. Question whether windows provide adequate sound dampening. Buildings on main roads need good windows for livable noise levels.
Sunlight and Ventilation
Natural light and airflow significantly impact apartment comfort and habitability.
Natural Light
Note which direction windows face—south and west receive most sunlight but can overheat. Check how much natural light enters during your viewing time. Consider seasonal variations—less light in winter months. Verify rooms meet your natural light preferences. Some people need bright spaces while others prefer darker environments.
Ventilation and Air Quality
Open windows checking how well they ventilate the space. Note if cross-ventilation is possible (windows on multiple walls). Verify bathroom and kitchen ventilation adequacy. Check for any musty or stale air indicating poor circulation. Ask about typical indoor air quality and moisture problems. Buildings without good airflow require constant AC or dehumidifier use, increasing utility costs.
Questions to Ask Landlords
Direct questions reveal information visual inspection alone cannot provide.
Essential Questions
Why is the previous tenant leaving, and how long did they stay? What utilities are included versus separate billing? What's the exact monthly cost including all fees? What's the deposit amount and refund process? What is the minimum lease term and renewal options? Are there restrictions on guests, pets, or modifications? What maintenance is landlord responsibility versus tenant? How quickly do maintenance requests get addressed? Can you register your address here for ARC purposes? Are there any upcoming renovations or building changes planned?
Building-Specific Questions
What are monthly management fees and what do they cover? Are there building rules about noise, hours, or activities? How is trash disposal managed? Is package delivery secure and convenient? What parking options exist for scooters or bicycles? How is building security managed? Who are the typical residents in the building?
Red Flags to Watch For
Certain warning signs indicate apartments to avoid regardless of attractive rent.
Serious Concerns
Extensive mold that returns despite cleaning indicates structural moisture problems. Strong persistent odors that don't dissipate with airing out. Obvious pest infestations despite landlord claims they're addressed. Landlords who refuse to let you test appliances or systems. Vague or evasive answers about why previous tenants left quickly. Significant recent tenant turnover. Water stains or damage on ceilings and walls. Non-functioning critical systems landlords claim will be "fixed before you move in." Landlords pressuring immediate decisions without time to consider.
After the Viewing
Your work continues after leaving the apartment.
Immediate Actions
Take comprehensive notes while impressions are fresh—what you liked, concerns, and questions. Review photos and videos noting anything you missed during viewing. Research the neighborhood online checking crime statistics and development plans. Compare rent to similar apartments in the area. Discuss impressions with friends or advisors. Visit the area again at different times to confirm your assessment. If seriously interested, request a second viewing to check anything you missed.
Decision Framework
Create a checklist scoring system rating apartments across criteria important to you—location, condition, price, natural light, noise levels, amenities, and landlord responsiveness. Compare scores across multiple apartments you've viewed. Consider deal-breakers versus minor inconveniences you can tolerate. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, explore further before committing.
Moving Forward
Thorough apartment viewings require time and diligence, but they're investments protecting you from costly mistakes and living misery. Don't rush—viewing 30 minutes isn't enough for spaces you'll inhabit long-term. Request hour-long viewings allowing proper inspection.
Bring this checklist to every viewing. While it seems extensive, you'll internalize the process after several viewings, making inspections second nature. The apartments that pass thorough scrutiny offer far better living experiences than those rushed through superficial evaluations.
Remember—you're committing significant money and time to these spaces. Landlords should welcome thorough tenants who take care to ensure good fits. Those who pressure you to skip inspections or rush decisions aren't landlords you want anyway. Take your time, be thorough, and find apartments that truly suit your Taiwan living needs.