Apartment Checklist

We suggest that you use a checklist like this when you look at prospective apartments.

Questions for Current Tenants

  • What do the utility bills tend to be, especially in the winter?
  • Does the heating system provide adequate heat?
  • Are heating controls provided, and are they effective?
  • Is there sufficient hot water?
  • What are noise levels like?
  • How responsive is the landlord?
  • How well does the landlord maintain the property?
  • How safe is the neighborhood?
  • How secure is the building?
  • What are the other tenants like? Have you had any problems with them?
  • What are the neighbors like? Have you had any problems with them?

*Rhode Island law requires these items be provided by your landlord. 

  • Are there shades in the bathroom and bedroom windows?*
  • Is there adequate work/study space?
  • Is there adequate storage space?
  • Is there a cable outlet?
  • Is there a phone outlet?
  • Are there sufficient electrical outlets?
  • Does it have a tub?
  • Does it have a shower?
  • Is there ventilation?
  • Number
  • Are there phone outlets where needed?
  • Are there sufficient electrical outlets?
  • Is there a stove hookup* or stove?
  • Is there a refrigerator hookup* or refrigerator?
  • Is there a sink?*
  • Is there ventilation?
  • Is the space for parking adequate?
  • Is there a yard or porch?
  • Are there screens and storm windows in all windows?
  • Are the walkways/steps/stairwells in good condition?
  • Are the walls, ceilings, and floors in good condition?
  • Do windows and doors open and close properly?
  • Is the apartment properly insulated?
  • Do any faucets leak, or do water stains show signs of leakage?
  • Do the sinks, tub/shower drain properly?
  • Do toilets flush properly?
  • Is water pressure adequate?
  • Is there sufficient hot water?
  • Are there at least two means of egress?*
  • Are the fire escapes in good condition?*
  • Is there exposed wiring?
  • Are stairwells and halls clear and well-lit?
  • Are there smoke detectors?*
  • Are there carbon monoxide detectors?
  • Are appliances, if provided, in good working condition?
  • Are there fire extinguishers with current certifications?
  • Are there sufficient locks on all exterior doors and windows?
  • Is there a dead block on the apartment door?
  • Does the building door fall shut on its own weight and self-lock?
  • is there a working electric door buzzer?
  • Do windows accessible from the ground floor have security screens?
  • Are entrances, walkways, and parking areas well-lit?
  • Are laundry facilities available?
  • Is there a lock on the mailbox?
  • If there is an elevator, is it in satisfactory condition?
  • Is the apartment handicapped accessible?
  • Is the landlord responsible for clearing snow from walks and driveways?
  • Is the landlord responsible for cutting grass, raking leaves, etc.?
  • Regular garbage collection and adequate containers with lids?
  • Is the landlord responsible for moving garbage containers to the curb for trash pick-up or are you?
  • Is recycling available, and are containers provided?
  • Is smoking allowed in the apartment/house?
  • Is a GFI outlet provided in the bathroom, kitchen, or other spaces where there is running water?
Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.