Condo inspection checklist
A condo inspection differs from an apartment or single-family walkthrough because the unit boundary is legal, not physical. What a condo owner is responsible for typically stops at the unit's paint layer, while the HOA is responsible for the walls, roof, and common systems. A good condo inspection captures the interior in detail and separately notes the condition of visible HOA-controlled elements the owner will inherit responsibility for shared-cost repairs on.
Who it's for
Buyers about to close on a condo, condo landlords documenting a new tenancy, HOA maintenance staff logging seasonal walk-throughs, and property managers overseeing rental condos.
Key facts
- Separates unit-owner vs HOA responsibility
- Includes balcony, storage locker, and parking stall
- Room-by-room interior with appliance testing
- PDF packet suitable for HOA disputes and insurance
The full checklist
- 1Unit entry door and hardware
Interior side of front door — HOA usually owns exterior side. Deadbolt, peephole, weatherstripping.
- 2Kitchen interior
Cabinets, counters, appliances, sink, faucet, disposal — all owner responsibility.
- 3In-unit plumbing shutoffs
Locate and test every shutoff (sink, toilet, dishwasher, laundry). Water heater if in-unit.
- 4Living areas
Walls, floors, ceilings, windows, blinds. Note any HOA-installed items and their condition.
- 5Bedrooms and closets
Standard interior inspection per bedroom. Photograph carpet or hardwood.
- 6Bathrooms
Fixtures, tile, grout, caulk, exhaust fan. Water-damage evidence gets photographed twice.
- 7In-unit HVAC and mechanicals
Furnace, air handler, or PTAC. Filter condition. If shared building HVAC, log the interior register only.
- 8Electrical panel
In-unit sub-panel labeled and accessible. Test GFCIs.
- 9Balcony or patio
Deck surface, railing, drain. Note who is responsible per CC&Rs (usually a mixed responsibility).
- 10Storage locker (if any)
Locker interior condition, lock working, contents (if inspection is at move-out).
- 11Parking stall or garage
Photograph the stall number, floor condition, any pillar damage.
- 12Common-area boundary
Photograph the hallway outside the unit, corridor carpet condition, unit door exterior. These are HOA responsibility but affect resale.
- 13Fire and life safety
In-unit smoke and CO detectors tested. Sprinkler heads (if present) visually clear of paint or obstruction.
- 14Sound and window seals
Note any obvious sound-transmission or seal issues at windows and shared walls.
Pro tips
- Read the condo's declaration or CC&Rs first — it dictates which elements belong to the owner and which to the HOA.
- Photograph any HOA-visible damage on the day of inspection so responsibility can't shift later.
- For pre-purchase inspections, hire a licensed home inspector in addition to running this checklist.
Frequently asked
Who is responsible for the balcony in a condo?⌄
It varies by association. Many HOAs treat the balcony as a limited common element — the owner has exclusive use but the HOA controls structural repair. Always confirm in the CC&Rs.
Should I document common areas outside my unit?⌄
Yes, briefly. Photographing the corridor and door exterior on move-in day protects you if damage appears later and gets attributed to your unit.
Does this replace a professional home inspection?⌄
No. This is a condition-documentation checklist, not a structural or code inspection. Hire a licensed inspector for pre-purchase evaluations.
Run this checklist in DoneTrace
Every step is a photo-backed proof point. Get an audit-ready PDF the moment you finish.