When you’re ready to sign on the dotted line for your new house – whether it’s a rental agreement or ownership papers – make sure you do a walk-through of the house first with a checklist in hand.

This checklist can help you negotiate the final buying price if you’re purchasing your home, or ensure you get back your full security deposit when you’re ready to move out of a rental. Write down everything you see, and, if you deem it necessary, take photos with a date-stamp.

* Look over the structure for holes in the floors, walls, carpeting and even ceilings. Also look for water damage spots, which could lead to the potential for mold and further damage. If you’re buying the property, hire an inspector to review everything before you finalize your purchasing agreement.

* Check to see if smoke detectors are installed, are on every floor of the house, in or near every bedroom and are working properly. Some states also require carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom, so check the rules in your state. Review your lease agreement prior to signing it to determine if your landlord will be responsible for inspecting the smoke detectors on a yearly basis, or if you need to handle that responsibility.

* Turn on all the appliances to make sure they work and that appliances requiring water don’t leak. Also run water in the sinks and the shower to make sure the hot water heater works. If multiple renters will be using the same hot water heater, it’s good to know just how long you can take a warm shower before things get a bit chilly.

* Open all the windows and check the screens for holes. If a window doesn’t open, it’s a fire hazard if there isn’t another second escape route out of the room. Also check the window and door locks to make sure they are secure.

* If your home is part of a neighborhood association, or you are renting an apartment, make sure you review the association rules and tenant agreement to determine if you can have pets – if so, how many – what kinds of landscaping or additions you can add to your home, what the situation is for snow removal on roads and sidewalks, if there are parking restrictions for visitors and even if you can rent out your home, or sublet it.

After you are able to review everything, if the home or apartment still feels like “home, sweet home,” you can sign all the purchasing or rental paper work and begin to make the property a perfect place to live.