Before you go in
- Arrive before opening windows or turning on fans so the first smell is an honest one.
- Bring a flashlight, a camera, a notepad and a few resealable bags for samples of debris.
- Note the weather and the thermostat setting, since both change how smell behaves.
- Pull the move-in report so you can compare the starting condition.
How to use this checklist
Smell tires quickly, so work in short passes. Take a first impression at the entry door, then walk each room with doors closed behind you and pause for a few seconds before writing anything down. Record both the kind of smell and where it seems strongest, such as low on a wall, near a vent, or inside a closet.
Photographs matter as much as notes. A picture of a stained cushion backing or a dry trap tells the story faster than a description, and it is far easier to share with a contractor or attach to a deposit file. Label each photo with the room and date as you take it.
None of this needs to be elaborate. The point is to leave the walkthrough with a short list of suspected sources, ranked by how likely they are to cause trouble if left alone.
If a smell seems to change from room to room, mark each room with a short word such as sour, smoky, damp or sweet. Those short labels are easier to compare later than long descriptions.
Room-by-room notes
| Area | Look and smell for | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Entry and living room | Smoke film on walls, carpet stains, stale air | Photo of wall corners and ceiling |
| Kitchen | Grease on hood, sour drains, appliance interiors | Photo of refrigerator interior and sink trap |
| Bathrooms | Dry traps, failing caulk, fan not working | Fan test result and trap check |
| Bedrooms and closets | Closed-in smells, stored items, staining under carpet | Photo of lifted carpet corner |
| Basement or crawl space | Dampness, earthy smell, staining on walls | Humidity reading if a meter is available |
| Utility area and garage | Furnace filter condition, drain smells, stored debris | Photo of the filter before removal |
Common questions
How long should a walkthrough take?
A small house or duplex can usually be done in a short visit if you work from the checklist. Allow more time when the smell is strong or hard to place.
General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.