First Apartment Tour Checklist: What to Bring in Las Vegas (2026)

A Las Vegas apartment tour is a 20-minute window to get yourself approved and verify the unit is what you think it is. Most renters walk in underprepared. Here’s what to actually bring, ask, and check.

Documents to bring (stack the deck)

Bring physical copies or digital-accessible copies of all of these. You may apply on the spot if you like the unit — having documents ready accelerates approval and makes you look serious.

Personal ID

Driver’s license, state ID, or passport
Social Security card (for the application; you don’t hand it over)

Proof of income

Two most recent pay stubs (or 3 if paid weekly)
Offer letter if newly employed (with start date and salary)
Six months of bank statements if self-employed or gig worker
SSI/SSDI/Social Security award letter
Any other monthly income proof (child support order, alimony, pension)

Rental history

Previous landlord’s name + phone (even a former roommate who’s vouched for you)
Most recent lease agreement (optional but helpful)

Section 8 voucher (if applicable)

Housing Choice Voucher approval letter
Tenant share calculation from SNRHA
Your SNRHA caseworker’s contact info

Credit/background explanation

One-page written explanation if you have prior evictions, bad credit, or criminal history
Focus on what changed since then

Application fee payment

Card or checkbook (most legit landlords don’t accept cash)
$50–$100 per adult is typical in Las Vegas

Questions to ask during the tour

About the unit

What’s the real monthly total (rent + mandatory fees + expected electric)?
What utilities does the tenant pay vs. owner?
Is there a washer/dryer in unit or on-site laundry?
Are parking spaces assigned? Any fee?
What’s the pet policy — allowed, deposit, monthly fee, breed restrictions?
Is the unit available exactly when I need it?

About the lease

Month-to-month available or lease-only?
What’s the security deposit and is it refundable?
Are there any other non-rent fees (trash, amenity, tech package)?
What’s the renewal / rent increase pattern?

About approvals

What’s the credit score minimum?
How do you treat prior evictions or broken leases?
Is the application fee refundable if I’m declined?
How long does approval take?
Do you accept Section 8 vouchers? (If relevant)

About the neighborhood

How’s the trash pickup + maintenance response time?
Noise level — nearby highway, school, airport, flight path?
Any planned construction or management changes?

Things to physically check

In the unit

All outlets work. Bring a small plug-in device (phone charger) and test a few.
Water pressure and hot water. Run kitchen + bathroom sink, flush toilet.
AC/heat. Especially in Las Vegas — AC is life or death in summer. Turn it on, feel the air.
Window seals and locks. Open and close each one. Check for gaps.
Smoke detectors. Push the test button.
Water stains on ceiling / walls. Signs of past leaks.
Floor condition. Carpet or laminate — stains, holes, tears.
Kitchen appliances. Open fridge, check freezer, test stove burners, open oven, test microwave.
Pest signs. Check under sinks, behind appliances, corners. Tiny droppings mean active problem.
Doors close and lock. Every door.

Around the unit

Hallway cleanliness. Trash, lighting, graffiti.
Parking layout. Enough spaces? Well-lit?
Pool/courtyard condition (if applicable).
Mailbox location and condition.
Neighbors. Are hallways/parking areas active and normal? Or is it too quiet / too loud?

Documentation to photograph

Any existing damage, scuffs, stains, or issues
Send yourself the photos with the date
If you move in, this protects your deposit

Red flags that should make you walk

Can’t tour the actual unit you’d rent (only a model)
“Landlord” is evasive about basic questions
Lease won’t be shown until after deposit
Pressure to sign same day “or the unit’s gone”
Mandatory fees not disclosed in advertising
Unit is currently occupied by tenants who are “about to move”
Landlord won’t give you their actual name / company name

At Vegas Value Living

When you tour Maryland Park or Bonanza Park with us:

We show you the actual unit you’d rent (or a matching unit if yours has a current tenant finishing their notice)
We answer every question up front
We explain the total cost including electric estimates
No mandatory amenity fees, trash valet, smart-home packages, or other add-ons
Application fee waived for Section 8 voucher holders
Decision in 24 hours for most applications

FAQ

How long should a tour take? 15–25 minutes for a single unit. Longer if you’re checking multiple floor plans or have specific questions.

Should I tour multiple properties before applying? Usually yes — you learn the market. If you find a clear winner on the first tour, apply same day.

Can I bring someone to the tour? Yes. A partner, parent, or friend helps catch things you might miss.

Do I have to apply on the tour? No. Most landlords hold the unit for 24–48 hours while you decide.

What if I’m declined after applying? Legitimate landlords tell you why (often in writing, as required by Fair Credit Reporting Act when a credit check was involved). Ask.

Ready to tour? Schedule a tour at Maryland Park or Bonanza Park, or call (702) 820-5089.