The House Truth Field Notes

SFR Confirmed Lease-Ready Function Test

Follow the same right-hand route and room labels used on the scope walk. Operate every installed item the resident will use. If any required item is failed, blocked, or missing, the home stays out of the leasing pipeline.

Record the result at each item

Start with utilities active and the awarded scope and approved changes in hand. Log each item by room or exterior area and scope line where applicable. Record Pass, Fail, Blocked, or Not Applicable, plus the test date and verifier. Explain blocked and not-applicable items. Assign each failure or block an owner and due date and record what needs to happen before retesting. Close a failed or blocked test after the same check passes.

Room-by-room function test checklist

Faucets, showers, and drains: Run every faucet on hot and cold. Run each tub and shower through its mixer range and test the diverter where installed. Check that fixtures drain freely and inspect visible supply and drain connections for leaks during operation and after draining.
Hot water: At each applicable fixture, let hot water stabilize and record the outlet temperature with a suitable thermometer. Record shower mixer operation and compare the measured outlet temperature with the applicable project standard.
Toilets: Flush each toilet twice. Verify it clears, refills, and shuts off. Check for continuous running and leaks at the base and supply connection.
Heating and cooling: Run both modes when the equipment instructions and outdoor conditions allow. Once operation stabilizes, check airflow and record delivered air temperature at the registers room by room, or verify the installed unit in each room. Record the mode and readings. If a mode cannot be tested, mark it blocked and schedule follow-up.
Windows, doors, and locks: Open each operable window, verify it stays up or in position where designed to, then close and lock it. Open and close every door. Check that it clears the floor, swings freely, and latches. Test applicable locks and keys.
Receptacles, lights, and fans: Use an appropriate tester on every accessible receptacle. Test and reset GFCI protection according to the device instructions. Verify applicable labels. Operate every light, switch, ceiling fan, and exhaust fan.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Test every installed smoke, CO, and combination alarm according to its manufacturer’s instructions. Verify linked alarms respond together where installed. Record each device’s result.
Garage doors and openers: Run each door through a full open-and-close cycle. Follow the opener manufacturer’s procedure to verify photo-eye and obstruction-reversal functions. Record and retest any failed safety function.
Appliances and other installed features: Run each included appliance through an appropriate function check. Test exterior fixtures and other installed features that are part of the scope or resident handoff. Record each result at its location.

Release to leasing only after all required checks clear

Function and punch. Every applicable function test passes and every required punch item is verified closed.
Permits and occupancy. Where permits were pulled, document the applicable final sign-offs. Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy or other required occupancy approval when the permitting authority requires it.
Lien waivers. Confirm that waivers required at the leasing release stage are on file for the applicable claimants and payment stage. A missing waiver required for release keeps the home out of leasing. Track waivers due after payment separately in the payment and closeout file.

Record who signed off and when. The confirmed lease-ready date releases the home to the leasing pipeline and stops the rent-exposure clock in the 5 A.M. Report.

Illustrative example. Water is restored after the final walk. That clears the utility hold. The home stays out of leasing until field staff test the faucets, drains, shower mixers, toilets, and hot water and record passing results, along with all other required release checks.

See The Last Walk Before Keys, the permit payment holds guide, and the lien waiver checklist. For reference, see HUD’s NSPIRE categories and an opener manufacturer’s safety reversal test guidance.

See the SFR leasing handoff guide for what to do if an item fails before move-in.