Is That Unit A Dream Come True or a Living Nightmare?
Apartment hunting is no easy feat and any experienced renter knows its horrors. But first-timers don’t, which is exactly how sketchy landlords swindle them. Don’t worry, we’re here to break down 20 classic red flags to look out for!
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1. It’s Too Good to Be True
Oh, wow! You just found a three-bedroom apartment with suspiciously low rent and all amenities taken care of. Every photo shows immaculate decor and Leonardo DiCaprio himself will escort you to your unit—sound too good to be true? That’s because it is! Seasoned apartment hunters know that miraculous listings are often the opposite.
2. You Have a Gut Feeling
Don’t ignore your gut feeling. If something seems off, it probably is. Remember that you have to live there, so there’s no point ignoring that feeling in the pit of your stomach. Whether it’s a shady landlord or poor maintenance, walk away when you’re uncomfortable.
3. Noticeable Signs of Poor Maintenance
Speaking of poor maintenance, look for key indicators during your tour. That apartment listing may boast speedy repairs, but nothing beats your own assessment. Shopping carts in the parking lot, bags of trash near the bin, and any leaking faucets are all common red flags.
4. The Landlord is Cagey
Landlords should welcome questions, and more importantly, be ready to answer. It’s never a good sign if they’re cagey about inquiries or can’t answer basic questions about the unit.
5. Inconsistent Photos
Those photos online looked pretty cozy, but the real thing is nowhere close. Inconsistent photos should set off alarm bells, especially when those differences are glaringly obvious. Lying about a unit doesn’t exactly bode well for your landlord or property management.
6. Lack of Communication
Renters need a direct line to management; if your landlord won’t answer questions now, imagine how little you’ll hear from them after signing on the dotted line. The last thing you want is a manager who won’t budge on maintenance issues or emergencies.
7. Shoddy Building Security
While your building won’t have a dedicated S.W.A.T. team, it should have proper security measures in place. Look out for basics like door bolts, alarm systems, and fire extinguishers. If you don’t feel safe touring it, you won’t feel safe living there.
8. Rent is Low
We know cheap rent seems like a steal, but experienced hunters know this game. Low rent often spells trouble, and it comes in many forms—terrible maintenance, illegal apartments, and shoddy listings are just some reasons for overly affordable units.
9. The Landlord Wants Cash
Do you know how movies feature a shady cash-only deal done under the table? That’s where those deals belong. It’s usually not a good sign if your landlord asks for bills upfront; while cash rent is one thing, cash security deposits or similar payments are untraceable unless you ask for a receipt. (If your landlord asks for rent in cash, get a receipt then too.)
10. Unclear Lease Terms
Your lease should spell out every stipulation, and it’s a big red flag when it doesn’t. Similarly, it’s also not great when a lease has fine print like being able to use your unit for storage, the ability to evict you anytime, or no rules about indoor smoking.
11. Poor Online Reviews
Apartment buildings are like jobs—many people leave reviews, all of which help you steer clear of the real nightmares. Look online before touring a unit or signing any paperwork. There’s a reason some apartments are notorious for poor reviews.
12. They Won’t Show Your Specific Unit
Ah, the old bait-and-switch. It’s a common tactic by shady landlords where they’ll show you a display unit and then stuff you in another one come moving day. Ask to see the unit you’ll actually be living in and make sure they don’t show you anything else!
13. It’s a Different Area at Night
Some neighborhoods come alive at night, so if parties or nefarious activities aren’t your thing, scout the area before moving in. Peruse the neighborhood after hours and see if you’d still feel comfortable there. Apartments are just as much about safety as they are about privacy.
14. No Photos Inside the Unit
Listings without photos don’t deserve your attention. If that unit only has one or two pixelated photos of the building, just move on. You have no idea what the landlord plans to show you or what the building actually looks like.
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15. The Landlord Has Unreasonable Rules
You might think moving into a basement apartment is easier than moving into a building, but that’s not always the case. Landlords oftentimes have incredibly restrictive rules, many of which are giant flags. If they restrict the patio, won’t allow friends over, or request certain genders for individual units, you should probably move on.
16. High Turnover Rate
You’re well within your rights to ask about long-term tenants. Inquire with management about how long people generally stay. Their answer often gives all the information you need, as does any cagey behavior towards the question.
17. Obvious Problems With Unit
Landlords should want to show off units they’re proud of, so take your time exploring the place. It’s never a good sign to see noticeable water damage, mold, or mouse traps hidden under the sink. Even if don’t spot any obvious problems, thorough tours show all the little things shady landlords try to hide.
18. The Place Smells
Whether it’s cigarette smoke or smelly carpets, some units have unpleasant odors. It’s not only a red flag about management, but also it’s indicative of the work you’d have to do cleaning the place. Either way, that unit’s a no-go.
19. A Lot of Noise
You won’t always know right away if a building is noisy, but proper tours give a good understanding of how thick your walls are or if neighboring tenants have children. Dog-friendly apartments are also cause for concern as some people don’t exactly want Fido barking through the hallway.
20. The Landlord is Pushy
Moving to a new space is a big decision and landlords shouldn’t rush you. If they seem overly eager or ask for deposits before showing the unit, it’s time to get out of there. (Remember: if they’re like this now, imagine what it would look like to live in their building.)
