Are you apartment hunting? Before you decide to apply to lease an apartment, consider these 8 apartment red flags that you should steer clear of.
This post is all about 8 Apartment Red Flags that you should know.
1. The apartment listing does not have sufficient pictures.
If you’re surfing on Zillow or Apartments.com, and come across a listing that only has a picture of the kitchen, it’s probably a good idea to skip it. Even if the rent price is really tempting, it’s likely that there is something not so amazing about the unit that the landlord doesn’t want to display online. There should be ample pictures featuring the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, closets, living rooms, and whatever common areas the complex offers (such as grilling stations, laundry rooms, fitness centers, pools, etc).
2. The landlord asks for a deposit before you’re allowed to view the unit.
If a landlord seems super pushy and won’t let you view the unit before paying a deposit or signing a lease, beware. The landlord could try to hide a unit that isn’t up to par. There could be water damage in the ceiling, pests crawling around, or a hole in the wall that they are trying to hide. It’s always a good idea to see the unit that you will be moving into before signing the lease, so you know exactly what you’re moving into. A reputable landlord should be honest and upfront from the get-go, instead of trying to pull a fast one on their tenants.
3. You’re rushed through the apartment viewing.
Was your apartment viewing appointment over before it started? If you felt rushed, it could indicate that the host is hiding something from you, like water damage on the ceilings, pets crawling around in the cabinets, or other erroneous things. When touring a potential unit, make sure that you got the chance to walk through all of the rooms, look into the closets and bathrooms, and got a chance to get a detailed look at anything on your must-have list. Don’t be scared to take pictures/ videos ( I would ask the host first, just to be safe) so you remember what the unit looked like.
4. There are blank spaces on the lease, or the terms on the lease are very vague.
If you notice blank spaces on the lease agreement, do not sign it. The landlord can easily fill in the blank spaces with terms or prices that you do not agree with. Also, avoid signing leases with vague terms. An example of a vague term looks like this: “The security deposit will be refunded to the tenant unless used for the upkeep of the property.” You might not think anything of it, but the landlord can take your security deposit to repaint the walls, update the carpeting, or pay the landscaper, leaving you without your security deposit. A better lease term would look something like this: “The security deposit will be refunded to the tenant unless used to repair damage sustained to the unit where the tenant was residing during the leasing term.” This term outlines a much clearer picture for which circumstance your security deposit will not be refunded.
Want to sign a lease with confidence? Read about the 9 Things You Must Know Before Signing A Lease
5. The grounds and common areas need some serious TLC.
When viewing a potential apartment, observe the common areas and grounds. When looking around at the grounds, take a note of how well they’re kept. This could indicate any cut corners to the upkeep of the property. If the pool is really dirty, for example, consider how much of a priority cleanliness is to the landlord. If you notice there is litter and trash everywhere, it could be an indication of poor management or messy neighbors.
6. The included amenities are not operating when you visit the complex.
Do you notice the pool is closed in the middle of July? Or maybe half of the dryers are out of order when you take a peek at the laundry room. Is the fitness center down for renovation right after New Year’s? These are things to look out for when looking at a potential apartment. Consider how much of an impact this would be for you if you lived there.
7. The landlord is MIA when you have questions or concerns.
During the process of hunting for an apartment, call and email the leasing office to ask questions. Take note of how long their response time is. It is better to have an email/text correspondence with your landlord or leasing office in order to leave a paper trail. Doing so will keep both parties accountable since everything is in writing. Simple questions and inquiries may be done over the phone (setting up meetings, asking what time the fitness center closes, etc). But, if the landlord or leasing office never emails you or calls you back, or you have to wait days for a response, consider seeking an apartment with staff that answers you in a timely manner.
8. The landlord doesn’t require a lease.
This is a major red flag. A lease is designed to be a written contract, for the protection of the tenant and landlord. Without a written contract, a landlord could make unreasonable demands and threaten eviction unfairly. Having a lease is an absolute must when renting, so if the landlord doesn’t require a lease or flat out doesn’t have one, hire a lawyer to configure your own. It’ll be in your best interest to have one, god forbid you encounter any problems while you’re renting.