Are you looking for a rental home? First, it’s essential to choose the right house for you and your family. Second, when you’re looking at many rental properties simultaneously, the homes can start to look alike after a while.
Identifying the red flags and warning signs of the wrong rental home can help you choose the right house for you. Here’s what to watch out for when you’re seeking a new place to live.
1. The landlord lives far away, with no property management company.
Someone will need to take care of your rental house, but getting them to come to make repairs can be a challenge if your landlord lives far away. This is no big deal if they have a property management company.
If there’s no property management company, then there’s a good chance that getting the landlord to make repairs will be like “pulling teeth.” That’s an unfortunate situation and not one you want to find yourself in. So instead, talk to the landlord about their plan for taking care of their rental property.
2. The rent seems too good to be true.
If you’re looking at several rental homes in the same neighborhood, you should have a good sense of how much a standard rental home costs in the area. If you’ve found a rental property that seems to have unreasonably low rent, beware!
This could be a sign that the landlord is feeling desperate and maybe a sign of money trouble. The rent must be adequate to cover the expenses of the house.
3. There seems to be a lot of deferred maintenance.
As you’re looking around a potential rental property, the property should be in good condition. Noticeable maintenance problems like defects in the wall, doorknobs that don’t work correctly, dripping faucets, and other problems are a clear red flag.
Even cosmetic problems can signify that the landlord isn’t investing in their rental property the way they should. Stained or threadbare carpet, scuffs on the wall, and burned-out light bulbs are all signs that the landlord isn’t doing their job as a property manager. That dripping faucet may seem like no big deal – but what else hasn’t the landlord taken care of?
4. The property owner says there’s no credit check.
A credit check is the property owner’s way of ensuring that they rent to a high-quality tenant. Unfortunately, property owners who skip this step may be missing other actions as well, including measures that help ensure the property is well-maintained.
It’s crucial to find a landlord who wants to do their job by the book. Landlords that demand excellence from tenants are more likely to demand excellence from their property, and that’s something you can benefit from.
5. You aren’t allowed to see portions or all of the rental property before signing the lease.
Is the garage locked, and you can’t get inside? Is there a closet or a room that you didn’t get access to during the walk-through? Don’t sign the lease until you’ve seen the entire property. If the landlord is absent and you’re unable to see the whole property, this could be a sign that they don’t want to show you everything.
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If you’re moving, it’s essential to work with a reputable moving company with skills and experience to treat your possessions well. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your upcoming relocation.
