Buzz
As the new year kicks off, a wave of new leases are being signed. Regardless of the market's state, there’s always a chance that the individual renting and managing your apartment could be, in industry terms, a 'total skeeve ball.' (Some may even argue that the term 'shady landlord' is redundant.) Being a tenant requires constant vigilance, or you might risk being taken advantage of.
Imagine you've visited the place and met your potential landlord, but something feels slightly off, even though you can’t quite figure out why. We've already discussed how to screen your landlord, and now we’ll delve into some signs that indicate you might need to do further vetting—ideally, before you sign that lease. If you're moving into a new place this year, steer clear of these potential pitfalls in a potentially dodgy situation.
A deposit that is non-refundable
According to Brabender Law in Chicago, one of the most common rental scams involves landlords wrongfully withholding tenants' security deposits. A non-refundable deposit is a red flag. In some cases, what should be a security deposit is rebranded as a non-refundable move-in fee, which is another scam. Here’s how you can ensure you get your security deposit back.
Demanding only cash payments
With so many money transfer options available today, insisting on cash is a major red flag. As this fraud guide explains, you should never feel pressured to pay your landlord with cash, which can be hard to trace. Choose payment methods that can be traced both to your bank account and to the person who cashed it in, such as a traditional check. Here’s our breakdown of various online payment platforms.
They avoid answering your questions
Are utilities covered in the rent? When will you get your security deposit back after moving out? What’s the rent due date, and how should you pay? If a potential landlord refuses or hesitates to answer these questions, it’s a big red flag. At the very least, they’re disorganized. At worst, they’re hiding something suspicious.
Along with the questions listed above, here are more targeted questions you should ask your landlord—questions they’ll rarely volunteer the answers to directly.
An aggressive attitude
If your landlord is overly confrontational or dismissive during the lease signing, you can expect similar behavior in future interactions. While it’s not always a dealbreaker, it’s a significant concern when you need to reach out to your landlord for property-related matters once you’ve moved in.
Likewise, if a landlord tries to remain anonymous, treat it as a major red flag. Even if their business practices are legitimate, this suggests they’ll be difficult to contact if something goes wrong with the property.
Rent that’s too good to be true
When the deposit is substantial, rent that seems unusually low could be a red flag. What appears to be an irresistible deal might actually be a scam. If you're not careful, you could easily fall for misleading rental listings, so here are some tips on how to steer clear of them.
The property is in poor condition.
A bit of wear and tear is to be expected as tenants come and go. But even though you might think you're aware of a property's less-than-ideal state, be mindful that in the heat of the moment, your enthusiasm or the need to finish the process could cloud your judgment. Maintenance problems are a major reason you might end up frequently dealing with your landlord. If they neglect the property while trying to attract you as a tenant, don’t expect much help after you move in.
Refusal to provide the certificate of occupancy.
According to MYMOVE, in some jurisdictions, landlords are required to show a certificate of occupancy. This official document confirms that the building meets all necessary building codes and regulations, and is safe for people to live in.
Start by contacting your local building department to determine if your landlord is legally obligated to possess that certificate. Afterward, request the landlord to provide proof of the document. Once you have that, ask to see the actual certificate. If they hesitate or refuse, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
The unsettling feeling
The list of potential landlord red flags doesn’t end here. As a renter, it’s crucial to stay alert. Some things that may be obvious scams to some are often only vaguely suspicious to others, like a landlord asking for a viewing fee, charging extra for additional roommates, or promising to send the lease later.
Landlords may create a sense of urgency to pressure you into signing a lease, but don’t rush. Take the time to investigate anything that feels off. Be sure to check out these apps and websites to guard against a bad landlord. And if your landlord seems trustworthy, remember to negotiate these terms before signing a lease.
