Red Flags to Look For When Touring

ALWAYS tour a property before signing a lease and be on the lookout for these warning signs. If you have to find a place online and rent site-unseen, request a virtual tour. DO NOT sign any paperwork or make any payments until you've toured and asked the landlord these questions.

Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions! A good landlord won't be bothered or caught off guard by this.

Warning Signs

1. The property owner is difficult to contact.

If it was challenging to connect with the owner before the tour, it will probably be hard to get hold of them while you’re living there. Not cool.

2. The tour doesn’t showcase the ‘actual’ unit, or the owner rushes you through it.

You want to see precisely where you’ll be living. If the owner insists you see a model unit instead, ask to wait for the specific unit you desire to open up. Take your time to inspect every inch of the unit. If the property owner keeps hurrying you from one room to another, they may be trying to conceal something.

3. Things are broken.

If something is faulty during your tour, the landlord is likely to overlook fixing it after you move in, even if they promised to do so. If they were serious, they would have repaired it before you arrived! Check faucets, handles, and windows, and be ready to address these concerns with the landlord during your tour.

4. The owner requests a deposit during the tour.

DO NOT put down a deposit during a showing. That’s a considerable amount of money to pay upfront, and you don’t need to rush into it. If the owner asks for cash or a check while you're touring the place, slow things down and request to follow up with them.

5. There is no mailbox on-site, or they require a PO Box.

If you can’t have your mail delivered to the property or complex, you might be dealing with an illegal rental property.

6. The lease/rental agreement has blanks.

Everything should be completed before you sign. Rent price, utilities, etc., should all be clearly defined to avoid any surprises later on.

7. The landlord is willing to bypass background or credit checks.

Sometimes a property owner might appear willing to skip certain checks to expedite the process. It might seem accommodating, but they could be hiding billing problems. Without a proper paper trail, it could lead to future issues. Someone who cares about their property will ensure all checks are in order.

8. The late fee is HIGH!

Most late fees should range from 3-5%, though it can be slightly higher. However, if the fee exceeds 10%, start asking questions, as that's a substantial amount!

9. The agreement says, “The landlord has the right to change provisions at any time.”

This opens up a whole set of uncertainties. The agreement should have clear limitations on a landlord’s ability to alter terms, or you might regret it later on...

10. The agreement says, “The tenant is responsible for all repairs.”

Legally, a property owner is obligated to maintain a habitable place for residents. If the agreement absolves the landlord of responsibility, your health and safety might be at risk.