How to Find a Dubious Homeowner (Before It’s Too Late)
Happy New Year comes a lot of newly signed leases. Regardless of market conditions, there is always a risk that the person selling and servicing your apartment will become, to use the industry term, a “complete skive”. (Some of us will argue that the phrase “untrustworthy landlord” is superfluous.) The reality of a renter is that you have to be vigilant at all times or you risk being robbed.
Let’s say you’ve seen this place and met your potential future landlord personally, and you’re in a bit of a mood, even if you can’t figure out what’s wrong. We’ve covered how to check your landlord , but now let’s look at some of the signs that a check is what you need to do – ideally before you sign your lease. So, if you are moving to a new location in the new year, avoid these pitfalls of a potentially dubious situation.
Non-refundable deposit
Historically, under the Chicago Brabender Act , one of the most common rental fraud cases was when homeowners improperly withheld tenant security deposits. The non-refundable deposit is alarming. Sometimes what should be a security deposit can be converted into a non-refundable entry fee, which is also a scam . Here’s how to make sure you get your deposit back .
Cash persistence
With all forms of remittance in existence, the persistence of cash these days just screams “scam.” As detailed in this scam guide , you should never be forced to pay your landlord in cash, which is nearly impossible to track down. Choose payment methods that can be traced back to both your bank account and the person who cashed it, just like with a classic check. Here’s our breakdown of the various online payment services .
They won’t answer your questions
Are the utilities included in the rent? When can you expect to get your bond refunded after you leave your home? When is the rental period and how will you have to pay? If your potential landlord cannot – or is unwilling – to answer your questions, there is cause for concern. They are disorganized at best. At worst, they hide questionable information.
In addition to the sample questions above, here are specific questions you can ask your landlord that they rarely can tell you right away.
Hostile attitude
If during the signing process they become overly aggressive or clearly inattentive, be prepared for such behavior in the future. This is not necessarily a violation of the terms of the deal, but it certainly raises concerns when you inevitably need to talk to the landlord about the property while you live there.
Likewise, any attempt by a homeowner to remain anonymous should be seen as a red flag. Even if their methods of work are straightforward, it is still a sign that they will be difficult to reach if repairs are needed.
Impossibly low rent
A rent that seems too good to be true, especially when combined with an expensive bond, may be just that. A rent that looks like a dream could be a scam instead, in which case here are our tips to avoid falling victim to misleading listings .
The property is in disrepair.
Little wear and tear is expected as people enter and exit the blocks. You may think that you are in the mood for poor property conditions, but keep in mind that at this point in time, your judgment may be overshadowed by sheer optimism or a desire to complete the entire process. Maintenance issues are the main reason you will have to work with a landlord in the future. If your landlord isn’t making an effort to sell the property to you, don’t expect them to help you after you move.
Refusal to show the check-in certificate
This advice comes from MYMOVE : in some areas, local law requires the landlord to have a proof of occupation, which is a document confirming that the building complies with all building codes and applicable laws and is suitable for living.
First, call your local building department to find out if your landlord is required by law to have this certificate. Then ask the landlord to show you proof of this. After receiving this information, ask the landlord to show you the document. If they don’t want to show you this, something might be wrong.
This aching feeling
Unfortunately, the homeowner’s long list of red flags doesn’t end here. The tenant needs to be vigilant. Many things that are clear scams to some people are only ambiguously sketchy to the rest of us, such as the landlord charging a fee to inspect the apartment, trying to charge extra fees from roommates, or promising to send a copy of the lease at a later date.
Landlords love to be quick to get you to sign a lease, but don’t be afraid to take the time to research anything that makes you feel bad. Check out these apps and sites to keep you safe from bad landlords . Finally, if your landlord moves out of the apartment, be sure to discuss these things before signing the lease .