Red Flags to Keep in Mind when Moving to Another Apartment in a Rush

Renters know that finding the right apartment building can be tricky. From loud neighbors to smelly roommates, a lot can go wrong. And if you’ve already signed a lease, getting out of your situation can be complicated. 

Whether you’re a prospective first-time home buyer who’s renting while they save up a down payment, or a committed renter-for-life, let’s examine how to spot red flags in an apartment building before you commit. 

Communication is subpar 

Pay close attention to how the landlord handles your initial communications. Do they get back to you in a reasonable amount of time? Are they easy to contact? Do they keep their appointments for showings? Are they punctual and pleasant? 

Legitimate landlords and property managers are polite and responsive. These days, this often means responding to questions or viewing requests from potential tenants in minutes or hours, not days. If the people you’re talking to are difficult to reach right off the bat, that’s a red flag. 

Upkeep isn’t great 

Legitimate landlords and professional property managers keep common areas in great shape and make sure rental units are carefully repaired and cleaned before putting them on the market.  

Would-be renters should carefully examine the apartment building they are considering. Inspect the building’s exterior and the condition of communal areas, including lobbies, elevators, and stairwells. Are there “out of order” signs on restrooms or elevators? Ask management about their repair policies; if they’re not on top of repairs to common areas, don’t expect them to be any more responsive when your unit needs repairs. 

Look closely at the condition of the apartment you’re considering. If repairs or painting were done after the previous tenant moved out, does the work seem to be of good quality? Is the apartment clean and ready for move-in? Are there any mysterious odors? If it looks like a low-effort rush job, that can be a noteworthy red flag. 

They pull a “bait and switch” 

Legit landlords will notify you immediately if the unit you’re interested in gets rented, and they won’t try to use your interest to steer you towards an inferior unit. On the other hand, if you show up to view an apartment and the person tells you that the unit you saw was “just rented” but offers to show you another apartment that’s more expensive, has more fees attached, or is just plain worse, you may be dealing with a scammer.  

This type of “bait and switch” rental scam is becoming increasingly common; a recent high-profile case in California involved a large number of Airbnb rental units. Be ready to walk away if they can’t deliver on their advertised promise.  

They pressure you to sign, apply, or put down a deposit 

A legitimate landlord will never pressure you to sign a lease or put in an application immediately after viewing the apartment. While it can be essential to be decisive in a competitive rental market, good landlords and property managers understand that it’s a big decision, and will let you take your time and ask as many questions as you need to.  

If they want you to sign on the spot, that’s a possible red flag that you may be dealing with a less-than-legitimate landlord or property manager. If putting in an application requires paying a non-refundable application fee, you should be extra wary, as there’s a lot of potential here for abuse. Just last year, a Chicago scammer on Facebook Marketplace collected fraudulent application fees by putting up a home they didn’t own for rent. That’s why you should only use legitimate, trust-worthy platforms when looking for a rental apartment.

The showing is rushed or changed at the last minute 

A great landlord or property manager will never rush you or try to conceal an apartment’s flaws. If you have an appointment to view the apartment and you get the impression that they’re trying to get you in and out quickly, or if they keep changing the viewing time at the last minute, you might be dealing with a non-legitimate landlord, and they might be trying to hide something. 

That could mean anything: unruly neighbors, a loud business nearby, traffic, or a hidden problem with the unit itself. Check the apartment carefully, especially for water leaks or stains, non-functioning appliances, or strange odors. If you suspect there’s something about the building they don’t want you to see, try to visit it at different times and on different days of the week, and speak to neighbors or other tenants about potential issues. 

Parking and mail are an issue 

Professional landlords are open and honest about issues like mail or parking. If the apartment requires you to get a P.O. box for your mail, that can sometimes be a sign that the unit doesn’t have a certificate of occupancy and might be an illegal apartment. 

If the unit doesn’t come with dedicated parking, ensure you understand the street parking situation before signing. Visit the building at the times you’d typically be looking for a space and make sure it’s an acceptable situation. 

Your agent advises you against the place 

Not everyone knows it, but there are real estate agents who specialize in helping renters get into an apartment. These agents typically serve as a liaison between owners or landlords and prospective tenants, and are often involved in tenant screening, negotiating the finer points of the lease, and arranging tours. 

These agents know the local rental landscape well, so they can be a huge help if you’re moving into a competitive rental market from out of town. They’re often familiar with individual landlords and properties, so you should listen if they suggest particular buildings or advise you against a property. Even if they can’t go into specifics because of an ongoing business relationship with a landlord, if they tell you that a place might not be right for what you’re looking for, they probably know what they’re talking about. 

Conclusions

In such a competitive market, sometimes you feel the pressure to rush to make sure you get an apartment. However, remember that preparedness is more important than rushing. Having all of your documents prepared, making sure you have a checklist and know exactly what you want, and being aware of how the process goes means you will quickly get an apartment if you decide it’s the right choice for you. Make sure you steer clear of rental scams and remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.