It's a lot of work to find a good landlord.If you want to find a good landlord on your own, you need to ask your friends or family if they can recommend one.You should analyze a potential landlord from the beginning.Bad landlords usually reveal themselves early in the process.Check for complaints and lawsuits after meeting the landlord.Before moving in, protect yourself by getting a written lease and fully documenting the apartment.
Step 1: You can see the apartment with a friend.
You should not go to see an apartment alone.You would like another set of eyes with you.Ask a friend or family member to accompany you.Make a day of it.When you have someone else with you, the landlord is less likely to discriminate against you.Rent must be seen the apartment.You should walk through with the landlord.You can observe the landlord in person.
Step 2: The apartment should be clean.
You can find out a lot about the landlord by studying the apartment.The landlord may not be responsible if the apartment is dirty or in bad repair.The rest of the apartment building needs to be tidy.Is the lawn mowed?Is the mailboxes full of junk mail?Is the hallway in good repair?Before you move in, ask if the apartment will be cleaned.It is a good idea for a landlord to say, "Sorry it's in a bad state."The tenant left.It will be cleaned and repaired before you arrive.
Step 3: You can ask the landlord for references.
The names of a few current and former tenants should be given to you by the landlord.Ask for them.This might be a sign that the landlord is hiding something.It is a good idea to chat with people who live in the building if the landlord does not give references.
Step 4: Take a look at how the landlord is organized.
If you are going to the landlord's office to review paperwork, make sure the office is clean.A landlord who misplaces the keys is probably disorganized.There is a problem if a landlord cancels a showing several times.The landlord is disorganized.
Step 5: Analyze the landlord.
In a landlord, professionalism is important.The landlord-tenant relationship could be affected by someone who looks slovenly making a good impression.If you go to see the apartment with the janitor, he will be wearing a uniform.They appear well-groomed and tidy.Pay attention to how your landlord behaves.Look at his or her body language.Someone who is intelligent and courteous is what you want.Avoid people who are rude or unintelligent.If the landlord is flustered, they should apologize and explain.They might have rushed to meet you after working a job.
Step 6: Ask the landlord questions.
You should ask the landlord a lot of questions.Pay attention to the answers and the confidence.If a landlord hesitates when answering, they probably don't do what they say they do.How long has the property been owned by the landlord?Is the landlord in charge of the property?Have they hired a property management company?What is that name?Tenants and landlords are responsible for repairs.How long did the prior tenant live in the apartment?Is the landlord spraying for pests?Should you request maintenance?How long does it take for the landlord to respond?What type of security does the building have?
Step 7: There are online reviews.
If you type in the landlord's name and location, you can see what pops up.If the landlord uses a property management company, it's a good idea to research them.The Better Business Bureau has reviews on larger landlords.A negative review is almost always received by a landlord.Some tenants are a nightmare to rent to.You should pay attention to the number of negative reviews.There could be a problem if you see a lot of negative reviews.Look for patterns in the complaints.There is a problem if a landlord holds onto a deposit for multiple people.
Step 8: There is a possibility that this is not the case.
You want to know how many times your landlord has sued someone.A landlord who has sued a lot is probably not a good one, and one that has been sued often could break the law.There is a website where you can look up court records.You might need to go to the courthouse to find this information.The landlord is located in the court.You can use a computer to look at lawsuits.Use the landlord's name to search.Check federal court lawsuits.Tenants will file lawsuits for housing discrimination in federal court.You can use the website to find these cases.Analyze the lawsuit if you find it.The substance of the dispute can be found in the complaint.It is not uncommon for a large landlord to have to go to court to evict people.You could be dealing with a bad landlord if you see a lot of lawsuits.
Step 9: Search for code violations.
Every landlord is required to follow the local building code.When the landlord must provide heat, what temperature hot water must be, and so on are covered in this code.If your landlord has violated the code, you want to check it out.The purpose of the code is to provide tenants with healthy living conditions so a landlord who violates it should be avoided.Contact the city or county housing authority.Do you know if there have been any code violations?Ask about code violations if the landlord owns more than one property.
Step 10: Check to see if the company is licensed.
Businesses need to be licensed by the local government.Contact your state or local government agency if you have any questions.It could be the Department of Real Estate.Check to see if complaints have been filed.Some agencies look into complaints.
Step 11: Referred tenants should be called.
You should have been given a list of current or former tenants by the landlord.How happy are they living in the apartment building?What do they think of the landlord?Did they ever need repairs?Repairs were completed quickly.Is it a good idea to live in the apartment building?What is one thing they would change about the landlord?
Step 12: Ask for a lease.
Your landlord's responsibilities should be laid out in a lease.Ask for a written lease and read it carefully.Don't sign until you agree with the lease.Don't sign an oral agreement.You don't have evidence of what the landlord agreed to in an oral agreement for a lease of one year or less.If the landlord doesn't give you a written lease, you should avoid them.You should always ask questions if you don't understand the lease.A landlord-tenant attorney can review the document for you if you need help.
Step 13: You should document the apartment before you move in.
A landlord can use your security deposit to make repairs.The deposit can't be kept for normal wear and tear or to correct problems that existed when you moved in.It's important to document what the apartment looks like before you move in.Take pictures of the empty rooms.You can use the camera on your phone.You should take a close-up picture if you find something wrong.Inform your landlord of any problems that need to be fixed.If your landlord gives you a form to fill out, you can record any problems.You can include photographs if you don't have a list.
Step 14: Maintenance requests can be put in writing.
Any problem that arises will be fixed quickly by the ideal landlord.Some landlords might not be as strict.If you want to make a request for repairs, always use a letter or email.Follow up with a letter if you make an oral request.You have to return the certified mail with a proof of the date it was received.
Step 15: Follow the lease
Follow your obligations under the lease is the easiest way to maintain a peaceful relationship with your landlord.Paying your rent on time, keeping the place clean, and not damaging the unit is what this means.If you don't have enough money, contact your landlord.hiding from your landlord will not help you gain anything.Talk to your landlord about when you will be able to pay the rent.Make a budget if you fall into debt.If you lose your job and can't pay the rent, talk to your landlord about ending the lease early.
Step 16: If you are evicted, know your rights.
You should read up on your rights when it comes to eviction laws.You can find a tenant's rights website in your city.A landlord can only evict you after getting a court order.Your landlord must give you written notice that they are going to end the lease and then file a lawsuit against you.You have a chance to reply.Your landlord can't use self-help, such as changing the locks, throwing your belongings on the sidewalk, or cutting off the utilities.A landlord-tenant attorney can help with a legal dispute.Low-cost legal help can be sought if money is tight.