Yahoo Finance 8 Tips to Make Sure Your Next Apartment Is Legit
Whether you can't live without an in-unit washer and dryer or you're looking for a pet-friendly place for you and your dog to call home, searching for an apartment that meets your needs perfectly is no walk in the park. What's more, while you're searching for apartments, you also have to be aware that not all listings and landlords are completely legit.
From embellishments on rental listings (i.e. the "beautiful lake view" that turns out to be an alley view with a sliver of lake if you stick your head out of the window) to all-out scams, it's important to stay on your toes during the apartment search process. But as long as you're cautious, you should be able to find an apartment with no problem. Use these tips to ensure your next apartment is totally legit.
Use a trusted search site. While searching online for apartments makes the whole process a lot more convenient, some search sites can also be full of scams. To start off on the right foot, make sure you're using a search site you can trust, such as ApartmentGuide.com, LiveLovely.com, Rent.com or Rentals.com. Some sites allow you to check out reviews for the apartments from residents, which makes it a lot easier to feel safe and confident with the apartment you end up choosing.
Know your price ranges. One of the most common scams you'll see while sifting through apartment listings online is what's called the "too good to be true" scam. Typically it's a normal listing that explains the property and amenities, except one thing is a bit off: the price. If there's an apartment that's way cheaper than comparable ones in the same neighborhood, it's a pretty good bet that it's too good to be true. Avoid this scam by researching the price ranges you can expect to see based on the neighborhoods you're looking in and the type of apartments you're looking for.
Beware of sending money too soon. Another thing to be on the lookout for is people who ask you for money upfront. If a potential landlord wants you to pay for a credit check or give a deposit before you see the apartment, this could be a sign of a scam. Never pay money before seeing the apartment in person, and avoid wiring money or transferring any funds electronically.
Consider how the landlord communicates. When emailing prospective landlords or property managers, the way they respond can tell you a lot about whether the apartment is a legitimate option. Beware of landlords who are overeager (say, ones who tell you they don't mind bad credit and are willing to work with you in any way, as long as you pay some money upfront). If he or she is hard to get ahold of or doesn't respond in a timely manner, it may also be a sign that the listing isn't trustworthy.
Schedule an in-person visit. In-person apartment visits are your most valuable tool when deciding whether an apartment is legit and if it meets your needs. You'll have the opportunity to compare what was on the listing with what the apartment really looks like, as well as the chance to meet the landlord or property manager in person.
Inspect the apartment carefully. During your visit, be sure to carefully check over the entire apartment. Look for broken fixtures, appliances that don't work and even pest droppings, all of which could provide a clue that the apartment isn't what it seems to be. Also, look for any damage to the walls or floor -- if the apartment checks out and you decide to apply, you don't want to be blamed for damage that was already there when you moved in. If you do find any damage, snap a few time-stamped photos, and make sure any pre-existing damage is noted in the lease.
Ensure the lease is legit. You should never sign a lease before reading the entire document very carefully from beginning to end. Are there any extra fees that strike you as odd? Do the terms align with everything you've been told up until this point? You don't want to be locked into a lease term only to find out that you owe more money than you thought you did.
Use your instincts. Remember that most apartments you look at will be legit -- especially if you're looking on a trusted site. Just use caution, and listen to your gut when you feel like something isn't quite right. It's always better to be as safe as you can and take all the precautions you need to feel confident about where you're living.
Niccole Schreck is the rental experience expert for Rent.com, a free rental site that helps you find an affordable apartment and provides tips on how to move.
More From US News & World Report
