Just like troublesome tenants, it is also possible to stumble across a bad landlord. If you are looking for a rental, it is a good idea to find out who will be in charge of your home and the property. Knowing what makes a good landlord is quite easy; finding one is a different story.
Here are a few suggestions to increase your chances of finding a good landlord.
- Start with checking out the property. While you’re on the hunt, if you bump into current tenants, ask them if they have had any issues in the building or with the landlord.
- Get your potential landlord’s full name, contact information, and the name of any businesses they operate. Take this information to a local court’s website and see if you can run a search. If this landlord has evicted someone recently, it will show up.
- Know your renter’s rights. These usually vary from state to state, but staying informed can save you a lot of time and money.
- Read your lease very carefully. Yes, reading a lease may not be the most exciting, but knowing what you’re signing is very important.
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