As a landlord, it is always a good idea to verify a prospective tenant’s qualifications and identity before letting them move in. You should ask for a copy of the driver’s license before allowing a potential tenant to rent an apartment. Basic information about a person is the best deterrent against crime. If possible, meet the potential tenant in a public location, such as at the airport or train station.
Safety precautions
Safety precautions before renting an apartment are crucial to ensuring the tenant’s health and safety. While landlords and property managers are typically responsible for the security of their property. How to rent apartment? There are certain things renters should do to ensure their peace of mind. Listed below are some of the most important safety precautions before renting an apartment. These safety measures can be taken before and after the lease term to minimize any potential risks. You should also look for warning signs that may indicate an unsafe situation.
Security begins at the entrances to the building. Look for signs of suspicious activity and check for working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If the building is not secure enough, you should look elsewhere. Some buildings are equipped with sophisticated access control systems and security guards. You should also consider purchasing renters insurance if your apartment is in a high-crime area. This way, you can protect your belongings and ensure your safety at night.
Signing a lease without seeing the apartment in person
While signing a lease without seeing an apartment in person may seem like a no-brainer, you should still make sure to visit it first. Even if you are unable to visit the apartment, you should compile information about the apartment and the neighborhood in which it is located. If possible, make a spreadsheet to keep track of your choices. Once you’ve made a list, contact landlords to see if you’d be a good fit for their property.
In addition, be aware that signing a lease without seeing an apartment in person involves a lot of paperwork. It’s like visiting the DMV to sign a lease. If you have extra money, you may even bring a lawyer to the lease signing process. Having an attorney with you may be an added bonus, but if you don’t have one, make sure to request a copy of the lease before signing.
Dealing with a disgruntled landlord
If you have an argument with your landlord and are angry, try to remain calm and explain the situation in a friendly manner. If you get angry, you might lose credibility and say something you will later regret. However, unscrupulous landlords often hope tenants get angry because that will make them move out of the property. If you want to avoid this situation, try to follow the advice below.
Avoiding scams
While free services such as Craigslist have made the process easier than ever, they have also made it easier for scam artists to get away with it. Here are some ways to avoid rental scams:
Never pay cash for background checks or applications. Never give cash to landlords who are not honest. Some landlords use these methods to lock down an apartment and collect money before signing the lease. A genuine landlord screens prospective renters and never asks for money before signing a lease. If a landlord does not screen prospective renters, they may not have an apartment available for rent. Always be suspicious of landlords who ask you to pay a small fee up front.
Be wary of landlords who ask for payments in cash or via wire transfer. These transactions can be difficult to track, and you never know when a landlord may be trying to get money from you. Instead, make payments using a credit card or a check. Many scammers pose as missionaries and promise to send you the keys after the application is approved. Don’t give cash to strangers – always avoid paying rent in cash.
