You’ve found the perfect new apartment or rental house. You love the neighbourhood. Your application has been approved. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line, right?
Not so fast. How much do you know about your soon-to-be landlord, property manager or property management company?
1. Google them
The internet has a way of quickly uncovering all kinds of misdeeds, so start with a simple Google search of your landlord’s name or property management company, as well as the property address.
Hell hath no fury like a renter scorned, so you’ll also want to peruse some of the many online apartment and landlord review sites that let tenants anonymously review their apartment complex, landlord or property management company.
2. Search public records
There’s a wealth of information about properties and landlords available via your local government agencies, and you can usually check your landlord for free. Consider it your landlord background check!
Your county courthouse should have ownership records searchable by address, so you can find the legal name of the person or company that owns the property — it may not be your landlord directly.
You can also search for code violations, foreclosure proceedings, evictions and small claims court settlements, all of which should be red flags for renters.
3. Get to know your (future) neighbours
If you’re moving into an apartment complex with multiple units, take a few minutes to walk around the grounds out of earshot of the landlord.
If you see any tenants out and about, discuss what it’s like to live there. Ask how long they’ve lived there — renewed leases signify a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Get pros and cons, ask how complaints are handled, and determine if they have any gripes on management.
If you’re moving into a single-family home, ask the landlord if they’d mind you conversing with the current tenants.
If you don’t have access to any other tenants, find a neighbourhood-specific blog or Facebook group to join. Tell people you’re considering moving into the area, and ask if they know anything about the property manager.
4. Be the interviewer
Landlords ask you questions when you apply to live on their property, so why shouldn’t you ask them questions too?
Ask them how they handle repair requests. Find out if the landlord lives on-site, nearby or in a different state. Ask how the move-in and move-out process goes. Learn more about their process for requesting entry to your unit.
They should be able to answer your questions and address your concerns quickly.
5. Go with your gut
When in doubt, trust your instincts. If you experience any of the following:
- The price seems too low for the apartment size, amenities or neighbourhood
- The lease terms are unclear
- The landlord is hesitant to answer your questions
- The landlord tries to rush you through the rental process
Think twice — and keep looking.
Seeking assistance in your next background check? We can help you! Contact IQI Canada for your next home sweet home!
