Apartment Hunting Tips: Red Flags to Look Out For
If you’re finally moving out of OU’s dorms, finding the right living space in Athens can be a new, exciting experience. But, the search for a budget-friendly, well-maintained college apartment might be overwhelming, especially for a first timer. With all the listings, apartment tours, and lease agreements you need to pay attention to, it’s easy to overlook some subtle red flags when you’re looking for a new place to live.
Whether you’re searching for an uptown apartment or a 3-bedroom place on Mill St., here are some common red flags to watch out for while apartment hunting near Ohio University:
1. You’re presented with unclear lease terms
It might seem like you’ve found the perfect place— the location is fantastic, the rent’s just within your budget, and you like the size of your potential apartment. But, if the landlord is acting sketchy and is pushing you to sign the lease agreement right on the spot, you need to reconsider.
Signing a lease isn’t something to take lightly. It’s a legal contract, and you should have enough time to go over it. Watch out for vague language and unclear details about maintenance, utilities, rent due dates, and move in fees. If anything is confusing to you, you should be able to ask the landlord about it.
A clear lease should detail terms like the rent, security deposit, payment method, utilities, parking, and even about move in day. Here’s a sample of a lease agreement, so you know what to expect.
Don’t fall for pressure tactics and end up signing an unfair lease.
2. You observe signs of poor maintenance or damage around the property
As you do a quick walking tour of a rental, you can notice a lot of things that will reveal a lot about the place. If you notice peeling paint, mold, broken windows, uneven walls, water damage, or even worse, a pest infestation, you should think twice before signing the lease.
Even if the landlord says that they’ll “fix it” when you move in, chances are, what you just saw is what you’ll have to live with for at least 6 months or however long your contract is.
3. The landlord doesn’t answer your questions
You’re a potential tenant. And, you have the right to know what living in the apartment would be like. Whether you’re asking about parking, noise levels in the area, or what utilities are included in the rent, a good landlord will let you know all the details.
If they’re dodging your questions and acting sketchy, that’s a red flag you should watch out for.
4. You’re not able to view the place in person
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the same doesn’t go for apartment hunting. Photos can be deceiving, and you shouldn’t just rely on them. If the property manager or landlord won’t let you see the actual unit (in person or through video call), alarm bells should be ringing in your head.
Before you get locked into a rental contract, you need to at least view the place once. Going in person would be best, though.
5. The apartment’s rent is way too cheap
If you’re on a tight student budget, one of your top priorities will be finding an affordable place. You might think that you’ve hit jackpot when you come across a listing for a student apartment that has a cheap monthly rent. But, if the rent is significantly lower than similar units in the area, you need to consider the possible hidden trade-offs.
A low monthly rent might mean:
- The unit is in bad condition (molds, water damage, pests, etc.)
- There are hidden fees (always read the lease agreement)
- The location isn’t convenient.
To find out if a deal’s too good to be true, compare similar listings and trust your gut.
6. You notice issues with utilities like water and electricity
As you tour the apartment, you should test out the water pressure. Turn on faucets, flush the toilet, test out the outlets and light switches. Heating is also something you need to ask about, since winters in Athens can be rough.
7. The landlord has bad reviews
Before you sign onto any lease, do a quick Google search and look up the landlord or property management company. A quick tip is to read reviews on Reddit, OU housing Facebook groups, Google Reviews, and even ask your friend or upperclassmen.
If people complain about a rental company’s terrible maintenance, sketchy lease terms, unfair charges, and security deposit issues, you should avoid these landlords at all costs to prevent any headaches further down the line.
8. You don’t receive a move-in checklist or inspection
Before you move in, you should be given a move-in inspection form where you can take note of existing damage. You should take pictures and videos of the apartment so you can’t be blamed and charged for any old damage you weren’t responsible for.
Finding a Student-Friendly Apartment in Athens Doesn’t Have to be a Challenge
While it’s true that you need to pay attention to a lot of things during your apartment search, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed. Prepare a checklist of priorities for what you want in an apartment and start your search months in advance.
To have the best experience living off-campus, take a look at the property list of a reputable rental company like Kleinpenny Rentals. Our well-maintained student rentals are all located near OU campus. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find a place that’s perfect for your college lifestyle.