Red Flags That Say “Do Not Rent This Place”

How Long Is This Read?
This version is about 4 to 5 minutes long, detailed enough to be super useful but not overwhelming.

Not all apartments are worth your money, no matter how nice the listing photos look. Some places come with hidden headaches that could cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Before you sign that lease, watch out for these red flags.

1. The Price Feels Too Good to Be True

Something might be off if the rent is significantly lower than similar places in the area. Ask yourself:

• Is it in a high-crime neighborhood?

• Does the building have serious maintenance issues?

• Are there hidden fees that will show up later?

Always research the average rent in the area before getting too excited about a "great deal."

2. The Lease Has Shady Clauses

Read your lease carefully before signing. Be wary if:

• It has vague or confusing language about fees or responsibilities.

• There’s no mention of maintenance or repairs. Who pays if something breaks?

• The landlord won’t let you have a copy of the lease before signing.

If anything feels sketchy, ask for clarification or have someone with experience review it.

3. The Landlord or Property Manager Is Hard to Reach

If they take forever to respond before you sign the lease, imagine how hard it’ll be to get help after you move in.

🚩 Red flags:

• They dodge questions or give unclear answers.

• They rush you into signing.

• They have bad reviews from past tenants.

A landlord who doesn’t communicate well is a landlord who won’t fix problems when you need them fixed.

4. The Building or Unit Is in Bad Shape

A fresh coat of paint can’t hide major issues. When you tour the place, check for:

• Water damage (stains on ceilings or walls could mean leaks or mold).

• Pests (roaches, mice, or bug traps are a bad sign).

• Broken appliances (test faucets, outlets, and the stove).

• Security concerns (locks, windows, and doors should be secure).

If the place looks neglected, maintenance is probably not a priority for the landlord.

5. Past or Current Tenants Have Nothing Good to Say

If possible, talk to a current tenant or check online reviews of the building or landlord. If you see a pattern of complaints about:

• Slow or nonexistent repairs

• Surprise fees

• Noisy or unsafe neighbors

It’s a sign that living there might be more stress than it’s worth.

6. The Utility Bills Are Sky-High

Ask about average utility costs before signing the lease. Older buildings with poor insulation or bad heating/cooling systems can lead to ridiculously high electricity or gas bills.

🚨 Pro tip: If possible, visit the unit at different times of the day to check for things like bad ventilation, street noise, or weird smells.

7. The Move-In Process Feels Rushed or Unorganized

A landlord who seems desperate to get you in fast might be hiding something. Be cautious if:

• They pressure you to sign without giving you time to think.

• They skip a proper background or credit check.

• They refuse to give a written agreement and want everything done in cash.

A bad rental situation can be expensive and stressful to escape. If you feel uneasy, trust your gut and keep looking.

If It Feels Wrong, Walk Away

Your first apartment should be a place you feel comfortable and safe in, not a constant source of stress. If something doesn’t sit right, listen to that instinct. It’s better to keep searching than to rush into a bad rental.

Have you ever spotted a red flag while apartment hunting? Let’s talk—I’d love to hear your experience.