Finding an apartment
How can I tell if a landlord or property manager is any good before I sign?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Look at how they act before you sign, read reviews, and talk to current tenants if you can. A good landlord answers questions clearly, shows up on time, gives you the lease to read in advance and does not pressure you. Slow replies, vague answers about repairs and a unit in poor shape at the tour are warning signs.
The application process is a preview. If a landlord misses appointments or ignores emails while trying to fill a vacancy, they will not become more responsive once you are paying rent.
- Search the name of the management company or building with the word reviews, and read the most recent ones about maintenance and deposits.
- Check the condition of common areas. Broken lights, overflowing trash and damaged doors show how the owner maintains the property.
- Ask a tenant in the hallway or parking lot how quickly repairs get done.
- Ask for the lease before you pay anything, and see if they rush you.
- Look up whether your city posts housing code complaints or violations for the address. Many do.
One or two bad reviews are normal for a large complex. Look for the same complaint repeated, especially about deposits never being returned or heat and water outages. For a small landlord with no online footprint, a short phone call with a current tenant is often the best information you can get.
Also confirm that the person showing the unit actually has the right to rent it. The rental scams answers explain how.
Want the whole picture? Read How to Find an Apartment in Facebook Housing Groups.