4 Red Flags That You’re About to Rent the Wrong Apartment in Hickory, NC

1. The Rent Seems To Good To Be True

Most renters know what it’s like to come across an apartment listing with a low monthly rent that feels too good to be true. It can feel like the answer to your prayers, but it’s more than likely that there is a perfectly good — and by good, we mean bad — reason for the seemingly amazing deal. The rent could be astonishingly low for a variety of reasons. There could be a mold issue that the landlord is hoping to sneak by you, the unit could share walls with a noisy bar or restaurant, or the previous tenant may have damaged the unit and lowered its value.

2. Credit and Background Checks Are Not Required

All reputable rental companies and landlords require credit and background checks before they will approve your rental application. While it can be inconvenient to wait around for these to clear, this type of vetting says a lot about the quality of the apartment and the professionalism of the landlord. If a landlord doesn’t screen their tenants, it means they aren’t concerned about whether they are renting their units to responsible and respectful people. Ask yourself this: if they aren’t worried about who will be living in the apartment and how they will treat it, how good can the apartment be?

3. There’s No Maintenance Team

Even if you’re planning on renting a brand new apartment, it’s best to expect a few minor maintenance issues along the way. One of the best parts about being a renter is knowing that you aren’t responsible for regular maintenance and repairs. If any of the apartment’s appliances quit unexpectedly, the plumbing leaks, or the heating and air conditioning malfunctions, you don’t want to be left scrambling for solutions. If the apartment you’re considering renting doesn’t have a maintenance technician who can take care of issues quickly and effectively, you are better off finding an apartment complex that does.

4. You Must Sign the Lease Before Viewing the Apartment

This may sound like an obvious red flag, but it is much more common than you might think. Here’s an example scenario:

You’ve seen pictures of the apartment online, but the landlord tells you he’s completing some updates and won’t be able to give you a tour at the moment. Problem is, he has another renter who wants to sign the lease immediately, but the landlord is nice enough to give you first priority if you want it.

Don’t fall for this or similar schemes. You should always be able to tour an apartment before you sign the lease. If you’re looking for apartments in Hickory, schedule a showing at The Estates at Legends!