By watching for these red flags when apartment hunting, you can avoid unfavorable leases, poor living conditions, and many other stressful scenarios.

Finding a new apartment can feel like a full-time job. You spend hours scrolling through listings, scheduling tours, and imagining your life in a new space. The process is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. If you get tired enough, you might feel tempted to sign a lease for the first decent-looking spot. But this could be a huge mistake. 

Instead, you should know what red flags to watch for when apartment hunting to avoid seriously stressful problems and find a place you truly love. Spotting these warning signs early can save you from future headaches, financial strain, and a living situation you regret. Think of this as your checklist for a smarter, more successful hunt!

The Listing Looks Too Good To Be True

Your apartment search likely starts online. While most listings are legitimate, some are designed to mislead you. Scammers are out there, and they use attractive photos and low prices to lure in potential victims.

Unusually Low Rent

A price well below the market rate for a similar apartment in the same neighborhood is a major red flag. Scammers use this tactic to create urgency—Quick! Don’t let the deal slip away! They might ask for a deposit or the first month’s rent before you’ve even seen the apartment, then disappear with your money. 

Make sure you research average rent prices in the area to get a baseline. Finding something below this average isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it’s something to consider cautiously.

Vague or Stock Photos

Be cautious if a listing uses generic, professional photos that look like they came from a catalog. Some landlords might use old or misleading pictures to hide the apartment’s true condition. A legitimate listing should include clear, recent photos of the actual unit, including the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. Ask for a video tour or live walk-through if you suspect the photos are not representative.

The Landlord or Property Manager Raises Concerns

The person showing you the apartment is just as important as the apartment itself. Your landlord or property manager is your main point of contact for maintenance, rent, and other issues. Therefore, you should get along with or at least be able to communicate with them.

Excessive Pressure To Sign

A landlord who pressures you to sign a lease immediately is a cause for concern. They might claim other people are interested or that the price will go up tomorrow. This is a tactic to rush you into a decision before you have time to think it through or spot potential issues. A good landlord will give you reasonable time to review the lease and make an informed choice.

Poor Communication

How a property manager communicates during the initial tour can be a preview of your future relationship. If they are hard to reach, dismiss your questions, or seem disorganized, imagine how they will respond to a maintenance emergency. You want a landlord who is professional, responsive, and respectful.

Refusal To Provide a Written Lease

Never—and we mean never—rent an apartment without a written lease. A verbal agreement is impossible to enforce legally, leaving you largely vulnerable to your landlord’s whims. The lease is a legally binding contract that outlines your rights and responsibilities, as well as the landlord’s. If a landlord is hesitant to put everything in writing, walk away.

The Building and Unit Show Signs of Neglect

When you tour the apartment, look beyond the fresh coat of paint. Pay close attention to the details. The physical condition of the building and the unit itself will tell you a lot about how well the property is maintained, which indicates how safe it is to live there.

Signs of Pest Infestations

Look for evidence of pests like cockroaches, mice, or bedbugs. Check under sinks, in cabinets, and along baseboards for droppings or traps. If you can, ask current or past tenants if they had any pest problems. A pest issue can be incredibly difficult and stressful to resolve.

Visible Water Damage

Water stains on ceilings or walls are a serious red flag. They can indicate plumbing leaks, a faulty roof, or poor ventilation. Press on the stained area; if it feels soft or damp, there’s an active leak. Water damage can lead to structural problems and mold growth, which poses a health risk.

Nonworking Fixtures and Appliances

Test everything during your tour. Turn on the faucets to check for water pressure and hot water. Flush the toilet. Flip the light switches and test the outlets with a phone charger. Open and close the windows and doors. Check the appliances to make sure they are in good working order. Any issues you find now could become major inconveniences later.

Poor Security

You should feel safe where you live, so remember to assess the building’s security features. Are the main entrances secure? Do the locks on the windows and doors work properly? Additionally, ask about the security policies for the building. For instance, keyless entry is a great thing for apartments as it can enhance security and prevent unauthorized key duplication. Conversely, poorly lit hallways or a lack of secure entry points can make the property a target for crime.

Final Steps You Should Take Before You Sign

You have found an apartment you like, and the landlord seems great. Before you commit, take the following few final steps to protect yourself.

Read the Lease Carefully

Do not skim the lease agreement. Read every clause to understand your obligations. Pay attention to details about rent payments, late fees, maintenance responsibilities, pet policies, and the conditions for getting your security deposit back. If anything is unclear or appears incorrect, don’t sign anything until your concerns are addressed.

Talk to Current Tenants

If you have the opportunity, speak with people who already live in the building. Ask them about their experience with management, maintenance response times, and any common structural or utility issues. They can offer an honest perspective that you probably will not get from the landlord.

In the end, despite needing to watch for red flags when apartment hunting, you should still be excited about the process! You’re about to move into a fresh space and make it yours. As long as you approach each tour and landlord conversation with a critical eye, you’ll be fine. Best of luck!