Finding a good landlord is just as important as finding a good apartment. Even if you find the perfect place to live, having a landlord who doesn’t care about their renters can negatively affect your living situation. Knowing how to find an apartment with a good landlord can take some time, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Here’s what you should assess when looking for a landlord who cares about your living environment as much as you do.
They Answer Your Questions
It might sound simple, but it’s important that you ask questions of your landlord. If your landlord responds to your questions directly and doesn’t skirt around them, then you’re on the right track. Before you apply to live in an apartment, it’s good to find out who owns the property and who manages it. Often times a landlord will hire a property management company to take care of the rental. If your landlord is also the sole owner, key questions you will want to ask are:
- How long have they owned the complex?
- How has the rental pricing varied over the years?
Rental prices that frequently fluctuate from low to high can indicate that the owner is more interested in finding any tenant that can pay the price than finding a quality tenant. If they aren’t willing to release this information (which could also be a red flag), you can request it from your state government.
They Pass the Research Test
If you’ve found a few apartments that you want to apply for, hop on the internet and check out some review sites to look for evaluations about each of the properties. In some cases, there will also be reviews on the landlord and their property management business. If your landlord has ever been involved in legal troubles, you’ll be able to see it, as those are public records.
Talking to other tenants in the building is often one of the best ways to get to know the landlord. It may take some time, but with a little persistence, you might be able to find current tenants who are willing to answer some of your questions. Keep in mind that those with strong opinions, one way or the other, will be more inclined to share their experiences.
They Want to Know About You
Now that you’ve done some research, you’re ready to submit your application. Keep in mind that as much as you want the landlord to choose you based on the application, the application also says a lot about the landlord, too. You should be concerned if all the landlord cares about is your name and phone number.
A landlord should want to know as much about you as possible. The more detailed the application, the more information the landlord has to work with when evaluating all possible tenants of the apartment. Typically, if a landlord has invested money into the apartment building, they want good tenants to make sure their investment is safe. They should want to know your:
- Monthly salary
- Employment history
- Rental history
- Rental reference letter
Requiring you to fill out a detailed application shows that they care about who lives in the building, and that’s exactly the type of landlord you want.
After you have completed the application, the landlord will take the time to review the information provided. They will verify all of your personal information; this includes contact information of your current employer, prior landlords, or any other references you have given. Ask your references to let you know if/when the landlord has contacted them; if they’ve communicated, it’s a good sign– it shows that the landlord takes the process seriously.
They Are Open to Conversation
Before signing any lease or agreement, don’t forget to have a 1-on-1 conversation with your landlord. Ask how they would handle a tricky situation and clarify which qualities are important for you to have in your landlord. Look for signs that indicate a caring landlord, like:
- Are they willing to listen to your concerns?
- Do they know anything about the other tenants living in the building?
- Are they upfront about the monthly charges for water, heating, and utility bills?
Other Qualities to Look For
There are some additional character traits to look for when getting to know your future landlord.
- How organized are they?
- When you show up with all your information, does your landlord have a lease agreement ready for you to review, or are they scrambling to find documents?
- Do they show a degree of professionalism?
- Do they return phone calls promptly?
- Are they on time for your meeting?
- Are they hostile or approachable?
Take the time to do your research, ask important questions, and get a feel for the management that runs your potential apartment; they’re all crucial aspects when searching for a good landlord. Good landlords are an important piece of your living environment, so make sure you’ve found someone you get along well with.
Ready to start your apartment search? Check out thousands of apartments on Zumper and find your perfect place to live.
Related content
