Tips to avoid bad landlords
- Asking for an application fee, a fee for keys, a damage deposit greater than 翻 of one months rent, and first and last months rent are all illegal. If a potentiallandlordasks you for any of these things, it may be a sign that they are trying to get around the laws that protect tenants.
- A goodlandlordwill be okay with you asking questions. If you find that your potentiallandlordseems dishonest or like they are avoiding answering, it could be a red flag.
- Dontbe pressured to sign a lease right away. Somelandlordsmay try to get you to sign the same day you view a place, butitsokay to ask for a day to think it over. A lease is a legally binding document that involves a lot of money. It is better to potentiallymiss out onan opportunity than toenter intoa contract with a badlandlord.
Tips to avoid potential scams
Ask yourself if a place seems too good to be true.Is the unit much less expensive than others in the area? Do the photos seem real? Are there more amenities included than you wouldreasonably expectfor the price point?
Ask to see the unit in person. If this is not possible because you are not in Nova Scotia, ask for a video call so that you can virtually tour the place. Many scammers will list a unit that does exist but is not owned by the scammer and may already have current tenants. Scammers may try to trick you by saying they only have photos, or they are unavailable to give you a tour because they are out of the province/country.
If you find a unit through a website like Facebook Marketplace,take a lookat the landlords profile. Does their profile picture look legitimate, or could it be a stock photo taken from the internet? Does their account have any other activity?
When in doubt, show the listing to a trusted friend or family member. They can helpadviseyou if it seems legitimate.
Dontsend any money before signing a lease. As mentioned above, it is illegal fora landlordto charge you anything more than the first months rent and a damage deposit of 翻 of one months rent.
