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Uzone.id – Signing a lease can be exciting, especially if you’ve found the perfect place. However, before signing, look out for major red flags.
Leases are legal agreements, and missing even the tiniest detail can lead to headaches, financial problems, or worse. Here’s a guide to help you spot sneaky rental red flags, whether you’re a first-time renter or want to be extra cautious.
1. The Lease Is Super Short or Way Too Complicated
One of the first things you’ll notice when signing a lease is its length. If a lease is unusually short (like a page or two), it’s a red flag. It should cover all important details like rent, deposit, maintenance, and rules.
If it seems incomplete, ask questions. Conversely, if it’s filled with legal jargon and confusing clauses, it may hide shady terms. If you’re confused about rental agreements, seek clarification or consult someone knowledgeable.
2. Landlord Refuses to Make Repairs
Do not be fooled by the promise, “We will fix it later,” if you complain about some problems with the building you rent. Moreover, the owner said it with a gesture of neglect, just be careful.
If they’re not willing to make basic repairs before you move in, chances are they won’t be eager to fix things once you’re locked into a lease. Always make sure the place is in decent condition or get any repair promises in writing before signing.
3. Suspiciously Low Rent
We all love deals, but if rent seems too good to be true, it likely is. Low rent may indicate hidden issues like bad neighbors, break-ins, or structural problems. It could also mean the landlord is desperate for tenants, which is never a good sign. Research the average rent in the area. If it’s significantly lower, investigate the reasons.
4. No Written Lease
Never, and I mean never, agree to rent a place without a written lease. Without a written agreement, you will not get any legal protection guarantee if there is a problem.
Then, do not just sign the agreement. Read each word first, because there is a possibility that the owner inserts words that trap you in the future.
5. Landlord Seems Sketchy
Beware of the owner who is too excited to ask you to immediately sign without reading it. “Come on, just sign it before someone takes it,” that’s about it.
Also pay attention to their communication style. If it is difficult to contact during the process, in the future it will also be difficult to contact after the deal.
Look for a rental owner who is transparent and communicative, and still trust your hunch.
6. Unclear Terms on Deposits and Fees
Make sure the lease clearly explains how much the deposit is, what it’s for, and how you can get it back. A major red flag is when a landlord asks for an unusually high deposit or refuses to explain what it covers. Another thing to watch out for is hidden fees—like “administrative fees,” processing charges, or vague maintenance costs. If fees aren’t explained in detail, ask for clarity. You don’t want to be hit with surprise costs down the road.
7. Restrictions Without Reason
Some lease restrictions make sense, like no loud music after 10 PM or subletting without permission. But if a lease has too many rules or seems unreasonable (like banning visitors or restricting wall decorations), question them. Excessive rules may indicate an overly controlling landlord. You want comfort and freedom in your space.
8. Landlord Won’t Let You See the Property Beforehand
This one’s huge. If a landlord refuses to let you see the place before signing, run. Whether they’re giving excuses about it being occupied or unavailable for viewing, that’s a major red flag. You need to see the property to make sure it meets your needs and matches the description. Signing a lease without setting foot inside is like buying a car without test-driving it—it’s just risky.
9. Unreasonably Long Lease Terms
Most standard leases are for about a year, but if you’re asked to commit to a longer period (like two or three years), consider it carefully. Longer leases may have lower rent, but they also lock you in, and breaking a lease early can be costly. If the landlord insists on an extended lease without a valid reason, they might be trying to benefit themselves more than you.
10. Utilities Aren’t Clearly Explained
It’s common for landlords to bundle utilities like water, electricity, or trash collection into the rent, but it should always be clear what’s included and what’s not. If the lease is vague about who pays for what, or if the landlord refuses to explain utility costs, it’s a red flag. Make sure the lease outlines exactly what utilities you’ll be responsible for and ask for an estimate of those costs. You don’t want to get hit with surprise utility bills after you move in.
