Category: Lighter Side

In any human interaction there is always the chance that your words or actions will be taken the wrong way. In the case of landlord-tenant interactions that chance is higher than it is in other settings. I have seen a lot of well-meaning renters make unwitting faux-pas that wound up hurting their relationship with their landlord or prospective landlord. Some people approach apartment hunting like job hunting, and while this is a good place to start they forget how vulnerable a long-time landlord can feel. When you're on the landlord side of things apartment hunters can seem like real hunters looking for prey.

To that end I've got several normal-seeming things that tenants do during their apartment search that could actually threaten the landlord and cause them to lose out on good apartments.

Looking under the sink.

What you think it means: You will see obvious evidence of leaks and water damage.
What it means to a landlord: You read an article titled "This one quick hack will tell if a landlord is hiding something from you." You don't know the first thing about apartment maintenance. You're looking for a "gotcha" that you can use as a launchpad for a tirade against the landlord's maintenance practices.
Better alternatives: If you must look under the sink, check not only for leaks but also look at the cleaning supplies and other chemicals that the tenant has stored there, particularly pesticides. Test the water pressure. Check the furnace filter. Look behind the fridge for dust on the coils. Check building code violations before you go to the showing, or have us do it for you.

Saying "Have a blessed day."

What you think it means: A kindly sign off, possibly implying that you are a clean-living, honest Christian who will not cause any disruption or harm.
Continue reading Stupid Renter Tricks (and some better alternatives)