No matter how amazing the rental find, a terrible landlord can make a rental property an absolute nightmare. Knowing how to recognize and steer clear of a toxic landlord could be the key to happiness in your rental sweet rental.

Your rental property belongs to your landlord, but it’s not their home, at least not while you are renting it. Many landlords have moved on from living in a property but for one reason or another aren’t quite ready to let it go. Maybe it was the first home they bought and fixed up, perhaps significant memories were made in the home, or oftentimes it’s a home they plan to return to at some point. However, when a landlord chooses to keep it their “home” it can make it nearly impossible to make it yours. Whether it’s painting walls, storing furniture, or dealing with unexpected pop-ins, having a landlord who is emotionally invested in a property can make you feel like you are living in a hotel instead of your home.

Prior to signing the lease the landlord disclosed they would need to leave their trampoline, piano, and some furniture in the home, but we were welcome to use it. Of course, it may have been a little crowded once we brought our own trampoline, piano and furniture. 

As you discuss a home with a landlord it is often apparent whether this is solely a money making venture or whether this home pulls on their heart strings. Whether you are tipped off or not, before you rent the property talk to the landlord about their history with the home. Tenants often feel weary about crossing boundaries with landlords. It’s important to remember a landlord isn’t just interviewing you — you are interviewing a prospective landlord. In the world of renting, surprises are rarely a good thing, it’s best all the cards are on the table. If the bedroom walls are pink, it’s important to know if their grown daughter picked that color when she was just a little girl, and if they are okay with letting it go (before you get stuck with a pink office). As always, the golden rule is getting it in writing. 

It doesn’t matter how much they love their home and want to check-in, the lease says how much notice they are required to provide. Sometimes landlords need to be reminded that you have every intention of caring for their home but you need them to adhere to the terms you agreed upon in your lease.

Not all landlords are lords of the land. They very well might love to be big time rental investors, but in reality they are renting their property because they need the income. Your rent may very well be a last ditch effort to cover their mortgage and not loose their home. Financially unavailable landlords aren’t necessarily ill-willed, but their money woes make them risky landlords. While your rent money may be enough for them to keep their property, it doesn’t necessarily account for a pipe busting or an appliance breaking. If the unexpected happens, there is a high likelihood you’re going to be left with the problems because they have no financial means to fix it. 

Trying to get ahead of this problem can take a little leg work. Unfortunately a landlord isn’t likely to disclose that they are barely hanging on to their property. The County Recorder’s Office maintains public records and should be able to disclose if the property you are considering is in default. 

Ask the landlord if they have a contractor who does work on the property when something breaks. Ask them what the process is for repairs (Will the landlord pay? Do you need to pay and be reimbursed?) Some landlords are insistent all repairs are done by them. If they have the expertise, that is wonderful. If they don’t, why are they cutting financial corners on the home you will be living in?

Speaking of cutting corners, what is the state of the home? The property could very well be speaking to you on the financial capabilities of the landlord to pay for repairs. Masking tape, cracked switch plates, damaged fixtures are never a good indicator.

I once went three days without running water in a rental property because a leak forced the water to be shut off. There was absolutely no way I was fronting the money for the repair but he refused to take my calls.  

Some landlords have rental properties and consider their tenants their bread and butter. They put stock in the idea that if they take care of their tenants, their renters will take care of them. Other landlords have rental properties and live by the mantra, “out of site, out of mind” (so long as the rent check shows up). These shady landlords don’t really care if you are living without air conditioning, with moldy ducts, or with sewage backups, as long as it doesn’t financially impact them.

Rental reviews may very well be your best friend in getting ahead of these rentals. While they often look nice, there is something dark lurking beneath the cheaply painted walls. These landlords know their rights, your rights, and what they can take from your security deposit. They know that behind you there are three more renters that will unsuspectingly slide right into the home and won’t realize the carpet reeks until the odor eliminator wears off a week after they move in. It’s a maddening cycle that validates “life is not fair”.

If reviews are unavailable on the property you are considering, you need to ensure you document, document, D-O-C-U-M-E-N-T! You need pictures of the house pre-move in, video of the house, you should have a list of documented damages that you made and proof that you provided it to your landlord. Anything you and your landlord agreed upon should be in written correspondence. If it was done via phone or face to face, print out the email you sent afterwards recapping your conversation. Delete nothing.

Ensure your lease specifies exactly what your landlord is responsible for. If appliances break, if pipes leak, if you move in and realize the house is infested with roaches…who is financially responsible? Familiarize yourself with your state statues. Many states specify the landlord is responsible for ensuring functioning facilities for heat during winter, or safe and functional plumbing and electricity.

Not all landlords are created equally, some (NOT ALL) quite frankly, suck. When you’re renting a property more comes with it than just a home. Take the time and effort to know what kind of relationship you are getting yourself into.