Random Warning Signs To Be Look Out For When Renting (15 items)

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  (#1) Visible Signs Of Water Damage

  Water damage most often results from plumbing leaks or leaks in the roof. Signs of water damage can be obvious - such as standing water on the floor - or it can be more subtle, like discolored patches in the ceiling, walls, or flooring.

  Another good way to check for water damage is to give the property a good sniff. Water-damaged spaces smell damp, musty, and stale. If left untreated, water damage can encourage mold growth; allergic-like reactions, respiratory infections, and memory loss are just a few symptoms of mold infestation.
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  (#7) No Heat Supply

  In the vast majority of rental situations, landlords are required to provide a heat source as part of renting a safe and habitable unit. The extent of this responsibility, however, varies by city or state.

  In San Francisco, landlords must provide a heat source year-round that heats interiors to 68 degrees between the hours of 5:00 and 11:00 am and 3:00 and 10:00 pm. In New York City, landlords must provide a heat source from October 31 to May 31. Interiors must reach 68 degrees between 6:00 and 10:00 pm and at least 55 degrees throughout the night. Check with your local laws regarding heating (or air conditioning) requirements before heading to an open house.
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  (#4) Poor Water Pressure

  When you're touring a prospective rental, turn on the taps in all sinks and showers to check the water pressure. Low water pressure can be indicative of a number of potential issues. On the minor end, it might just be a main water valve or water meter valve that isn't fully opened. On the serious end, it could be a sign of old pipes. Old pipes are less efficient pipes, and they are more prone to leaks and bursts.

  There is also a practical consideration to bear in mind as well; low water pressure means it will take a frustratingly long time to do even the simplest of tasks, like drawing a bath or washing the dishes.
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  (#5) Sawdust-Like Piles Below Support Beams Or Near Wooden Moldings

  When termites munch away on wood, they leave behind something called frass. It looks like sawdust, but it's actually their excrement. It can range in color from light beige to black, and on (very) close inspection, it looks like a pile of miniscule, deflated footballs.

  If the rental property you're touring has wooden support beams or moldings, look under and around them for piles of frass.
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  (#10) Appliances Don't Work

  If the electricity is hooked up in the apartment you're touring, test out the appliances. Plug the refrigerator in and confirm all lights are on and the motor is running. If you have a smartphone charger with you, test out a few of the electrical outlets in the property to make sure they all have juice.

  Be sure to test out gas appliances as well. Turn on each burner of the stove and make sure they light. Flip the oven on and make sure it warms up. 
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  (#8) Obvious Signs Of Damage

  One of the more visible warning signs of a questionable rental property is the presence of physical damage. Windows, light fixtures, fans, and moldings should all be in one piece and free of cracks and holes. If there are chips in the sink or the countertop, it doesn't necessarily need to be a deal-breaker, but report it to the landlord immediately in case it develops into a larger issue; take photos of it and send it to them if necessary.

  Also, be on the lookout for stains. If carpets, walls, or ceilings are stained, it could be a sign of water damage or it could just be a sign of a landlord who doesn't care.

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