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Anyone who has rented a house or an apartment knows how troublesome it can be. Constant instability and restrictive rules substantially reduce comfort, while losing the landlord lottery and getting a bad one can make, in extreme cases, the accommodation unlivable.
Tenants in the r/Renters community are constantly sharing their fights and struggles with property owners. From unrealistic charges to requesting tips on rent, they prove that, in fact, landlords are really that bad. To find these horror stories, all you have to do is scroll down.
While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with realtor, private landlord, and real estate investor Chelsey Gibbs, who kindly agreed to give us some pointers on how to avoid a bad landlord.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Finally, An Honest Landlord
RELATED:
#2
How Cold Is It Tho
Mohsie Supposie 11 months ago
They reported is as "broken" (instead of "not working"), which could mean that the tap/faucet or pipe is broken, hence the request for a picture!
#3
What The Heck Is This?
Data shows that in the UK, homeowners are typically more satisfied with their accommodation than private or social renters. In 2023, the Housing Ombudsman, a government service that looks at housing complaints, found that the main reason tenants aren’t pleased with their dwellings is because of their condition.
30% say that the property owner didn't bother to repair it or that the landlord was slow to get things done.
The following issue was how landlords handled the complaints, with 78% of cases containing maladministration or poor communication. As a result, 46% of the time landlords had to pay residents compensation because of poor housing conditions and its management.
#4
What Am I Supposed To Do?
Marcos Valencia 11 months ago
Landlord should install a silent toilet tank (I recommend GROHE Whisper® or similar).
Bored Panda reached out to realtor, private landlord, and real estate investor Chelsey Gibbs, who, from experience, confirms that the most common tenant complaints are maintenance delays and communication issues.
She additionally mentions that people often have privacy concerns. They sometimes feel that frequent or announced landlord visits compromise their personal space.
Unfair charges are also up there with frequent resident grievances. "Some tenants report unexpected fees or unjustified deductions from their security deposits," says Gibbs.
#5
Leasing Company Sealed Living Squirrels In My Walls, What Do I Do??
I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
I put in a maintenance ticket back in January to have holes sealed up at the edge of my roof where squirrels had gotten in and I could hear them chewing at the wood in the walls on a regular basis. Month after month I would contact the leasing company for my house anyway I could to ask when this was going to get resolved.
Yesterday they finally came out with a crane and did this metal work and expanding foam job, cutting down my little library to reach it.
Update: THE SQUIRRELS HAVE ALL BEEN FREED!
After a hearing about my dilemma, my sister and her partner, both strong animal lovers with animal rescue experience, drove all the way down from the Duluth area to give me a hand with my situation.
#6
Charging For Carpet Replacement Upon Move Out? Reston, Va
Just moved out of a 1 bedroom apartment. I rented a carpet shampooer from Home Depot before and had the whole place looking and smelling real nice. Just got this email which screams of nonsense.
I plan to fight this to the death. The carpet was not damaged and had zero stains when I left. The pictures aren’t amazing but you can tell there’s not big damage
With such evidence, it’s no surprise that landlords are often stereotyped as the bad guys. Unfortunately, the warning signs are not always immediately apparent to tenants, which makes it hard to avoid them. Luckily for us, real estate expert Gibbs has a few tips on how to dodge the ‘bad landlord' bullet.
According to her, the first thing you should do is evaluate the landlord's communication levels. "Speak directly with the landlord before signing the lease. Assess their responsiveness and willingness to address questions or concerns," says Gibbs.
The initial meeting is also important. If they are ignoring calls, avoiding questions, and showing little interest in helping applicants throughout the process, that could be a big bad sign, as contacting them for maintenance or repair might be difficult after moving in.
#7
Found On Facebook
#8
"It's Not Me Who's Choosing To Raise Your Rent. It's The Market."
#9
Landlords- Please Don’t Paint Over Cockroaches
If they show up late to a showing without an apology or if the interaction is rushed, unprofessional, or even rude, this could be an additional red flag. Healthy and open communication is important in landlord-tenant relationships, and if that’s not the case from the get-go, it might be a good idea to walk away.
#10
How Much Do You Tip Your Landlord?
#11
Interesting Situation
Marcos Valencia 11 months ago
"Stop using toilet until we fix that" is a perfectly comprehensible answer in such a situation. The second part is not. Also, you don't charge rental fees from now until the issue is completely solved.
#12
My Landlord Is A Perv And I Dont Know What To Do
I 24f am in PA, my roommate recently moved out and since I've been here by myself my landlord started asking for hugs every time he came over (he also shows up unannounced to "fix" things and will push his way in even after I say no and I require notice) the hugs were already crossing a line but I don't have anywhere to go and am already nervous about him and he wouldn't leave until I did it so I just did what he wanted. now he has sent me this email and I'm scared to go home. I've been staying at a friends house trying to figure out what to do
kelsischloe1986 11 months ago
That is harassment and I'd go to the police. You're smart staying with a friend. This guy sounds dangerous and I wouldn't trust being at home alone anymore. Not with him being the owner and able to just come in. I'd definitely report him because he probably would continue to do it to someone else as well. Goodness! People like him freak me out and I wish we could slingshot them to another planet.
It's also important to see the actual rental before signing the lease. Dishonest property owners may post the best, very old, or even fake photos to attract people. Meanwhile, the reality is often far different from the images.
These offerings might also be priced suspiciously low. But if you’re in a hot rental market and the price seems too good to be true, it probably is, and you should be aware of not falling victim to a scam.
#13
Landlord Said If It Comes Back I’m Responsible
Recently got displaced for a week while some people came by and fixed my ceiling. It was covered in full since there was evidence of mold on the windowsills prior to moving in. Company came in and took the humidity which was 78. They were going to replace the ceiling, parts of the wall, and connect the air vent all the way outside as it was not hooked up correctly. Came back after a week and everything is replaced and there is no evidence of mold anymore. Tub is clogged and I’m waiting on that to get fixed but otherwise, seems good. The thing that didn’t make sense to me is the landlord telling me that if it happens again I will be responsible for it. He did not provide any maintenance advice on how to control it if this should happen again. My leasing contract states that I will only be held responsible for repairs if I don’t take the necessary precautions to avoid it but how do I avoid mold growth? Contract includes vent cleaning, filter replacement, not running the ac too hard, normal house things- but nothing about mold. I’ve requested receipts of all the work done so I have evidence that it was done properly and I also plan on requesting humidity check ups. I fail to understand how this would fall back on me if it comes back? If it’s done correctly, it shouldn’t return at all?
#14
Absolutely Floored At The Income Requirement (Ca)
#15
Can They Really Force Us To Pay $30? Il
Realistic Optimist 11 months ago
This is illegal. You can't charge or fine people at will. You need to show a violation of terms or proof of service rendered. If this ever happens to anyone, just send an email explaining you won't pay and why. They will either back off or provide evidence for a potential lawsuit.
The first impression of the property also matters, and when it looks disheveled, that could be another concerning sign. Landlords are often responsible for the upkeep of common areas, so if you notice cracked ceilings, reeking hallways, and dirty laundry rooms, it could mean that they put little effort into maintaining the individual rooms.
"Visit the property and check its condition," advises Gibbs. "Well-maintained properties are usually a sign of a landlord who cares about their tenants' living conditions."
#16
Advice On How To Deal With A Landlord Denying That It Has A Roach Problem
I live in a building in a city right outside Chicago. It does have a lot of units and I realize big old buildings do have bug issues but my landlord is insisting that they’re just water bugs. I told her last Thursday that when I was paying my rent that I’ve seen a couple roaches and she tells me to take a picture next time. So last night I had a friend over and she was sitting on the floor and my cat ran by and a roach ran under my friends leg. So not only was I horrified I was embarrassed I sent her a picture at like 1 am and she didn’t reach out till 2 this afternoon and is still insistent it’s water bugs. My friend used Google lens and what do you know it registered as a roach. I called her and told her I’m not gonna argue with her about it and that she needs to get the exterminator quick. I have poison bait traps by the doorways and today I sprayed raid outside the back door and the landing on the inside. What else could I do to solve this issue if she won’t. Any advice is welcomed.
#17
Landlord Covered My Windows With Plastic
I was shocked when I came home from work and saw plastic covering every window in my apartment. I reached out to the property management and they told me it was for “waterproofing” the building. Asked for a date when it would be removed and they said they “weren’t sure”. It’s cutting off ventilation and I’m having to run my AC in 70 degree weather because it’s almost 80 degrees in my apartment with this plastic on. I asked if they would subsidize a portion of my electric bills since I will be needing to run the AC, which they said they would “get back to me about” but of course they didn’t
#18
Apartment Manager Discussing My Personal Life Via Internal Email
So I moved in to my new apartment in late January, I didn’t have a car then but recently got 1. Email the apartment manager for a parking permit, and she didn’t respond after a few days so I sent a follow-up. She send me a email today to say she was off and will follow-up but accidentally sent me this email which was obviously meant for internal purposes
Minecraft_Chicken (He/Chicken) 11 months ago
Ok, so that's concerning. Doesn't this mean that the landlord was discussing her (the tennets) life with someone else? I would stay at a friend's house or something if I could, idk what they could see.
Issues of repair are the number one thing that causes tension between tenants and landlords, so it’s crucial to ask questions about the maintenance process during walk throughs, like how residents can make a request, who is responsible for repairs, and how quickly the issues usually get fixed.
#19
Oh Front Door Locks Freezing
I moved into a new apt in April and this is my first winter here. They removed all the storm doors when renovating the property and never did any weather stripping/proofing with the front doors, it’s about 1 degree out right now with high winds that have been pushing through our front door along with snow and today I woke up to our locks iced up from the inside
Maddox Pascoe 11 months ago
This is stupid they need to do whether proofing especially if it’s gets this cold outside
#20
(Texas) Is It Legal For My Landlord To Leave The Bathroom Without A Tub Or Shower?
He promised to have it in within a couple weeks of living here, but has yet to even order the tub that fits my rental house. I have one bathroom with a shower, but nothing in the master bathroom
#21
Landlord’s Outrageous Requests
Looking at online reviews from previous tenants on sites like ApartmentRatings and MyLandlordScore is also a great way to see what kind of landlord you’ll have to deal with, says Gibbs. "Investigate the landlord's reputation through online reviews and tenant forums. Positive feedback from other tenants can be a good indicator of reliability."
Meanwhile, a pattern of bad comments is a red flag, and combined with other warning signs, it’s enough to continue the search and avoid the particular accommodation.
#22
Can They Legally Do This?
#23
Landlord Won’t Fix Mold Problem (Mn)
I notified the landlord about a mold problem 2 weeks ago and he keeps saying that he will fix it but nothing ever comes of it. He keeps making excuses and lying about it and saying that people are coming, which makes me take a day to work from home so that I can be here when they come to fix it (I don’t have unlimited work from home days)
#24
Landlord Says I Haven't Paid For This Month's Rent Even After I Already Did. I Don't Know What Else To Do
Realistic Optimist 11 months ago
This is typical bully bs. First thing to note is that if they do take legal action regarding their fraud and blackmail, there's nothing to worry about. The legal system will work it out on its own. Second, if this happens, go to a local renters support org. There are multiple in most cities. They will be able to provide the best advice. An alternative is go to a lawyer and sue. However, lawsuits often take years, and most lawyers cost around $500/hr. Lawsuits should be a final resort because usually no one wins.
If you wish to avoid any unpleasant or unexpected situations, the rental agreement is the most important document to ensure that. "Ensure the lease is detailed and transparent, covering aspects like maintenance responsibilities, notice periods, and any additional fees. A thorough lease can prevent misunderstandings later," notes Gibbs.
Unreliable landlords can purposefully include vague or unclear terms that place the majority of responsibility on tenants. Potential residents should move on if the property owner refuses to review the lease, doesn’t produce it, or wants you to sign it before seeing the housing.
#25
Landlord Installed It Just Above The Door Of Our Apartment. If It Has Audio Is That Legal? Door Is Thin And Could Clearly Eavesdrop If Audio Enabled Camera
#26
Is This Oven Safe And Acceptable As Stated By Landlord?
It has a glass cover, but no actual door so it has its springs exposed.
The handle is very flimsy and is very hard to open the oven with as it isn’t properly attached.
As soon as 5e oven is turned on it starts smoking without even being opened
#27
Inflation Is Tough! $2800 To $4500 For A 750sqft Apartment In The North End Of Boston (Ma)
However, Gibbs assures us that the rental market is getting increasingly populated with good landlords who prioritize ethical practices and tenants' well-being.
"Many landlords are now leveraging technology to provide better services, such as digital rent payment systems, maintenance request platforms, and enhanced communication channels.
The growing awareness of the importance of tenant satisfaction and retention has driven more landlords to adopt fair and transparent practices. This shift is fostering a more positive and trustworthy rental environment."
#28
Outrageous Fees Just To Apply (Ga)
Marcos Valencia 11 months ago (edited)
As a landlord myself, I'm learning a lot from you guys... Let me take notes: application fee, administration fee, tipping your landlord... /s (it shouldn't be necessary, but please note the /s).
#29
$750 A Month To Live In A Shed In Someone's Backyard With No Toilet Or Shower Or Appliances
Marcos Valencia 11 months ago
"Don't call me if you don't have MY money" is a wonderful statement of intents when listing a "property" (kind of).
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What do you think ?
cerinamroth 11 months ago
So glad I live in Germany where tenants' rights are largely protected against this kind of s**t!
Michael Largey 11 months ago
I rented from someone who had all kinds of property all over town. Anything that needed fixing was usually fixed that day. She knew how to keep up the value of her investment.
cerinamroth 11 months ago
So glad I live in Germany where tenants' rights are largely protected against this kind of s**t!
Michael Largey 11 months ago
I rented from someone who had all kinds of property all over town. Anything that needed fixing was usually fixed that day. She knew how to keep up the value of her investment.
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