How to Evaluate a Landlord

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Before you sign a lease, it's important to assess whether your new landlord is willing to spend the time and money it takes to keep up the property.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Locate a prospective rental property through a rental guide, the newspaper or the Internet. Make an appointment to meet the landlord at the property.
Step 2

Ask the landlord what companies are used for plumbing, heating and air conditioning services. If you're renting from an individual, you'll want to know who to call if you have any leaking or ventilation emergencies and can't reach the landlord. If you're renting through a management company with its own maintenance department, ask what the maximum wait time is on a repair.
Step 3

Make sure all conditions you discuss are written into the lease in order to avoid problems later.

Tips & Warnings

Back away from landlords who need to pre-authorize repairs before they're done. This arrangement is treacherous for a renter with a foot of water in the basement or a broken air conditioner in the middle of summer.