Dangers to Avoid Before Renting
Check this list before renting to avoid potential dangers and rental issues like scams and other red flags.
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Watch for these danger signals:
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Landlord wants you to pay in cash.
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Landlord makes verbal promises but won’t put them in writing  Some of the pages you sign are blank.
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Landlord refuses to cooperate in performing “walk-through” before you move-in.
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You are asked to answer questions which are too personal.
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You are charged an excessive application fee.
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You are asked to pay a “non-refundable holding deposit.”
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The rental agreement requires an excessive security deposit or states that the security deposit is “non-refundable.”
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The rental agreement provides for excessive late fees for rental payments.
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The rental rate is based on the number of people who will live in the unit.
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The person offering to rent to you is not the true landlord.
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Special restrictions that apply only to children.
We Can Help!
​Project Sentinel is a non-profit housing agency that provides education, counseling, and tenant-landlord dispute resolution to community members, housing providers.
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If you are a tenant, we may be able to:
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explain your housing rights and responsibilities under housing laws
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educate the owner or manager about their legal obligations
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negotiate with the property owner or manager on your behalf
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provide referrals for further assistance
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If you are a housing provider, we may be able to:​
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explain your obligations under housing laws
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conduct a rights and responsibilities training for you and/or your staff
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provide you with additional educational resources​