Yes! You're all set to find a new home. But wait...how do you know if that landlord or real estate agent can be trusted? No one is waiting for a horror story where you never see your deposit back or discover that your lease is worth less than a roll of toilet paper. 😱
In this blog we give you the best tips to avoid scammers and shady landlords. Because, of course, you just want a nice house without any hassle.
We are looking for reliable housing for you, no fuss,
1. Check the reputation online 💻
The Internet is your best friend when it comes to checking the reputation of landlords and brokers. Google their name and check out reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or forums like Reddit. If you keep coming across the same complaints, such as "they never respond to emails" or "deposit never returned," you already know enough.
Pro Tip: Check out the socials, too. Landlords with bad reputations are bound to be mentioned there too, and you know what they say: where there's smoke, there's fire.
2. Watch out for red flags 🚩
Some things scream "beware, something's not right here!" Let's list a few red flags for you:
3. Always visit the property yourself 👀
Yes, we know, time is precious and it seems super convenient to rent a property without having to physically visit. But don't be tempted! A reliable landlord actually wants you to come see the property first. That way you can see right away if the apartment is really as charming as it looks in the photos, or if there's a big crack in the wall that's conveniently kept out of view.
4. Check the Chamber of Commerce number 📝
An easy but effective way to recognize a reliable real estate agent is to check if their company is registered with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC). This is an official sign that they are taken seriously as a business. Just Google their company name and Chamber of Commerce number, and you will quickly know if you are dealing with a legitimate party.
5. Please read the contract carefully 📜
It may seem like a dead giveaway, but always (yes, always) read the lease thoroughly before you sign anything. Make sure the rules are clear, check what the deposit is and what the notice period is. A reliable landlord or real estate agent will ensure that everything is clear and transparent. Is there something strange in the contract such as 'maintenance costs of €500 per month'? Then you better look further.
6. Ask around in your network 👥
Perhaps the very best tip: ask around in your network! Do you have friends or colleagues who have recently found a rental property? Ask them if they have had good experiences with a particular landlord or broker. Personal recommendations are often worth their weight in gold. And this way you avoid falling into the hands of a shady character with bad intentions.
7. Use our smart software 🤓
Okay, we get that this can all sound a little overwhelming. Checking reviews, scheduling viewings and plowing through every contract takes time. That's exactly where we come in. 🕵️♂️
With Woonmelder, you don't have to spend hours scouring the same websites for rental properties and questionable landlords. We search for you on all reliable platforms and make sure you only get properties that suit your needs, with reliable landlords. So you can spend your time on things that are really fun, like picking out the perfect color for your new sofa.
In summary, trust your gut feeling and trust us! 💡
If something doesn't feel right, it usually is. And with these tips, you're already well on your way to spotting those red flags. Don't feel like all that hassle? We totally understand. Then create an account with us and we'll do all the searching for you, so you can chill out in your new rental soon and worry free. 😎
So, ready to make your search easy and stress-free? Click the button and let us do the work!
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