Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/1208862
L ooking for a home to rent has its fun moments, but it can also be a harrowing experience. Walking into a sizable pad that's available and within your budget: fun! Walking into an apartment that doesn't look anything like the pictures: harrowing. Then there are the downright shady rentals, believe me as this is what I do all day/every day. To help you avoid scams and to sidestep prospective rentals that are just a waste of time, I've compiled a list of giant rental red flags to keep an eye out for during your search. Asking for a deposit up front In Washington state it is required that the tenant sign off on a move-in condition report prior to the security deposit being collected. If a landlord asks for a security deposit to "hold" the property this may indeed be a red flag. Listings without pictures Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, so a listing without at least a few photos usually means that the place is not photo worthy and therefore not going to check all the boxes for a living space. If listing details are vague or there are no pictures, there's a reason. Too good to be true You should also watch out for listings that claim the property is decked out with amenities, is below market value, and features photos that look as if they belong in Architectural Digest. If a rental seems too good to be true in listing photos, then it probably is. A bait and switch—where fake photos are posted in the listing to lure potential renters—can happen, so let your common sense guide you before committing to anything or signing a lease sight unseen. If it feels like you're making out like a bandit, then you probably don't have all the facts, and you should continue your search elsewhere. red flags when shopping for a rental 2 1 3