You know when you are looking for a house/appartment to rent and.....?

Question

The people who own the agencies.Found in newspaper adds.ask you for a $160/$200 deposit. for like a security and a guaranty for them to save the place that you want. (so they say) What's the whole point of that? Isn't it kind of a rip of?

This is the first time for me trying to get a place. And i don;t want to get Dicked or anytihng you know. Adn I even asked them:" if I dont like any of the places. Do I get my money back?" And they said no.I called them to check out a place. I thought it would be so easy and then theyre kind of like cock blocking with all of thesethese catches they have!!

I mean Ive had places that would just give me 3 keys to houses and appartments and the adress . So i can go check out the places myself, bymyself. give them a $10 deposit first. The deposit which I got back when I brought the keys back.

And other I would call , we set and appointement and they show me around their propreties.

Can someone help me out..I know a little but not too much

I'm not going thru agencies. I just wanted your opinoin. Because I think they are bs. Most of the appartment i've seen are like online. newspapers and they didn't give me such a hassle.

There is no way i'm going to pay hundred something dollars on somethign I havent even seen yet. They put add's up...To catch your attention and tell you that they have other places too and make offers. Im like im only interested in this one.

I'm just having like a really hard time. finding the perfect spot.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR ANSWERS GUYS!!!

I'M STILL SEARCHIGN FOR A PLACE. I JUST WANT TO BE CAUCIOUS!

Answer 1

Don't use any search agencies that arn't free. And even then beware.
agencies get kick backs from apt. co's a lot.. so they'll just stick you in the same one they stick everyone else and say it was picked for you. Many will take a fee IF/WHEN they place you where you'd like... those are more reputable.

I would do a manual search, it's annoying but worth it, and you learn a lot. esp if this is your first home.
Ask about occupancy rate (if its low.. RUN!), section 8 (if its high and you want a nicer place run!! section 8 is a government kick back that apt cos get for housing those who cant afford homes/welfare) Also look at review sites like aptratings.com and read the reviews, do remember some are fake reviews, some people are just mad, and people are more likely to review if their upset, but you will see trends!

My place had a rating of 68% (not bad on there sadly haha) and i noted the trend of not very much parking.. its true but i love the place to death.

Good luck feel free to message me if you need more help

Also most (but not all) apts that advertise in the regular newspaper are usually older and not so nice...the better the special the worse the place usually, but okay for first place since first place shouldnt be terribly nice! lol

Answer 2

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Answer 3

It seems you are trying rent from a "mom and pop" business or somebody that just happens to have a place they are renting out. Be careful and know your local laws first. Go with your first impression of them I assure you they are forming one of you as soon as you walk up. If you can't actually rent from a established company b/c of credit, income, etc. then you will have to settle for the private owner/landlord deal. You should not have to put something down unless you want it and asking them to hold it for a time period. Then that should go to your actual deposit on the apt. Some places want 1st and last month rent and deposit. This is protection for the landlord that he will get the 1st month and if you skip on him he will have the last month until he can re rent. The deposit would go to any damages. An application fee may be required but it should be minimum and you usually only find this in major businesses for the cost of background checks. Anything other than the exact monthly amount of rent should be eligible for refund less any damage or unpaid rent. If i was you and the landlord was asking something ridiculious then move on. Beleive me he needs you more than you need him. If he can't meet you and show you the place then he does not want to market it. There are people that will and they get the business. Advice: Stay away from the pay by the week places, you end up spending way more money. Always get receipts that state what they are for. Never pay with cash or money orders, pay with check or debit so you have a back up. Sign a lease and keep a copy BUT read them before you sign. Document everything said or written between you and the management/landlord from applying, move in, to move out.

Answer 4

Sometimes the deposit is to guarantee you the space. If it is a nice place that you don't want anyone else to get, then you might pay a deposit for them hold it for you. Apts also usually have a damage deposit that some places return and some don't. Usually the return is given when you move out unless you have wrecked the place. When you move in, before you sign anything, do a walk through. Write down broken things and damages on walls and throughout the apartment. That way you and the landlord know the condition of the apartment when you move in and they can't stick you for damages already there when you leave.

Answer 5

They need a deposit to hold the apt, credit check, application fee. All of this costs money what do you think your just gonna get an apt like that.

Answer 6

well when i went looking for my apartment i didnt go thru any agencies ... but the apartment complex i went to did ask for a security deposit/hold which would go towards my 1st months rent when i got the apartment.

some places do it as a security to make sure that you want the apartment & that they can hold it for u

hope i helped :|

Answer 7

You should check with friends or coworkers in your area. Where I live, it is extremely uncommon to pay an upfront deposit for a non specific property.

Answer 8

Rent To Own Homes - http://RentToOwnHome.uzaev.com/?BYCn

Answer 9

You should look for an apartment online. Don't use an agency.