Testing a potential landlord?

Question

We might be moving into a new house but we've heard the landlady is really horrible and may try and rip us off by stealing our deposit etc. What questions could we ask or subjects could we bring up to possibly make her show her true colours?

Answer 1

In many States, a deposit can only be used for the repair of damages. It cannot be used for normal wear and tear or as the last months rent. Have this put into your agreement/contract. Take pictures of damages before you move in and have the landlord document the fact that they were there when you moved in. Anything that bothers you or you think may be unjustly used against you should be in writing. It's a shame that you need to worry about this.

Answer 2

My first question is, who did you hear this from? Was it a trusted source that was a tenent of hers? If so, you probably already have your answer as to her true colors. When dealing with any landlord, nice or not, it is always good to get *everything* in writing. Keep your copy of the lease (signed by both you and the landlady)in a safe place, make sure it address things like who is responsible for different types of upkeep and repairs, late charges for rent, if the lease has to be renewed or goes month to month after a certain time, and how much notice must be given before you move out and what the forfit penelity is if you break your lease. It should also say under what circumstances the deposit may be all or partially forfitted.
After the lease is in order, do a very detailed walk-thru of the house with the landlady and write down all defects you find (take pictures if you can) and then work out an agreement as to what defects you will live with and what she will repair (get a timeframe for the repairs as well, if things aren't fixed send dated letters reminding her of the problems and keep copies in your own files). You should have a certain time period after moving in to ammend the list, if you find additional things wrong, as well. This will keep her from being able to later say that you broke or ruined something when you move out. Being familar with the landlord/tenent act for your area can also help alot.
Even if she is a horrible landlady, most will not mess with tenents who know how to back themselves up. If you have all this stuff documented, she will know that it will be hard to pull anything on you.
Good Luck.

Answer 3

Ask how when you move out will you get your deposit back.
Also take pictures before you move in and after you move out and do the move in/out check list. I've seen it on those judge shows and picutures really help if you have to take her to court for your deposit.
I've lived in many places, and have NEVER recvd a deposit back. We've come to expect it...sad but true. They always find some reason to keep your money.

Good luck!