45 Times Landlords Just Couldn’t Be Bothered, So They Hit Renters With A ‘Landlord Special’

Brady Bell, CEO and a Realtor at Bellhaven Real Estate, has been a landlord and professional property manager for over 5 years, so he has pretty much seen everything in the landlord-tenant relationship spectrum and kindly agreed to tell us all about it.

First, we were curious to know what red flags renters should watch for in a landlord.

"Common red flags for renters to watch for in a landlord include poor or delayed communication, reluctance to put agreements in writing, properties that aren't properly maintained, and landlords who can't provide references from past tenants," he says.

"One major red flag I've personally seen is landlords who constantly 'drop by' without proper notice because this is often illegal and always inappropriate."

On the other hand, a good landlord is responsive, transparent, and consistent, says Bell.

"They have clear policies that they follow, keep detailed records, and respond to maintenance issues promptly. Some of the best ones even encourage you to request maintenance! The best landlords I've worked with (and try to be myself) treat their rental properties like a business, but their tenants like valued customers. They respect your privacy while still maintaining their property."

In order to avoid a difficult landlord, Bell recommends getting as much information from them at the initial meeting as possible.

"My top advice for finding a great landlord is to interview them just as much as they're interviewing you. Ask how long they've owned the property, how they handle maintenance issues, and what their typical response time is. Ask to speak with current or former tenants if possible."

"When viewing a property, check how well-maintained common areas are because they're usually a good indicator of overall management quality. And trust your gut… if something feels off during the showing or application process, it probably won't get better once you're a tenant," Bell explains.

In a previous interview, realtor, private landlord, and real estate investor Chelsey Gibbs also advised looking at online reviews from previous tenants on sites like ApartmentRatings and MyLandlordScore to see what kind of landlord you're coming into contact with.

"Investigate the landlord's reputation through online reviews and tenant forums. Positive feedback from other tenants can be a good indicator of reliability."

If it happens that a renter ends up with a difficult renter, Bell recommends documenting everything just in case.

"For dealing with difficult landlords, documentation is your best friend. Keep records of all communications, take photos of issues, and always communicate important matters in writing (email is fine)."

He also advises knowing your local tenant rights, as they vary significantly by location.

"If a landlord isn't responding to legitimate maintenance concerns, most states have legal remedies like repair-and-deduct options. For truly problematic situations, tenant unions or legal aid organizations can provide support without breaking the bank," he suggests.

Lastly, Gibbs notes that in any landlord-tenant relationship, the rental agreement is the most important document that ensures that no unpleasant or unexpected situations happen.

"Ensure the lease is detailed and transparent, covering aspects like maintenance responsibilities, notice periods, and any additional fees. A thorough lease can prevent misunderstandings later."