How to Check a Landlord in Advance

Signing a lease is not just about choosing the right apartment — it’s also about choosing the right landlord. A bad landlord can make even the nicest rental feel like a nightmare. That’s why it’s essential to do your homework ahead of time and make sure you’re dealing with someone responsible, transparent, and fair.

1. Search for reviews online

Start by looking up the landlord or property management company on review platforms. Tenants often share experiences, both good and bad. Look for consistent complaints about maintenance delays, deposit issues, or unprofessional behavior.

2. Check local court records

If a landlord has been involved in multiple eviction cases or legal disputes with tenants, that could be a red flag. Many court systems allow public access to these records online by name or business entity.

3. Speak to current or former tenants

Talking directly to people who’ve lived in the building can give you the most honest perspective. Ask about responsiveness to maintenance, communication style, and whether they’d rent from the landlord again.

4. Confirm property ownership

Use your local county assessor’s website or property records to verify who actually owns the property. This helps ensure you’re not being scammed and that the person leasing the unit has legal authority to do so.

5. Review the lease terms carefully

A good landlord provides a clear, balanced lease. Be cautious if the agreement is vague, overly strict, or missing essential details. Watch for hidden fees or clauses that unfairly favor the landlord.

6. Evaluate communication

Take note of how the landlord communicates from the beginning. Are they responsive, professional, and transparent? Poor communication early on can be a sign of bigger issues later.

7. Ask about maintenance and repairs

Find out how repairs are handled. Is there a formal system? Is the response time quick? A responsible landlord will have a clear process in place and won't hesitate to explain it.

8. Check landlord registration requirements

Some cities require landlords to register or obtain rental licenses. Make sure your landlord is in compliance with any local regulations — failure to do so might indicate negligence or legal risks.

Doing this type of research upfront may take a little extra time, but it can save you from major issues down the road. A reliable landlord is just as important as a quality apartment, especially when it comes to your comfort, safety, and financial security.

Local Examples: Where and How to Check Landlords Before Renting

In many parts of the U.S., resources for checking a landlord’s background, code compliance, and reputation are managed at the city, county, or state level. Below are practical examples from locations that aren’t always top of mind but offer clear public information for renters.

• Fort Collins, Colorado — The city maintains open property and code violation records online. Renters can search for a landlord or property owner and review past complaints or citations before applying.
• Alameda County, California — Beyond big cities like Oakland or Berkeley, county records include housing code enforcement actions and permit histories. This helps renters vet landlords across smaller communities like Hayward or Pleasanton.
• Bellingham, Washington — Local government sites publish inspection records and complaints for rental properties. Checking these can reveal maintenance issues a prospective landlord may have struggled with in the past.
• Columbia, South Carolina — The city and county list building code cases and rental housing enforcement actions. These public records help renters understand how responsive a landlord has been to housing standards.
• Madison County, Illinois — In the St. Louis metro’s suburban ring, county portals provide access to property ownership, tax records, and code enforcement history — useful for evaluating landlords who own multiple properties.
• Raleigh, North Carolina — While often overlooked compared to larger coastal metros, Raleigh’s planning and housing departments keep searchable databases of permits and violations that can offer insight into a landlord’s track record.

Quick tip: Even if your lease is in a well-known metro area, searching county or municipal records (often under “property records,” “code enforcement,” or “housing inspections”) can reveal details about a landlord’s history with repairs, citations, or disputes. These resources are usually free and publicly accessible.