So, you’ve finally found the perfect apartment and are getting ready to sign the lease when you receive a notice saying that you’re application has been denied. You have good credit and the money to cover all upfront exspenses, so why were you denied? It could be your rental history. Below are five bad habits renters have that could label them as “bad tenants.”
- Late and Unpaid Rent: Being late on rent payments or not paying rent at all is the quickest way to be labeled a bad tenant. Avoid additional charges and pay what you agreed. If you have trouble remembering the rent or depend on your roommate to pay, check out WilliamPaid to see how we can help you make paying rent easier.
Loud Parties: It’s easy to think that, since you are paying rent, you can do what you want and be as loud as you want in your unit. Unfortunately, with many walls being very thin, noise travels easily, and you may be bothering others more than you think. Therefore, keeping your neighbors up with 4 AM ragers every other night will cause complaints pushing you into bad tenant territory.
Damaged or Dirty Property: When signing a lease, you are agreeing to care for the unit and assume responsibility for any damage or resulting cleaning expenses. Therefore, if you cause substantial damage or leave the unit looking worse than you found it, not only will you not be getting back that security deposit, but you will also earn yourself a hefty red flag on your rental history.
Trouble with the Law: In the mind of a landlord, trouble with the law usually equals trouble as a tenant. The landlord does not want to have to deal with the authorities due to your indiscretions and also does not want any illegal activity happening on the property for which he or she is liable. Therefore, if you can stay out of trouble, your rental record and your criminal one will thank you.
Noncompliance with Building Guidelines: Many buildings have certain rules, such as quiet hours or trash regulations, which are in place for the convenience of all tenants. You will have to agree to these regulations in your lease to be approved, and breaking them often will not only qualify you as a bad tenant but also as a bad neighbor.
No one is perfect all the time, but if you find yourself a consistent participant in any of these five habits, you may want to change your ways. After all, no one wants to be denied a dream apartment or worse, come home to an eviction notice due to past mistakes.
