Tip - How to Protect Yourself Against Bad Landlords | Zillow Blog

Bad landlords are bad news, and they come in many different types. They can make you hate living in an otherwise perfect apartment. However, it’s not easy to spot a bad landlord before you move in. Here’s how you can take steps to protect yourself, in case you’re stuck with one of the three most common types. Type 1: The security deposit grabber This landlord will consider your security deposit his from the get-go and will look for any excuse to keep your money when you move out. Protection: Conduct a thorough walk-through before moving in. Protect yourself against future problems before you move in. During the initial walk-through, make sure you document every flaw you find with your new apartment, even if it’s something that can’t be fixed, such as a stain on the countertop. Make sure to take pictures when you find something wrong, so you’ll have documentation. That way, if the landlord blames you for the problem, or tries to keep your security deposit, you have proof that the pr