The current economy has some landlords skimping on repairs

Finding a place to rent isn’t always easy, especially if you’re worried about the financial health of the landlord.

Renter Kathleen Austin says it may be as important as the tenant’s financial health.

“As a tenant you’re relying on the landlord to make the bills, to pay them, to pay the insurance, pay the taxes, get everything done.  You’re blind because you don’t know what they can do and can’t do.“

Kathleen Austin rents a home in Oceanside.  She says she can’t get her deposit back from her last rental.  Part of the problem was the economy.

“It makes it harder because they don’t have money either right now.“
Austin said.

Steven Kellman of the Tenants Legal Center says it can work both ways when it comes to credit checks.
“In the old days, the landlord was always checking the tenant’s credit, and I think today the tenant needs to do a little bit of checking of the landlord’s credit.“

So how do you know if your landlord is in financial difficulties? 

Well, take a look at that home or apartment before you give them a deposit.

Kellman says beware of too many problems in a potential residence.

“Some landlords are saying, ‘Oh, I see there are problems here.  Don’t worry about it.  I’ll take care of it after you move in.‘ The tenant moves in figuring that the problem will be cared for and they’re not.“

Austin suggests renters look for the little things.

“Chips on the floor, the ceiling isn’t cracked, these are things that landlords normally fix right away.  If they’re not fixed, it could be financial problems behind it.“

So today renters have to worry about their own finances, and the finances of the person who owns their home, condo, or apartment.

Austin says the economy makes it harder on everyone.

“Little bit harder than it was.  Little bit harder because everybody is scared.“

Kellman says even if you do everything right, a landlord in trouble can kick you out of your residence.

“They’re innocent.  They’re paying their rent.  They’re doing their job.  They’re being good tenants, then the next thing they know the bank is knocking at the door telling them it’s time to go.“