Random Warning Signs To Be Look Out For When Renting (15 items)

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  (#7) No Heat Supply

  In the vast majority of rental situations, landlords are required to provide a heat source as part of renting a safe and habitable unit. The extent of this responsibility, however, varies by city or state.

  In San Francisco, landlords must provide a heat source year-round that heats interiors to 68 degrees between the hours of 5:00 and 11:00 am and 3:00 and 10:00 pm. In New York City, landlords must provide a heat source from October 31 to May 31. Interiors must reach 68 degrees between 6:00 and 10:00 pm and at least 55 degrees throughout the night. Check with your local laws regarding heating (or air conditioning) requirements before heading to an open house.
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  (#4) Poor Water Pressure

  When you're touring a prospective rental, turn on the taps in all sinks and showers to check the water pressure. Low water pressure can be indicative of a number of potential issues. On the minor end, it might just be a main water valve or water meter valve that isn't fully opened. On the serious end, it could be a sign of old pipes. Old pipes are less efficient pipes, and they are more prone to leaks and bursts.

  There is also a practical consideration to bear in mind as well; low water pressure means it will take a frustratingly long time to do even the simplest of tasks, like drawing a bath or washing the dishes.
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  (#5) Sawdust-Like Piles Below Support Beams Or Near Wooden Moldings

  When termites munch away on wood, they leave behind something called frass. It looks like sawdust, but it's actually their excrement. It can range in color from light beige to black, and on (very) close inspection, it looks like a pile of miniscule, deflated footballs.

  If the rental property you're touring has wooden support beams or moldings, look under and around them for piles of frass.
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  (#15) No Fire Extinguishers

  In addition to smoke detectors, some states also require landlords to provide working fire extinguishers to their rental properties. In California, for example, a landlord is not legally obliged to furnish individual fire extinguishers to tenants. There does, however, need to be a certain amount of extinguishers available in public areas like hallways, parking garages, and building lobbies.

  Check with your local fire safety council before touring prospective rentals and find out what the requirement is in your area. If there is a noticeable lack of extinguishers, especially in common areas, ask the landlord about it. 
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  (#9) Suspiciously Low Rent

  This is one that falls under the "If It Sounds Too Good to Be True" category. A rent that is advertised far below market price for your area is more than likely concealing a thing or two. Either the advertised rate is a special, first-month-only move-in price, or they're going to try to scam you.

  Unfortunately, rental scams are all too common, and questionably low rents are often a way internet scammers pull in unsuspecting victims. More common scam tactics include: asking for money before viewing, responding to queries with lightning-fast speed, and posting multiple rental ads at a variety of different price-points.
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  (#2) Mysterious Droppings Under The Sink Or Near The Water Heater

  Animal dropping should give any prospective renter pause. Droppings under the sink are often a sign of mice. Droppings near a water heater can indicate roaches.

  Also, bed bugs can survive a year without food, so even in an empty rental unit, bed bugs may still be lurking. Signs of bed bugs in an empty home can include discarded shells or coffeelike grounds (bed bug excrement) on the floor. If the unit is furnished, check in the mattress, box spring, and the crevices of all other furniture for small, reddish-brown stains and live bugs.

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