Should I be worried about bad property reviews?

On today’s “Ask Dale,” should I check rental reviews BEFORE I sign a lease? Let’s find out!

Here’s our real consumer question: 

Talisha writes, “I’ve read some troubling reviews about a property management agency for a home my mother is planning to rent. Many reviews say they’re slow to respond to work orders and that they may be collecting unnecessary fees. What’s your take on these reviews?”

Well, that’s easy! Listen to them and heed the warnings. 

This particular company is a huge entity. That’s good AND bad. Good, because they have experience. But bad, because when a company grows, something usually happens to its good company service. It can go south. 

Dale looked up the property management company himself and saw negative reviews on both Google and the Better Business Bureau. 

Dale’s advice? If you want to know about a property, talk to the current tenants and hear what they have to say before you sign the lease to rent a home or apartment.

We can’t always predict how a situation will go, but if there are red flags, such as multiple bad reviews or complaints with the Better Business Bureau, take that as a good sign to steer clear.