Three for Thursday 06.16.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
In case you don't know, there's a heartbreaking series running in the Atlanta Journal Constitution called "Dangerous Dwellings". It's about people living in virtually inescapable rental property squalor and equity funds that are making millions from government entities failing to enforce laws requiring livable standards. The AJC's Alan Judd and Willoughby Mariano have painstakingly connected the dots between the deplorable housing complexes and the complexes' usually faceless and uncaring owners. Don't get me wrong, there are many wonderful publicly traded companies that operate with a conscience, but in my experience this is a byproduct of indirect absentee ownership and managers graded on nothing more than quarterly profits. I challenge you to read these tragic reports. You'll see Atlanta tore down its failing housing projects only to replace them with publicly subsidized profit centers for absentee profiteers. God help us.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Frozen Fridge. Lindsey Winfield bought a home and paid extra for the appliances. So, what were her options when she discovered her fridge was froze? Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale: James wants to know the rules that govern "rain checks" for products advertised but not in stock. Click the link below to watch Dale's answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is how to avoid a rental property nightmare:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? First month's rent in advance plus security deposit prior to being able to inspect the unit you're leasing is a non-starter.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? First month free or reduced security deposit is usually the sign of a lessee's market OR a complex that has to make deals to make up for underperforming. Make certain you know which it is.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Absentee landlords create a recipe for not getting timely or even minimum repairs.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. This is an intense, time-consuming but indispensable step to making certain you're getting what you pay for.
Ensure - Your deal with Ethical negotiation, and Equitable contract, and an Effective guarantee. This is THE most important step in determining where to rent. If you have a steady well-paying job, you have far more leverage. If you're desperate, it's your greatest risk.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining watchdog Reports. The second most important step. Reviews of apartments and management companies will let you know their reputation. Red flags include, "don't make repairs," "ignores mold," "kept my deposit..." It's tempting to take a chance on a low price... don't.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS