Three for Thursday 10.21.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
"The rotten apple spoils his companion." That's from Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac in 1736. I saw it happen again last Saturday night, as some University of Tennessee fans pelted the football field with golf balls and trash while trying to pelt Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. It was ugly. 18 arrests, 47 ejections. The reality is 102,000 fans didn't participate in the melee but that's not what anyone's talking about. Media focuses on bad news because it used to be seen as outside the norm. Traditional and social media are now leading a transition that is attempting to make the abnormal the normal. I don't think our society can function or even survive if we don't keep our personal focus on the fact most people are good and want good for others. Thank you for supporting our TrustDALE community.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation = Erroneous Eviction. When Lonnie McCray rented his duplex, he thought he was home at last, until they tried to kick him out. Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes multiple renters, who want to know their rights with reluctant landlords. Click the video for the answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on thoroughly checking out a rental property.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? It's customary to put up first month's rent.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Watch out for hidden fees, like garbage collection and utilities not specified in the advertised price.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Absentee or out-of-state landlords are a red flag.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. A thorough search of available and competing properties will help you make the best choice.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. In my view, rental contracts are inherently one-sided. I'm not a fan of renting.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Thoroughly checking references and studying reviews can save you a lot of heartache down the road.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. For a single-family home, make certain the person offering it, actually owns it! Fake owner posers take people's money every day!
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS