Whether you are a second-year college student looking to get out of your dorm or someone who is venturing out to get a place of your own, apartment hunting is no easy task. There are many factors that go into searching for an apartment but sometimes it can be hard to tell what exactly is the right place for you, especially if this is your first time getting a place of your own.

Outside of considering factors like location, proximity to public transportation, and price, you should also weigh red flags, like property condition and safety hazards, as you hunt for an apartment. If you are beginning your apartment search, keep an eye out for these six red flags to help you narrow down your choices.

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1. There are Issues With the Listing: The first thing you’re likely to find as you search for an apartment rental is a property listing. Property listings can typically be found on real estate sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia, but they can also be on sites like Facebook marketplace and the dated (but still very much active) Craigslist. A property rental listing should consist of bright pictures of the inside and outside of the property, including pictures of each room. It should also include details of the property, such as the number of rooms, number of bathrooms, square footage, HVAC system (wall units, central air, baseboard heating, etc.), and offered amenities such as an on-site laundry, a recreational room, a gym, etc.

If an apartment rental listing is vague in any of these categories, whether it lacks pictures or has minimal details or a description about the property, consider this a red flag and swipe left.

2. There are Signs of Neglect In and Around the Property: No one wants to live in a dingy apartment, and one significant red flag to look for as you search for an apartment is how the property and its surrounding area are maintained. Watch out for signs of neglect in both the inside and outside of the property, such as overgrown vegetation, accumulation of trash and other debris, peeling paint, broken windows or doors, broken appliances, etc. Other bad signals or red flags to pay attention to are musty smells, visible mold, water damage, pests/remnants of pests, and stale smoke smell. If you are noticing these issues in a showing, the chances are that your landlord does not want to deal with them and will likely not want to ever deal with them (or you) in the future.

3. The Price Is Vastly Different From Comparable Units in the Area: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do not get me wrong, I’m not here to discourage you in your hunt as there are plenty of places that are affordable and great places to live, but you have to stay cautious of the price and the location of your potential new home. The price could be low for a number of reasons both good and bad, so be upfront with the landlord and question them on the price.

4. The Landlord Acts Suspiciously: We have all heard horror stories about a crazy, down-your-throat kind of landlord. When you embark on your apartment search journey, be aware of the attitudes and quirks of your potential landlord. Lowered rent and no credit checks may seem great in concept; however, be wary of landlords who seem overly eager to do away with formalities as this may not be on the up-and-up and there may be a reason you're not aware of that they want to fill the apartment quickly and without going through the established procedures.

5. The Unit is Missing Safety Features: When looking at an apartment community and units within that community, you want to make sure it is safe and in good condition. As you tour the apartment rental, be on the lookout for a few safety features, including proper working locks on exterior doors and windows, a smoke detector in the kitchen and all bedrooms, and a carbon monoxide detector, especially if the apartment has gas-powered appliances.  Additionally, ensure that there are labeled fire exits on each floor in case of a fire emergency. If an apartment building doesn’t have these, you should definitely opt out, and also call your local codes department.

6. The Landlord Has an Unusual Lease Agreement: Having a lease is a basic requirement when it comes to renting a property; thus, it is an important part of securing an apartment. Before you make any final decisions, the landlord should provide you with a copy of your potential lease; if they do not, do not rent from them. If the landlord does give you a lease, you should have ample time to thoroughly read and review it, being on the lookout for anything unusual and not standard. Also, make sure the landlords do not try to distract you from reading it so you don’t miss any small details or fine print.

Searching for an apartment can be difficult as there is so much to take into consideration. If you do your research and pay close attention to details during a tour, there is no doubt that you will find the best apartment to suit you! Be persistent, do not be afraid to ask questions, and seek the advice of those close to you; it will be a big help.