Renter's "Bait and Switch": A Landlord's Risk

[Corey Goldstein]

I was browsing a renter's forum recently, and I came across a thread that should be a huge red flag for all of us. The topic was "what surprised you most about renting?"

A common theme? The "bait and switch."

One person described how a rental agent lied about the amenities of an apartment—specifically, the presence of ceiling fans—just to secure the lease. The tenant moved in, found the lie, and a difficult situation ensued.

While the agent might have been the one at fault, the landlord is the one who ultimately pays the price. This kind of dishonesty can lead to:

• High Turnover: An unhappy tenant will not renew their lease.
• Disputes & Legal Headaches: A tenant might break the lease, demand concessions, or even sue, all because the property wasn't as advertised.
• Damaged Reputation: In today's market, online reviews can make or break a rental business.

This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of due diligence in your own operations. As landlords, we have to protect our assets by ensuring our marketing and communication are 100% accurate.

What's your process for making sure your property listings and on-site agents are completely truthful and transparent?