Issues to Watch for During Virtual Apartment Tours
Are virtual apartment tours reliable? Most of the time.
They’ve become indispensable tools, especially if you’re moving to a new area or narrowing your list of prospects. While remote apartment tours are handy, it’s important to be aware of warning signs to look for that might suggest inaccurate representations. That’s why it’s important to remain alert so you can spot red flags that could affect your quality of life.
Why More Renters are Using Virtual Apartment Tours
Time: You don’t schedule an appointment to take a virtual tour. You can look at 3D models, images and videos at any time of day, which is convenient if you’re working around a busy schedule.
Efficiency: Digital tours allow you to “visit” multiple communities in a short amount of time without having to drive to different places. It’s an effective way to get an initial impression of a rental so you can decide if you want to pursue it.
Remote capabilities: By touring apartments online, you can visit virtually any apartment complex in the world. You’re able to get a sense of the atmosphere of your potential home, whether you’re moving across the state or country.
Disadvantages to Consider
Virtual apartment tours aren’t without their limits. You’re subject to reduced visibility, so you might not see every inch of a space. You also don’t have the benefit of using your other senses to understand what sounds and smells you could encounter. Some companies use AI-generated images to enhance a rental, so be mindful of edited visuals. Interior pictures are essential, but so are outdoor shots, though not all property listings include them. That information gives you context about the views from a residence as well as an idea of the surrounding neighborhood.
Red Flags to Note During a Virtual Tour
Poor Video Quality
Not only does bad video make it difficult to see a space, but it may also raise suspicions about the intention behind its use. It’s easier to hide a lack of maintenance and repairs in pixelated recordings. Limited angles and missing views may also reflect an attempt to hide damage and layout issues.
Staged Photos
Wide-angle photos can make an apartment appear larger, while cropped images can be used to hide parts of a room. Pay attention to lighting as well, as overly bright spaces can be deceptive and obscure features and fixtures.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you see full walls and floors?
- Are there any curved or elongated elements in a photo?
- Are photos of key areas like closets, bathrooms and outdoor spaces missing?
- Does an image have odd cropping or shadows?
- Are there pictures of the apartment without furniture?
The answers could reveal an attempt to distract from less-than-desirable repairs and features. Ask the landlord or property manager for updated images to verify the authenticity of the listing.
Inconsistent Property Details
If a listing provides a floor plan, compare that against the virtual tour to determine if there are any rooms that aren’t included. You can ask the property management team to provide additional video to clarify inconsistencies. Some companies use a dedicated unit to generate stock images and videos for multiple listings. Ask if the visuals provided correspond with the listed rental, and request a live tour to get an accurate assessment. Look at descriptions of features and amenities to determine if finishes and fixtures match what’s being promoted.
Signs of Poor Maintenance
A lack of upkeep indicates bigger issues with an apartment. Presenting those problems in a listing could also suggest neglect on the property management team’s part.
Look out for the following red flags in an apartment:
- Peeling, bubbling or cracking paint
- Water damage on ceilings, floors and inside cabinets
- Visible mold in bathrooms and near windows
- Broken or damaged doors, cabinets, blinds and appliances
- Loose or painted outlets
- Exposed wiring
Lack of Transparency
You may need to question the legitimacy of an apartment listing if the landlord or property manager doesn’t provide consistent communication or deflects when asked about specifics. Those behaviors could reflect the type of relationship you can expect if you decide to rent. If they refuse to do a live apartment tour or supply additional photos, you may need to reconsider, as you run the risk of encountering potentially neglected property, safety risks and hidden issues.
Virtual and In-Person Tours for Apartments in Columbus, Ohio
You can take a tour of Ardent Communities’ apartments and townhomes online and in person. Our comprehensive listings include room features, ceiling heights and lots of photos so you can get a good idea of what to expect. Our expert leasing staff can accommodate same-day onsite tours and answer your questions if you’re interested in renting. Contact us for more information.
