Five reasons not to lie to a landlord in the US

Especially when the tenants are not completely honest about important nuances, such as additional tenants, pets, or even some minimal self-made repairs in the owner’s apartments.

Mark Twain once said: "If you only tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." All tenants should heed this aphorism. Any omission can seriously harm you in the future.

Rental rules vary by state. However, wherever you rent an apartment, you need to know about the reasons why you shouldn't lie to your landlord.

1. Breach of contract

If your rental agreement prohibits extra people from living in the apartment or subleasing, it is better not to try to bypass this item. Tenants sometimes decide that since they are out of sight of their owners, they can do what they want. However, hiding such details from landlord can turn you sideways.

It may seem that a check of your credit history and information about you before entering the apartment is a formality, but in fact this information helps property owners to protect themselves from unscrupulous tenants. By looking at how you manage your credit, how well you behaved during your previous tenancy, and whether you have a criminal record, they hope to find evidence that you are a responsible tenant and will pay your rent on time.

If the you are trying to circumvent the agreement to rent an apartment in the sublet or to find someone who wants to settle in it for a short time, then you put at risk not only your landlords, but all the other residents of the house. This is about security and responsibility, and this must be taken seriously. ECwhether you will undermine your credibility bStay ready for the fact that you are accused of violating the terms of the lease and maybe soon you will receive a notice of eviction.

2. Additional expenses

If your landlord learns that you set new dishwasher or fixed something their own handshe will have all legal grounds fine you for the damage done.

The same thing can happen if you decide to hide the fact that the puppy is in your apartment. The Management Company can impose on you fine for accommodation in the apartment pet and - it is possible - even demand from you Export animal from the apartment. If you refuse to comply with their requirements, the owners can unilaterally terminate lease contract And start eviction procedure.

Also, remember pledge which you were hoping to return and contribute to the payment of the next living space. Carefully listread in small print conditions arends before to break rules — your a pledge may be canceled.

3. Credit rating

If the landlord will decide take action with a view to to evict you from the apartment for violation of conditions contractyour credit rating may fall significantly.

While himself fact evictions not will be displayed in your credit stories (although he is most likely appears in subsequent data about tenante), landlord can send all unpaid bills to the tax authorities. These accounts then float to your credit history and lower your rating on whole 50 points.

4. Going to court

Landlord, usually, deducts money owed to him for the damage you have caused living space (such as, is the same Dishwasher), of your deposit. But costs may be higher amount Deposit.

If the tenant refuses to pay fines or pay accounts, Related violations contract, landlord can accept arrangements legal natureto cover your costs.

Some states allow apartment owners to file on lodgers in the so-called petty litigationwho considers cases with a small amount of a claim for inflicted damage or repair workproduced in time accommodation. Tenants have the opportunity file a counterclaimBut it can turn around costly and laborious process.

5. Lack of recommendations

Financial losses, as well as the forced exit from the apartment and the fall of the credit ratings are important factors. But even worse is what can happen with your reputationth which cannot be bought for any money.

If you are hiding something from tenant or violate terms contract, can say goodbye to hopes of getting a good recommendation. And without a solid rental stories и positive Recommendations from the previous owners you will be difficult to find new housing.