Never Rely on a Verbal Promise From a Landlord or Real Estate Agent

"We'll fix that before you move in." "The rent won't go up for at least two years." "Pets are fine, no problem." These promises feel reassuring in the moment. But verbal promises from landlords and agents have zero legal weight unless they are written into the lease or confirmed in writing. When a dispute arises, it is your word against theirs — and they will not remember what they said.

If something matters to you — repairs, rent freezes, pet policies, parking, storage — ask for it in writing. An email confirmation counts. A clause in the lease is even better. If they refuse to put it in writing, that tells you everything about whether they intend to honor it.