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Plus they probably wouldn't tell you the truth. They aren't going to want to upset the landlord or jeopardize their security deposit or whatever reason they might have. Maybe you are the person that allows them to break the lease etc.
I would just meet the landlord and see the place for myself.
If it is an apartment building, perhaps you could go over in the evening and strike up a conversation with people you meet outside. Tell them that you are thinking of moving in. Maybe they will talk to you. But don't go knocking on doors
There have been a few prospective tenants that approached me outside of the leasing office (near our mail room) who asked my opinion of the complex and the apartments. I had no problems giving my views. Other tenants have mentioned the same thing happening.
It wasn't as though they were just hanging around waiting for someone to walk by, it was when they were getting ready to get into their car and saw someone and asked.
Asking the landlord or walking up to a person's private entrance are way over the line.
However, I have walked around an apartment complex (or housing sub-division when I was looking to purchase) on a bright, sunny afternoon and talked with the residents asking them what they thought of the neighborhood, management, etc.
Several times we decided against a move based on that (St. James Plantation in Southport, for example). Several times we were very much more comfortable with our decision after meeting some of the residents (where we are now, for example). But, whatever they say, I always remember to take it with a grain of salt - particularly complaints about HOA's or landlords.
Also, look at the cars parked in the complex. If you see that the majority are junkers, you may want to think about what the residents are like, and how responsible they are. Not saying that "all" low income people are low-lifes, but it can be a pretty good indication of the conditions.
I attempted to search the archives for a similar question, as I'm sure this has been asked before, but I couldn't seem to find the right wording to bring up any relevant results.
I'm about to apply for an apartment but it would be nice to talk to the current tenant to learn about various quirks of the unit that only they would be aware of. Is it appropriate for me to ask for their contact info?
About the only info I would give about a tenant (past or present) is for confirmation of residency or LL referral. YOU provide the info or questions I simply confirm. I provide no information about tenants.
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