Not all online reviews are accurate
It is important to remember that online reviews are not all reliable. Some may even be fraudulent, posted by trolls or the landlord or property management company to promote their image. Some evaluations may also be exaggerated in either direction, positively or negatively, because of problems irrelevant to the property or even the landlord. When reading reviews, check those that appear to be from credible sources, such as from current or past tenants with verifiable profiles. Forget the rest.
How to read and assess a review
After you’ve understood how to discover verified reviews, it’s imperative to read and assess them effectively. You can analyze a review by using the following criteria:
- Look at the language and tone used by the reviewer. Are they sharing specific, detailed examples, or are their complaints vague and general? Is the reviewer emotion-driven or giving a more objective analysis of their experience? Seek reviews that contain both positives and negatives about the property. A review with only glowing praise or harsh criticism may not be as credible.
- Don’t just focus on the star rating. Examine the specific comments and concerns made in the review. Are they valid concerns or quickly fixed issues?
- Look for patterns in multiple reviews. Do specific circumstances come up repeatedly? Is the majority of them positive or negative? Did the landlord reply to the review, try to make things right, or thank the reviewer for their review? This can help you get a realistic view of the overall experience at the property.
- Keep in mind your priorities and preferences when reading reviews. A negative review about noise levels may not be as essential to you if you work from home and don’t plan on having numerous visitors. A factor that is a dealbreaker for one person may not matter as much to you.
Examples of good and bad online reviews
A great review may include specific characteristics of the property, and personal experiences, such as “The management team is very responsive and accommodating. They fixed a plumbing issue in my unit within 24 hours.”
A poor review may be too emotional or vague, for example, “This place is a nightmare. Do not move here.” The latter lacks relevant instances or evidence to corroborate their claims. Always analyze the language and tone used in a review and the source of the review when considering its reliability.
The importance of evaluating reviews correctly
It’s vital to properly evaluate online reviews when choosing a new rental property. Misguided or fraudulent reviews can give you a false impression of the property and cause potential issues and dissatisfactions in the future. Before making any choices about a property, think about visiting it in person to get a first-hand look at the rental and communicate with the landlord or Manchester property management company.
Generally, keep in mind to take online reviews with a grain of salt and utilize them as one tool in your rental decision-making process. By appropriately assessing reviews, you can make a more informed decision and potentially have a better rental experience.
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