<prompt> Human: Hi rpersonalfinanceNot sure if this belongs here, but I am seeking out advice from the community to see if I could have some wisdom regarding my situation.Last month I moved to LA and started to hunt for a house. A mutual friend ended up informing me of the residence he is living in having an opening. After inquiring, I ended up enjoying the residence and deciding to go with it. I had good negotiations and talks with the landlord and patiently waited roughly 4 weeks for the current tenant to fully move out and allow time for carpet cleaning, repairs, etc. Now that the time has come for me to move in, I received word from the landlord that she does not want me to have a copy of the lease in order to protect herself. And also wants me to pay in cash. I am now assuming this is because she wants to dodge taxes and that this house is not a registered complex. I am not totally sure what to do here. I feel uncomfortable, but I also know the mutual friend and he has been fine as long as hes lived in this building 10 years. My fear is that the landlord could unexpectedly raise the price of the apartment or even worse, ask us to leave immediately without reason. What do you guys think I should do?Assistant: Run from this landlord as fast as you can.Human: Thats what my gut is telling me  <response>: Trust your gut, sounds like a real slime ball. Shes literally telling you she wants to protect herself from you! 