Rental scams abound online. As you begin to search for the perfect new place to live, scammers lie in wait, hoping to take advantage of your enthusiasm for the next chapter of your life. Typically, they aim to steal your money. They'll try to convince you to send them a check for a security deposit without ever seeing the apartment. Then they'll keep the money without ever intending to rent an apartment to you.
If you're on the hunt for a new apartment, watch out for these common signs of rental scams: They Don't Want to Meet Up If someone says they're out of town and can't meet you to show you the vacancy, head for the hills. Some scammers will even lie and say they're in the military to avoid meeting up. A good landlord will always be willing to meet in person. Renting is a big decision that requires trusting someone to follow the policies outlined in the lease. They should be just as eager to meet you as you are to meet them. They Want You to Move In Sight Unseen Perhaps you are able to meet up with your potential new landlord in person. Even if that's the case, you should never sign a lease or pay a deposit until you've seen the place for yourself. It's easy for someone to say they have a unit free and fake a listing online. You'll want to see it in person for yourself to ensure it's actually available. Most scammers don't actually have access to the apartments they list online, so an in-person tour is a great way to determine what's real and what's just a scam. The Price is Too Low You know the saying: if something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. This phrase certainly applies to rental scams. While good deals on rentals are out there, a property priced well below the going market rate should be viewed with skepticism. Do some research and compare prices of rentals you're interested in. Cheap prices could be a serious red flag. -- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
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AuthorScott Safadi leverages extensive experience in the real estate industry to serve as the CEO of Cal Bay Property Management (CBPM), which he founded in Palo Alto, California. Archives
January 2020
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