Renting a house can be a stressful process, especially if you’re moving to a new area or if you’re not familiar with the rental process. Unfortunately, there are individuals out there who are looking to take advantage of renters by using home rental scams. These scams can be difficult to spot, particularly as the rental house market grows and the number of scams increase, but there are ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim. In this article, we’ll share some tips for avoiding housing scams and protecting yourself from scams targeting renters.
Tip #1: Do your research
One of the most important steps in avoiding rental scams is to research the company or individual you’re considering renting from. Make sure that the rental company or landlord is legitimate and has a good reputation. Check out their website and look for reviews from other renters. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the rental home company.
If you’re looking for rentals on Craigslist or other classified ad websites, be especially cautious. Rental scams on Craigslist are common. Always double-check the listing, and be wary of any listings that seem too good to be true.
Tip #2: Don’t send money before seeing the property or verifying ownership
One of the most common rental scams involves asking for money before the renter has seen the property. Scammers will often claim that they’re out of the area and can’t show the property in person, but they’ll be happy to send you photos and take a deposit to hold the property until you can see it in person. Once the scammer has the deposit, they’ll disappear, and you’ll never hear from them again.
To avoid this type of scam, never send money before you’ve seen the property in person. If the landlord or rental company insists on a deposit to hold the property, ask if you can pay in person or through a secure payment service like PayPal.
Note that many legitimate organizations do offer the option to prerelease. In these situations, the home will not be available to view due to being occupied or under repairs. These are acceptable situations, but do ensure you are using a reputable rental company and have verified ownership.
Tip #3: Use a reputable rental company
Using a reputable rental company is one of the best ways to protect yourself from rental scams. A reputable rental company will have a thorough screening process for both landlords and renters, and they’ll take steps to ensure that the properties they list are legitimate.
Before you choose a rental company, do your research. Look for online reviews from other renters, check reputable review sources such as the Better Business Bureau, and visit the company’s website to see if they have a screening process for landlords and renters. You can also ask for references from previous renters.
Scammers may pose as legitimate rental companies, but a quick online search can often reveal their true intentions. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your money and safety.
Tip #4: Be wary of wire transfers and don’t send money too soon
One of the biggest red flags of a rental scam is when the landlord or property manager asks for money before you’ve had a chance to see the property. A popular scam targeting renters is to ask renters to make wire transfers or to transfer money directly using apps such as Venmo, Zelle, Cashapp, etc… to secure a property. This is a red flag. Once you’ve made a wire transfer or transferred money on an app, it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. If a landlord or rental company insists on a wire transfer, it’s best to look for another rental property. Legitimate landlords will allow you to see the property and sign the lease before any money changes hands.
If a landlord or property manager is asking for money upfront, it’s likely a scam. Don’t send any money until you’ve seen the property in person and verified that the listing is legitimate.
Tip #5: Trust your instincts and be wary of unbelievably low rates
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. One of the most common types of home rental scams involves listings with unbelievably low prices. Scammers often lure in unsuspecting renters with prices that are well below market value. They may claim that the low price is due to a special deal or promotion. Do your research and compare the rental price to other properties in the area. If the price seems significantly lower than other comparable properties, it’s likely a scam.
Trust your instincts when it comes to rental properties. If you’re feeling uneasy about a property or a landlord, it’s best to keep looking. Don’t let the pressure of finding a rental property lead you to make a hasty decision that you’ll regret later.
Tip #6: Don’t give out personal information too soon
Scammers may ask for personal information, such as your social security number or credit card information, before you’ve even seen the property. This is a red flag. Legitimate landlords or rental companies will not ask for personal information until you’re in the process of completing an official application.
If you’re uncomfortable with providing personal information, it’s best to look for another rental property.
Tip #7: Verify ownership of the property
Before you sign a lease or send any money, make sure that the person you’re dealing with actually owns the property. It’s best to verify the landlord’s identity or check the rental company’s validity first thing. Scammers may pose as landlords or property owners, but in reality, they have no legal right to rent out the property.
You can verify ownership of the property by checking public records or by contacting the local assessor’s office. If you’re unsure about the ownership of a property, it’s best to look for another rental.
Tip #8: Beware of “no credit check” rentals
Scammers may offer “no credit check” rentals to entice renters who have poor credit. While it may seem like a good deal, these types of rentals can be a red flag. Legitimate landlords and rental companies will always check your credit before renting to you.
If a landlord or rental company is offering a “no credit check” rental, it’s best to be cautious and do your research before sending any money.
Tip #9: Be wary of rental listings with generic photos and visit the property in person
Scammers may use generic photos of rental properties to entice renters. This is a very popular method for scammers on Craigslist. These photos may not actually be of the potential rental property at all. Before you agree to rent a property, make sure you’ve seen real photos of the property or visited the location.
Before signing a lease or handing over any money, make sure to visit the rental property in person. This will give you an opportunity to inspect the property and make sure it is in good condition. You can also confirm that the property is as advertised and that it matches the photos and description in the rental listing. Scammers may try to avoid in-person meetings or virtual calls. While remote showings are common now, ask for a live video call allowing you to see the leasing manager and get a real-time experience and ensure you’re talking to a legitimate company.
If a landlord or rental company is using generic photos and/or does not want to show you the property beforehand, it’s likely best for you to look for another rental property.
Tip #10: Don’t be rushed into signing a lease and read the lease agreement carefully
Scammers may try to rush you into signing a lease or making a deposit by claiming that there are other interested renters. Don’t let the pressure of time lead you to make a hasty decision. Take your time and carefully review the lease agreement and any other documents before signing. Look for any hidden fees or clauses that may cause problems later on. If there is anything you do not understand, ask the landlord to clarify it for you.
If a landlord or rental company is pressuring you to sign a lease, it’s best to take a step back and evaluate the situation before making a decision.
Home rental scams are a growing problem that can cost renters both time and money. By being aware of the most common scams and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to a rental scam. Always be vigilant and take your time when searching for a rental property. Don’t rush into a decision and always do your due diligence before signing any lease agreement. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts.
If you’re looking for a reputable home rental company with decades of experience placing families in homes where they thrive and make lasting memories, look no further than SimplyHome by Camillo. See available rental homes in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas-Ft Worth and Bryan / College Station and find your rental home today.
