If you’re on the hunt for a new rental property, the last thing you want is to get scammed. Unfortunately, rental scams have been around for decades and are still prevalent today. Scammers take advantage of prospective renters by asking for money upfront, posting fake listings, or convincing you to sign a lease without a property tour. Today, we’re discussing red flags to watch for and how to avoid rental scams.
Contents of This Article:
- Rental Scam Red Flags to Watch For
- How to Avoid Rental Scams As a Tenant
- What Should You Do If You’re a Victim of a Rental Scam?
- Work With Professional Property Management
Rental Scam Red Flags to Watch For
Rental scams can be completely obvious, but they can also be very discreet. Some scammers are good at their jobs–making it hard to determine whether or not something is a scam or real. That said, there are a few common red flags you can look for that can help you spot a rental scam. Here are a few things to be on the lookout for.
- It Seems Too Good to Be True
- The Landlord Refuses to Show the Property
- You Get Requests for Upfront Payments
- The Landlord Has No Verifiable Identity
- There’s No Tenant Screening Process
It Seems Too Good to Be True
If a rental listing has an unbelievably low price compared to similar properties in the area, it can be a major red flag. Scammers often try to lure in victims with deals that seem too good to be true, only to request upfront payments or disappear once they receive money. As such, it’s crucial to research the current market rates and be skeptical of listing with prices that seem unrealistically low.
The Landlord Refuses to Show the Property
Another major red flag in rental scams is when the landlord refuses to let you see the property in person or tries to convince you to rent without seeing it in person first. For example, they may claim to be out of town or unavailable, insisting that you just view a virtual tour or photos of the property instead. However, a legitimate landlord or property manager in Northern Virginia should always be willing to schedule an in-person tour before any commitments are made.
You Get Requests for Upfront Payments
Scammers will often ask for deposits, rent, or fees before you’ve even seen the property or signed a lease. For instance, they may pressure you to send money in odd ways, like a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or prepaid gift cards–which are almost impossible to reverse. That said, you should always wait until a lease is signed and verified before making any payments. Additionally, ensure you only use traceable methods like checks or online payment platforms.
The Landlord Has No Verifiable Identity
A legitimate landlord should have a way to confirm their identity, whether that’s through property records, an official rental company, or online reviews. If you can’t find any information about the landlord or they refuse to provide proof of ownership, it’s a huge red flag. You should always do your own research by looking up the property’s ownership or looking at online reviews before contacting a landlord or property management company.
There’s No Tenant Screening Process
Most legitimate landlords and property managers require background checks, credit checks, or rental applications to screen potential tenants. However, if the landlord is willing to rent to you immediately without verifying any of your information, consider this a red flag. Scammers often avoid screenings to make the process seem quick and easy, hoping tenants will send money without asking too many questions.
How to Avoid Rental Scams as a Tenant
Rental scams can end up costing thousands of dollars and create unnecessary stress. So, it’s crucial to be careful and do your own research when looking for a rental property to avoid rental scams while looking for a rental property. Here are some tips.
- Research the Rental Market- You’ll want to compare prices of similar rentals in the area to avoid any “too-good-to-be-true” deals. Additionally, check different rental websites to ensure the property is listed with consistent information.
- Verify the Landlord or Property Manager- Look up the landlord’s name and contact information online, and be cautious if they avoid answering questions or providing credentials.
- Always See the Property In Person- You’ll want to request to see the property in person. After all, you want to ensure it’s a space that fits your needs, right? While there may be photos with the rental listing, it’s possible that the images may be stolen. So, always request to see the property in person.
- Avoid Sending Premature Payments- Never send money unless you’ve seen a property and signed a lease. Also, never send money unconventionally, like a wire transfer or prepaid cards.
- Check Review and Tenant Experiences- Look for landlord reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. It could also help to ask past or current tenants about their experience with the property and/or landlord.
What Should You Do If You’re a Victim of a Rental Scam?
If you’ve fallen victim to a rental scam, you’ll want to act quickly to reduce your chances of losing money and
- Stop All Communication- If you suspect any type of fraud, immediately stop communicating with the “landlord” to prevent further issues or manipulation.
- Report the Scam- If you think you’ve been scammed, file a police report with your local authorities. Ensure you provide any emails, texts, payment receipts, and listing details as evidence.
- Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider- If you’ve sent money via bank transfer, credit card, or digital payment services, like PayPal or Venmo, report the fraud immediately.
- Alert the Rental Platform- If you find a fraudulent rental listing on a rental platform like Zillow, Apartments.com, or Facebook Marketplace, report it immediately to remove it.
- Seek Legal Advice- If you lost a significant amount of money due to a rental scam, consider consulting a lawyer to explore possible legal action.
Work With Professional Property Management
If you want to avoid rental scams, it’s important to stay diligent and do your own research before signing a lease or offering money for a rental property. One of the best ways to protect yourself is by working with a property management company. Most property management companies are legitimate and well-versed in the rental process, ensuring a fair and transparent process for both parties.
Check out Professional Property Management in Northern Virginia if you’re looking for a property in the area. One of our management experts can help you find your ideal property and ensure you have the best rental experience possible. Contact PPM today to learn more!
