Common Rental Scams
Even though there are several different methods that scammers try to trick individuals into giving them money, there are a couple of common rental scams you should be aware of. Perhaps the rental scam people encounter most often is where a person claiming to be a landlord advertises a property they don’t own, or that doesn’t exist.
One more typical tactic is to create deceptive or downright bogus advertising for a property that does exist but is not owned by the person listing the home for rent. These scammers may attempt to pressure you into sending them a deposit right away or try to rush you into signing lease documents without touring the rental property first. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that up to 5.2 million renters have been scammed out of money by fraudulent listings.
Watch for Warning Signs
To evade being scammed, there are always some warning signs that things aren’t quite right. If you understand what these signs are, you can spot a rental scam before you get fooled.
Initially, it is important to do your research. Review the ad cautiously for spelling errors, vague information, or a deal that sounds too good to be true. Chances are if it seems like an unbelievable bargain, it’s possibly a scam. It is important to talk to a professional Windsor property manager on the phone and arrange to view the property in person. If they demand a deposit first or claim to be out of the country, both of those are big red flags.
This is particularly the case if the landlord insists on dealing only in cash or asks for a wire transfer. In the first case, cash-only rentals are unethical and possibly illegal, so it’s better to ignore them. Requesting a wire transfer is a tactic commonly used by scammers because, like cash, wire transfers are unrecoverable once sent. Regardless of what they claim the money is for, never give a landlord a deposit without signing a lease first.
Best Practices for Safe Renting
One of the greatest methods to prevent being scammed when you seek a rental home is to go through a reputable management company. Even though local property management operations may provide a couple of listings, there is still no guarantee that they are devoted to fair, ethical rental practices. The safest course of action is to choose a company with national credibility and a reputation for high-quality customer service. Furthermore, choosing the right property management company to rent from can simplify finding and renting your new home, limiting your options to only those that fit your budget and lifestyle. This is the smarter and more efficient way to locate your next rental home.
If you are searching for a new rental home but want to steer clear of any scams or misleading ads, your best option is to contact Real Property Management Hartford Metro/Greater New London. We are a top-ranking national company with local offices, the best of both worlds: you’ll get local rental market expertise from a respected organization you know you can rely on. Contact us today or check out our rental listings online.