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If you have been affected by a scam, or have been contacted in relation to tax services, please follow the steps the US government outlines and report it. Refer to our safeguarding tips below for more information:

Renting a new apartment is an exciting time, but navigating all of the logistics can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’re a first-time renter. While finding the perfect floorplan and location are important, there are several other parts of the process that need your full attention. Ensuring that you’re dealing with a legitimate and reputable property owner should be at the top of that priority list. 

Unfortunately, many renters still fall prey to apartment rental scams. Dishonest landlords and phony listings often entrap potential renters in a web of financial headache they never anticipated. These tips will help you spot potential rental fraud and safeguard you against it.

What is a Rental Scam, and How Common Are They? 

Rental scams occur in a variety of ways. Perhaps the most common fraud is when someone claims to be a property manager or landlord for an apartment they don’t own or one that doesn’t even exist. When the fraudster does actually own the property, they’ll frequently alter the listing to make the apartment seem much more appealing than it is. Some scammers require you make a deposit before signing the lease to try and lock you in financially.

A survey from 2018 shows that an estimated 43.1% of renters have come across a suspicious listing, and 5.2 million renters in the U.S have lost money from rental scams. The primary targets for apartment scams are renters ages 19 to 29, of which 42% are more likely to take a hefty hit. Despite being very tech-savvy, most young renters may not immediately recognize a scam when they see one. They’re a generation who routinely move to new cities, so they’re often on the hunt for a low-budget deal, making them more susceptible to a fraudulent listing. 

How Do I Safeguard Myself Against Rental Scams?