According to newly released data, 5.2 million Americans have been a victim and lost money to housing scams. This shows how anyone can be a target for these scams, especially renters.
Rental scams often involve a fake advertisement and someone presenting themselves as an owner, landlord, or real estate broker. The impersonator will also create a sense of urgency and request some sort of payment or deposit to secure the opportunity, without a chance to view the property.
Know the Signs of a Rental Scam
If you or a loved one are searching for a property to rent, it is important to not overlook things that could be a sign of a scam. They can include:
- The rental price is much lower than similar properties.
- The rental property’s ad has spelling or grammatical errors.
- You are unable to speak with the property owner directly; only an “agent”.
- You are required to sign the rental lease agreement before seeing the property.
- You are not allowed to view the property in person, or there is a fee to view it.
- The property owner or agent uses high pressure tactics to convince you to rent the property quickly.
Legal Support for Housing Issues
If you are in the process of searching for a rental property, IDG Legal can help. Our housing service includes a free review of a lease before you sign it, to make sure there are no issues.
Learn more about how we can help you with leases and other housing issues here. You can also fill out a form here for immediate assistance.