With rising costs, low vacancy rates and high demand for both long and short-term rentals, there has been a huge increase in rental scams. Using the internet, scammers advertise fake listings online and lure consumers into making bookings and sending money.
The most common type of rental scams:
Asking for a security deposit before signing a lease
As a potential renter, you should not be asked to hand over any money before signing a lease or seeing the property. Never mail or wire money if you have not signed the lease. A small reasonable fee to cover the cost of background checks is fine, but any other form of request for money should be handled with caution.
A very attractive price
If the price is too good to be true (priced well below market in the area), then there is definitely something wrong with the listing. The owner may use a “bait and switch” tactic using a low rent price to lure in possible renters and then replace it with a more costly unit.
Not able to meet in person
If you are not able to meet the renter in person or by real time video, then you should be mindful of the listing. Genuine landlords should be able to meet you either in person or digitally, so that they can be comfortable with trusting you as a renter.
Wanting you to move in immediately without seeing the property
You should be able to see the inside of the property you intend to rent before you sign a lease. If the landlord just walks around the property with you without giving you access to the inside, then you should be aware that this is a potential scam. It is easy to advertise a fake online listing.
A poorly constructed advert
In most cases landlords take care in creating a well written listing of their property. An ad that has poor grammar, with lots of typos and punctuation errors is likely to have been created by a scammer. If the photos are vague and only shows the outside and not the inside, then you should avoid the listing.
There is no screening process
Normally a landlord would ensure that the tenant is responsible and can pay the rent and take care of the property. If you come across a landlord who does not require a rental application filled out or a credit check done, then you should be suspicious.
Signing an incomplete lease
You are putting yourself at considerable risk by signing an incomplete lease. If the lease contains many blank spaces, vague writing or incomplete sentences, you are opening yourself to future problems, as the landlord may easily manipulate the lease at a later date.
How to stay safe
Check the address carefully, making sure it is not being used elsewhere
Always request a contract, agreement or lease, and review it thoroughly
Never pay any money before signing a document
Research the property in person and meet the landlord at the address
Ask for an inside tour of the property
Know your rights as a tenant by visiting official government websites
We have been in the real estate business for over 30 years. If you are looking for a rental property or have any real estate related questions, get in touch with us. Call us on 604.913.1888,
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