How to Spot a Rental Scam Before You Pay

The full list (12 items)

1. The price is far below similar placesCompare it with other listings of the same size nearby.
2. The landlord can't or won't meet you or show the placeNever rent a place you or a trusted person hasn't seen.
3. They ask for money before you have seen the homeDon't pay a deposit or application fee for a place you haven't visited.
4. They only accept wire transfers, gift cards, crypto or cashThese are hard to reverse. Be very careful.
5. They push you to decide right nowScammers create urgency so you skip checks.
6. The owner is 'out of the country' or 'away on a mission'A common story used to avoid meeting you.
7. The photos are copied from somewhere elseDo a reverse image search on the listing photos.
8. There's no lease, or the lease looks strangeRead it fully and ask questions in writing.
9. No application or screening at allA real landlord usually checks tenants.
10. Messages are generic and email-onlyLook for copied text or poor grammar.
11. The person isn't the owner or the managerCheck county property records or the management company's website.
12. The 'agent' asks you to pay a hold feeConfirm the agent and the building by phone yourself.

Want the rest of the move-in plan?

The First Apartment Reset Planner is a 16-page printable for moving in and settling in, so the rest of it is not on you to figure out.