How To Spot Rental Scams

Unfortunately, rental housing scams are real and can happen to unsuspecting renters. 

This seems to be especially true here in Pinellas County where we have many vacation rentals and plenty of people who want to spend time enjoying the warmth and sunshine.

Here are essential tips to help you avoid falling victim to these scams.

Common Rental Housing Scams To Watch Out For

Phantom Rentals

These are ads for places that don’t exist or aren’t for rent. Scammers aim to get your money before you discover the truth. One common tactic we often see is where the scammer will go to a site like Realtor.com or Zillow and copy the images and the description. One way to spot these is that you’ll see the “StellarMLS” watermark on the photos. That tells you the property was listed by a real estate agent.

Go to a trusted real estate website and look for the “Listing Agent.” Call the agent to verify that the property is for rent.

Hijacked Ads

Scammers pose as landlords and post ads for real properties with altered contact information.

Always verify the owner and listing details. They’re asking for all your information, proof of ID, etc. – don’t be afraid to ask for theirs!

Already Rented

Some landlords use ads to collect deposits or application fees for already rented properties. Always Google the property‘s address and ensure you view the unit, sign the lease, and receive keys before making any payments.

This is not nearly as common as the previous two.

Missing Amenities

Ads may list amenities that don’t exist to justify higher prices. If you can’t visit in person, ask a trusted individual to confirm the advertised features.

Bait-and-Switch

Landlords may try to get you to sign a lease or pay a deposit for a different property than advertised. If you are offered another unit, go through the same verification process and be sure you get to see the unit.

Suspicious Money Requests

Be wary of requests to send money without seeing the property or meeting anyone in person.

If you can’t get the person on the phone (they insist on text message, email or WhatsApp only) – that’s a big red flag. 

Look for excuses such as “we’re currently out of the country and unable to make or receive calls.” 

Identity Theft

Some ads are designed to trick you into providing confidential information like Social Security Numbers (SSN) or banking details.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

1. 1. Never deal in cash: Avoid wire transfers or hard-to-trace payment methods. Use bank checks, money orders, or email money transfers only when certain of the rental’s legitimacy.
   2. Never rent sight-unseen: Always visit in person or have a trusted representative do so. 
   3. Protect your personal information: Avoid providing confidential data that could be used for identity theft. Consider obtaining your own credit report to provide with your rental application. Most property management companies (and many landlords) use 3rd party providers to do security and credit checks for them. Verify that the company being used is registered with the state by going to Sunbiz.org.
   4. Meet the landlord in person: This reduces the risk of scams and usually leads to better service.
   5. Speak with current tenants: This can confirm information and reveal how the landlord treats renters.
   6. Conduct basic research: Google the address, landlord’s name, email, and phone number to verify legitimacy.
   7. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true rates: Suspiciously low rents should raise red flags.
   8. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics: Take time to research thoroughly before committing.
   9. Be cautious of landlords requesting too little information: Most legitimate landlords will ask for references or a credit check.
   10. Demand a written lease: Ensure you receive the Florida Lease Agreement, signed by both parties. If you’re at all suspicious, ask that both parties have your signatures notarized. 
   11. Verify landlord information: The lease should identify the owner or management company with a physical address (not a P.O. box). 
   12. Consider renting from property management companies: While many properties are managed by the owner, those using a property management company is less likely to be an outright scammer.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam:

1. 1. Report the incident to  local law enforcement.
   2. Seek legal advice to explore your options.
   3. If you sent money via a bank transfer or check, call your bank immediately. They may be able to get the money back if you act quickly enough.