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Before you sign that lease, let’s talk about how to separate the gems from the scams.
WASHINGTON — Searching for a new place to live can be an exhilarating yet stressful experience, especially when you’re bombarded with a flurry of listings that seem too good to be true.
Unfortunately, scams lurk in every corner of the internet.
Many Reddit users have been questioning whether their rental listings are too good to be true or if the upfront costs seem excessive, which inspired us to investigate further.
Whether you are just moving to the city, or changing neighborhoods, here's what to know to ensure that the listing you’re eyeing is the real deal.
1. Trust your gut, but do your homework
If a deal seems too good to be true (like a two-bedroom apartment in a prime location for half the market rate) it probably is.
Start with a bit of detective work:
- Reverse image search: Use Google’s reverse image search feature to check if the photos have been used elsewhere. Scammers often recycle images from legitimate listings.
- Check the address: Google the address to see if it appears on multiple reputable rental sites. Listings that are exclusively on lesser-known platforms might raise a red flag.
2. Examine the listing
Legitimate listings will often contain a lot of information. If you find a listing with very few detail, it could be a scam.
Here are elements to look for:
- Professional language: While typos can happen, listings with excessive grammatical errors or odd phrases might be suspect.
- Contact information: Real estate professionals usually provide a business phone number and email. Be wary of listings that only provide a personal email address or phone number.
3. Know the upfront costs
Understanding how much money is reasonable to pay upfront can help you spot scams. Generally, here’s what to expect:
- Security deposit: This can range from one month's rent to a few months, depending on local laws. In D.C., the maximum amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit is one month's rent.
- First month’s rent: Most landlords require this before moving in.
- Application fees: Legitimate fees usually range from $25 to $100 for background checks. In D.C., landlords can charge a maximum application fee of $50 per applicant.
Be cautious if you’re asked for a large sum of money upfront.
4. Meet in person
If possible, always arrange to see the property in person. Scammers might try to convince you to send money before viewing the place.
- Beware of excuses: If the “landlord” claims they’re out of town and can’t meet you, it’s time to walk away.
5. Trust your instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers are skilled at creating urgency to push you into hasty decisions. If a landlord pressures you to act quickly or threatens that someone else will take the property, take a step back.
6. How to report scams
If you suspect a listing is a scam, don’t hesitate to report it. Here’s how:
- Online platforms: Most rental platforms (Zillow, Craigslist, etc.) have a reporting feature. Use it.
- Local authorities: Contact your local consumer protection office or the police. They may have resources to help you.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, which helps track and combat fraud.
7. Resources to Know
- Offers guidance on consumer protection and a platform to report fraudulent activities.
- Provides consumer protection services, allowing you to report scams and seek assistance.
- While focused on public housing, they can help identify legitimate housing options and report scams.
- Allows you to check the legitimacy of businesses and report scams related to housing.
- Provides information on various types of fraud, including rental scams, and tips for avoiding them.
- Accepts reports of rental fraud and offers consumer information on recognizing and reporting scams.
- Provides resources on renting and consumer protection, along with tips on avoiding scams.
- You can report suspected scams to local law enforcement for further investigation.
In the competitive landscape of rentals, being proactive is your best strategy to avoid falling victim to fraud. By doing your due diligence, trusting your instincts, and knowing what’s reasonable in terms of upfront costs, you can help ensure your next home is a legitimate one.
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