How to Avoid Rental Scams
How to Avoid Rental Scams: A Comprehensive Guide for Renters
Getting around the market can pose challenges with the rise in rental scams. It’s vital to safeguard yourself against these tactics. This manual offers advice to help you spot and evade scams ensuring a secure and worry free renting journey.
Avoid Wiring Money or Using Cash/Gift Cards
A rule in renting is to steer clear of wiring money or paying with cash or gift cards before inspecting the rental property. Legitimate landlords won’t request payment until you’ve toured the place and signed a lease agreement. Always opt for traceable payment methods.
Confirm the Landlords Identity and Property Ownership
Before finalizing a deal authenticate that the landlord is genuine and indeed owns the property by following these steps;
Look Up Address Online; Check if the property address matches the listing and watch out for any warning signs.
Review Public Records; Verify property ownership through records typically accessible online, via government sites.
Request Documentation; Ask for documents proving the landlords ownership of the property.
If you suspect that you’ve come across a scam make sure to report it to the authorities;
Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Lodge a complaint online.
Local Law Enforcement; Reach out to your police department. Inform them about the fraud.
Rental Platforms; Notify the website where the listing was posted to safeguard other potential renters.
By adhering to these suggestions you can greatly minimize the chances of falling prey to rental scams. Always verify ownership demand a lease agreement inspect properties before making any payments and be cautious of prices and unverified intermediaries. Being alert and knowledgeable is key, in protecting yourself from fraud. For tips and resources check out Rent-Life.ca!
Links;
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/identity-theft/articles/-/learn/how-to-spot-rental-scams/
- https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/housing/residence-services/campus-housing/spotting-housing-scams
- https://www.rentalsfornewcomers.com/blog/how-newcomers-can-avoid-rental-scams
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/how-to-avoid-online-rental-scams-1.3474445
- https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/personal/advice-plus/features/posts.how-to-avoid-rental-scams-and-roommate-fraud.html
- https://rent-life.ca/blogs/
#rentlife #rentlifeapp #forrent #rentals #scams
