How to Avoid Rental Scams Now That so Many Views Are Virtual
Whether you’re a fan of visiting virtual doctors or weddings, the availability of these services and activities during the pandemic has been a game changer. And while using real estate websites and apps to familiarize yourself with real estate is not new, many parts of the process that were previously done in person are now done virtually. This, of course, is convenient, but it also opens up more opportunities for fraudsters, especially in the rental market . Here’s how to recognize and avoid scams.
Don’t sign anything until you see the block
In the midst of a pandemic, it makes sense that people try to avoid wandering around and looking for rental properties. This is where virtual views come in handy, allowing you to exclude future homes that won’t fit without having to see them in person. But once you’ve found something you like and are seriously considering renting, be sure to see the place in person at least once before signing your rental agreement.
“I don’t think anyone should be renting out without seeing this apartment,” Nadine Cohen, managing attorney for consumer rights at Greater Boston Legal Services, told the Boston Globe . Yes, it will help you learn about bad smells and noisy neighbors that cannot be detected when browsing the Internet. But also, who knows if the photos or video tours really belong to the place that is rented (or even exists). The last thing you need right now is to sign an annual lease for your dream apartment, pay the rent and all fees, and then move in and find that this is not at all what you were. shown (or, again, doesn’t exist).
Find out exactly who you are renting from
Not only can an ad be fake, but a person claiming to be an owner, real estate agent, or realtor may not be who they claim to be. Before handing over any documents or money, Cohen advises to “see any evidence that the person showing them is either the owner or the legal rental agent.”
But even if you are dealing with an actual homeowner / manager / realtor, this does not mean that you do not know anything – they can still start something dubious. If that’s something you want to explore further, there are sites like MySmartRenter that allow tenants to get information on potential landlords. This service is not free – there are three packages that provide additional information at a higher cost – which can come in handy if there is someone that really doesn’t suit you. (Their entire pricing model is shown here, but it basically starts at $ 19.99 for a three-step vetting process and also for figuring out if they are involved in any civil litigation and / or national sex offenders registry. soil.)
Be wary of ads that seem too good to be true.
Again, this should be the case anytime you’re looking for a place to rent, but be realistic about what you can get for your budget. Once you have spent some time searching and familiarizing yourself with the current rates in the area, it will be easier for you to spot a fake listing. So, if most of the regular one-bedroom apartments in the area cost around $ 1,500 a month, and you see an ad for a luxury building with a rooftop pool, gym and laundry room for $ 1,300, be careful. and do additional research.
What to do if you have been deceived
Scammers are usually good at what they do, so if you end up in a situation where you were fooled, Cohen told USA Today that she recommends filing a police report, contacting whatever site you have used, and filing a complaint. … with the Federal Trade Commission .