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Beware of online rental scams and phishing schemes when browsing for apartment rentals
There are many beautiful apartments in New York City, Paris, London, Brussels or wherever you might be searching, and you deserve to be seeing as many of them as you’d like. Yet at the same time, you also deserve to not have your time wasted by scams, and you deserve to feel and be completely safe during the entire apartment-hunting process.
And while there were always things to be concerned about when you were hunting for an apartment, vacation rental or roommate share apartment, the increased use of online platforms to advertise apartments for rent (to the degree that it’s hard to imagine an apartment for rent without a listing) means that you can fall prey to a host of new dangers and scams, many of which can cost you hundreds of dollars (or even thousands) and set you back weeks on your search.
We want to provide you with at least a base knowledge of how to protect yourself and reduce risk, so please read through the following carefully and consider it as you go on your search:
Common Scams to Watch Out For
While tricks and scams certainly aren’t limited to what’s on this list, you can start here to consider some of the most common concerns to be on the lookout for. Many of these can happen both online and in real life, and websites can’t always protect from these problems, so always be vigilant while remaining excited in your search.
AGENT TIP: Sometimes you can’t view listings in person because you are booking a furnished apartment, roommate share, or vacation rental from out of town or overseas, that’s when it’s particularly important to work with a licensed real estate agency. New York Habitat goes on a listing appointment and checks each property they list making sure it meets listing standards and is legally able to rent for the length of time offered. They also take the apartment photos themselves whenever possible and ensure the pictures advertised are representative of the actual property.
Keep your personal and financial information secure from identity theft by dealing only through a licensed real estate agent or broker
AGENT TIP: In July 2019 New York State passed a law prohibiting rental security deposits in excess of 1 month’s rent
Be cautious when someone who is not a real estate agent asks for money upfront
Finally, be on the lookout and read up on newer scams if you can. The internet changes rapidly, and while some scams are evergreen, there is always a new cycle to look out for.
If you’re willing to do some research (and you should be), then you can likely find how an agent, firm, broker, or whoever is helping you is registered. Ideally, a good website will tell you this information upfront. The specific qualifications may vary by location, but there is likely some means of verification and identification. You can also check the reputation of any company as well as complaints against them with a neutral party where the company is located like the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan NY. If you find nothing, proceed with caution, if not turn around entirely from the situation.
AGENT TIP: In NY you can search the New York Department of State website to verify an individual agent or agency. You can check if an agency or agent is licensed in NY here. NewYork Habitat and its agents/brokers are licensed with the NY State Department of State.
Educate yourself on common scams and situations to avoid when renting an apartment online
Just like there are things to look for, there are things to watch out for when renting apartments online as well. Avoidany of the following:
A successful online rental requires communication, investigation, documentation and trustworthiness
In many ways, the communication you should expect from a prospective landlord in terms of safety mirrors the communication you should hope for in most situations. You want someone who is forthright, easily found online in a professional manner (or the company can be easily researched) and communicates in at least a somewhat professional manner.
You should also be talking to someone who isn’t afraid to provide verification, proof, or additional information in a reasonable amount of time. Anyone legitimate should be happy to provide some identification and show you relevant documents at any time and understand any questions that are for the purposes of your security. Given how easily transferred information is online, there’s no excuse for not providing scans or photos.
Finally, every important bit of information should be in writing, and if you can get a digital copy of documents early on, that’s all the better. That being noted, you should always read the specific document you are signing in full to see if there’s any last-minute changes. Don’t worry, they can wait for you.
Dealing with licensed professionals connected with IATAN, REBNY, and NY Department of State is worth the fee and peace of mind
Your safety is paramount, which is why you should engage in the following practices during your search:
AGENT TIP: Keep in mind that when dealing with peer-to-peer websites that have a 3rd party collecting or holding money for the landlord, you may be subject to their terms when it comes to disputes over deductions or forfeiture of security deposits, giving up your right to take the dispute to court.
Check out what other people have to say about a company or website on online review sites
Finding your new apartment can be an exciting, thoughtful, and even stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be an unsafe one. Prospective landlords or property managers should be open, happy to meet with you, and forthright about the apartment. Websites should encourage all of this. Ultimately, if you’re ever nervous or suspicious about the situation, don’t force it and move on. If something seems too good to be true, be careful. There will be other apartments and other opportunities. We wish you the best of luck with your safe and soon to be successful search.
© Copyright 2024 Global Renty