If you’re searching for a place to rent, you should be aware of rental scams. Many people looking for a quick buck will make up a listing, make a would-be renter think it’s legit, and then take a first month’s rent and a deposit, leaving you with a hefty debt and no place to live.

Back in 2021, ApartmentGuide.com ranked Phoenix as the fourth worst city for rental scams in the country. It’s such a problem that the Arizona Attorney General’s Office posted a list of tips so renters can avoid scams. All we can say is “yikes,” but don’t fret. By taking proper precautions, you can protect yourself and be less likely to fall for a scam.

Here are some tips on how to spot scams so you can keep yourself safe.

Search the property management company or individual

If something about the listing feels fishy to you, you can always Google the owner and property’s name plus scam. Hopefully, others will have written about the company’s legitimacy and if they’ve had problems.

Beware of a bait and switch scam

Although some scammers will list a fake property (or one that’s already rented out), some will advertise a place as being much nicer than it actually is. You can avoid this by following the tip below.

Visit the property in person or have someone go there on your behalf

You should be able to visit the property in person. If the landlord won’t let you check out the place in person or give you a video tour of the place, it could be a fake listing. Many scammers will create listings using made-up properties. They just use real photos to make it look like a real listing.

Check the address

If you look up the address online and can’t find it, it could be a fake listing. Likewise, if you drive there and can’t find the place, it’s almost certainly a scam.

Be mindful of spelling and grammar

If the listing is full of typos and grammatical errors, that can be a sign of a bad listing.

Be sure the lease is legitimate

Owners should require you to sign a lease. One of the reasons for this is that if there is no lease, the owner can change the terms of the agreement without having to legally inform you. If the lease is incomplete, that can be a bad sign.

Verify the owner’s name

Many scammers will simply replace the name of the actual owners with their own name. If you find multiple names listed on the property, it might be fraudulent. Check county records to see whose name is on the deed. It should match the person who’s listing the property.

Be extra wary of certain websites

Although you can find legit ads and postings on Facebook and Craigslist, those sites are also places where people can try to scam others. Do your due diligence if you’re looking for rentals on those sites. Facebook is a hot bed for scams. According to this Reuters.com article, the company estimated that users see 15 billion scam ads a day. The company also projected that 10% of ad revenue comes from scams or banned goods. Obviously, not all of those ads are for rentals, but it’s still worth noting. If you see a listing for a room, apartment, or home listed on Facebook, be sure to click on the profile of the lister. If they only have a few friends or no real photos, it could be a fake profile and should be avoided. 

Watch out for homes or apartments that are too good to be true

If the apartment is priced well below market rate and includes a ton of great amenities, it might not be a real listing. 

If the owner insists that you give money before it’s owed, watch out

Since scammers are out to take your money, they might insist on you paying them immediately so you can move in sooner. A legit landlord wouldn’t expect money until you’ve signed documents. If the owner keeps insisting you pay rent soon or is very pushy about sending a deposit, it’s best to steer clear.

Proper communication

If the owner isn’t available during the regular business hours, claims to be overseas, or won’t speak to you and only communicates via text, those can be red flags.

Ask the owner to provide proof of ownership

If you have any doubts about a property owner’s legitimacy, check with the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office or ask the owner to provide a copy of the deed. They should do this to earn your trust.

Payment methods

If the owner is asking you to pay in cash, wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto, that’s a major red flag. A legitimate owner will ask for payment through a portal or via a check—not non-traditional payment methods.

Be worried about upfront fees

With a legit rental, you’ll have to pay an application fee and a credit check fee up front, but you shouldn’t have to pay a security deposit and first month’s rent until after you’ve signed a lease. Many scammers will take a deposit or first month’s rent and then just stop communicating with you.  

Be careful with subleases

Although subleases are allowed in Arizona, the current tenant must have permission from the landlord to sublet a place. Be sure to vet the sublease carefully.

Trust your gut

If anything about the listing feels off, it’s best to steer clear of it. There are plenty of legit housing ads posted.

Report scams

If you believe someone is running a rental scam, consider reporting it to the FTC, the local police department, or the attorney general’s office. This can help protect others in the future.

Good luck in your search for a rental! By taking some precautions, you can hopefully avoid any rental scams.