Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, we’re talking about rental scams. It really sucks that we renters have to add “avoiding scams” to our long list of things to do when moving, but it’s a reality.

We also discuss why our Instagram followers have moved frequently and look at some interesting Phoenix homes currently up for rent.

The Copper Courier team is taking a holiday break starting next week, so the next edition of Rent Check PHX will arrive in your inbox on Jan. 7.

Thanks for reading this newsletter, and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and rest of 2025! 🫶

P.S. Have other Phoenix renters in your life? College students, friends, coworkers? Forward this their way—it’s like a free mini Christmas gift!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

Tips on how to avoid rental scams in Phoenix

woman sitting on stoop next to suitcase with her head in her hands

Moving is stressful enough—here’s how to avoid a rental scam. (cunaplus/Shutterstock)

By Teresa K. Traverse

If you’re searching for a place to rent, you should be aware of rental scams. In 2021, ApartmentGuide.com ranked Phoenix as the fourth-worst US city for these kinds of scams.

People looking for a quick buck can 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.

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, 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.

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.

Read the full story

👥 If you’re OK with roommates: This 2,587-square-foot house off of Colter and 16th streets has a bedroom listed for $999 a month. The room is a master suite that includes a private bathroom. The home has three housemates and includes a pool and outdoor kitchen. Fees for yard, pool, and weekly maid service are included in rent. No pets or cigarette smoking are allowed.

🧱 If you like white-washed brick: This three-bed, three-bath off of 32nd Street and Chandler Boulevard has some cool brick walls in the living room and kitchen. The 1,624-square-foot home includes a two-car garage, double vanity, walk-in shower, walk-in closet, and fenced-in grass yard. The home is listed for $2,600 a month, and dogs are allowed.

🔥 If your yard is your favorite hangout spot: This 2,000-square-foot home off 27th and Southern avenues has an interesting feature I don’t know that I’ve seen before—the backyard has what looks to be a covered fire pit, with built-in seating, surrounded by turf. The three-bed, two-bath is listed for $2,280 a month, and utilities are estimated at $400 a month. Pets are not allowed.

If you come across any interesting, weird, or surprisingly affordable listings that you think should be featured here, please send them my way!

Email here

Listings available as of Dec. 16. I’m not paid to share these listings, but that doesn’t mean I can personally vouch for them. Please do your research before applying and signing a lease!

This is The Tenant’s Voice, a place where we can share our renting frustrations, helpful tips, and pressing questions.

A few weeks ago, I wrote this story about how common it is for renters in Phoenix to move as frequently as every two years.

When we posted the story on Instagram, we received some thoughtful comments that, at least to me, are incredibly relatable. I wanted to share them here so you can hear from some other renters!

🔑 “It’s not just rent, it’s also poorly maintained properties. Landlords skimp on making necessary repairs to the property and people feel forced to move.” — @angrydaisyy

🔑 “Musical chairs as Blackstone keeps jacking up the price of rent.” — @baronletterpress

🔑 “I live in Tempe. I would love to make a space for myself. But I’ll be moving again soon.” — @cheddar_bay_of_pigs

🔑 “Here in the Tucson area, I was at my apartment for 5 years until I moved. It’s greedy private equity and management companies constantly raising rent prices.” — @nomadic_runner

🔑 “@firstkeyhomes automatically raises rent yearly for ‘cost of living’ (allegedly).” — @renealiz96

🔑 “The rental market is nothing but expensive trash out here.” — @_pallormortis

🔑 “Because you have to move to get a better deal. My apartment complex is half empty because they won’t lower rent or agree to not raise it. So now they have half the units vacant for months instead of making any money at all. FAFO landlords ¯_(ツ)_/¯” — @sentient_roomba

Email here

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

👷 In an effort to speed up housing construction, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors cut 53 pages from its zoning rules. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

📦 Arizona’s population is still growing, but likely not as fast as it has been in recent years. (azcentral, 🔒)

💰 A new study confirms what many of us already know—that it’s cheaper to rent than to buy a home in Phoenix right now. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

💸 The US Department of Housing and Urban Development rescinded its new funding plan after advocates fought against it, but Phoenix families without housing are still at risk. (Axios Phoenix)

🔑 Across the Phoenix metro, seven vacant office buildings are expected to be turned into over 1,000 apartments. (AZ Big Media)

🎄 Here’s a Christmas decorating trend that’s easy for renters to take part in. (Apartment Therapy)

🧼 Here are nine tips for Phoenix renters on getting your security deposit back. (The Copper Courier)