🛑 Common Rental Scams — and How to Avoid Them

Finding a rental can be exciting, but with so many listings online, it’s easy to fall into a trap if you’re not careful. Rental scams are unfortunately on the rise, and they can cost renters time, money, and peace of mind. Whether you're searching for a new apartment in Bay City or browsing listings on Facebook Marketplace, it's important to know what to look for — and what to avoid.

Here’s a practical guide to spotting common rental scams and protecting yourself during your search.

🚩 1. The Too-Good-To-Be-True Listing

Warning Sign: A rental price that’s significantly lower than similar properties in the area — often with luxurious features and minimal requirements.

What’s Really Happening: Scammers copy photos from legitimate listings and repost them with a fake email or phone number. They hope to collect deposits quickly from multiple people before disappearing.

How to Avoid It:

• Compare prices with other listings in the neighborhood.

• Use reputable websites and management companies.

• Never send money before verifying the legitimacy of the property.

  
  

🚪 2. The “Landlord” Who Can’t Show the Property

Warning Sign: The person says they’re out of town, in the military, or traveling for work — and can’t meet you in person.

What’s Really Happening: They’ll push you to send a deposit or first month’s rent to “hold” the unit, but they have no legal right to the property and often aren’t local at all.

How to Avoid It:

• Never rent sight-unseen (unless through a verified platform with protections).

• Ask to tour the unit or request a live virtual showing.

• Search county property records to confirm ownership if in doubt.

  
  

💸 3. Requests for Unusual Payment Methods

Warning Sign: The person asks for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, Venmo, or cryptocurrency.

What’s Really Happening: These payment types are untraceable and non-refundable, making them perfect tools for scammers.

How to Avoid It:

• Use traceable methods like checks or direct deposit only after a signed lease.

• Always insist on a receipt and signed rental agreement.

• Be cautious if pressured to “lock in the deal” immediately.

  
  

📷 4. Fake Listings with Real Photos

Warning Sign: Beautiful listing photos, but something feels off — poor grammar in the ad, vague contact info, or incorrect details about the location.

What’s Really Happening: Scammers steal images from real listings and write fake descriptions to lure you in.

How to Avoid It:

• Reverse image search the photos on Google to see if they were stolen from another site listings.

• If you see the same unit listed multiple times at different prices, it's a red flag.

  
  

📑 5. No Application Process or Background Checks

Warning Sign: The person says you can “move in immediately” without running credit, checking income, or reviewing references.

What’s Really Happening: Legitimate property managers vet renters to protect both parties. Scammers don’t care — they just want your money fast.

How to Avoid It:

• Ask about the application process.

• Expect to provide documentation like pay stubs and ID.

• Be cautious of landlords who are overly eager or don't ask questions.

  
  

🧠 Bonus Tips to Stay Safe

• Use local property management companies or known real estate agents whenever possible.

• Trust your gut — if something feels off, don’t ignore the red flags.

• Get everything in writing, and read the lease carefully before signing.

• Report suspicious listings to the platform and to your local authorities.

  
  

✅ Renting Should Be Safe — Not Stressful

At the end of the day, protecting yourself during a rental search is about asking the right questions, staying skeptical of deals that seem too good, and working with trustworthy sources. The more informed you are, the harder it is for scammers to take advantage.

Looking for rental listings you can trust? Visit rentmdl.com to view verified properties backed by a professional property management team.