Renting a new home is an exciting chapter in your life, but it can also be a time when you need to be cautious and informed. Rental scams have become more prevalent, and scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive unsuspecting renters. At Citizens Advice, we want to ensure you have the knowledge and tools to rent safely and avoid scams. In this article, we’ll share a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate the rental market securely.

Start with Thorough Research

Before you even start looking for rental properties, invest time in researching the local rental market. Get a sense of average rental prices in the area, typical lease terms, and the most common rental platforms.

Verify the Landlord or Property Manager

Request Identification: Ask the landlord or property manager for their official identification. Take a photo of it or make a copy for your records.

Check Ownership: Verify that the person claiming to be the landlord or property manager is indeed the property owner. You can usually do this by checking public property records.

Insist on a Physical Viewing

Always insist on viewing the rental property in person before making any commitments. Beware of landlords who only offer virtual tours or refuse to show you the property in person.

Trust Your Instincts

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! Scammers often advertise properties at significantly lower prices to lure in potential victims.

Look Out for Warning Signs

Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make decisions without thinking them through.

Unprofessional Listings: Beware of listings with poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or inconsistent information.

Unwillingness to Provide Details: If a landlord avoids answering specific questions about the property, it’s a red flag.

Use Reputable Rental Websites

Stick to well-known, reputable rental websites and platforms. These sites typically have safety measures in place to verify listings and prevent scams.

Don’t Share Personal Information Prematurely

Avoid sharing sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information before thoroughly verifying the legitimacy of the rental.

Be Cautious with Upfront Fees

Security Deposits: While it’s common to pay a security deposit, be cautious if the amount seems excessive or the landlord requests it before you’ve seen the property.

Application Fees: Understand the purpose of any application fees, and only pay them to reputable property management companies or landlords.

Research the Property’s History

Online Reviews: Look for online reviews or testimonials about the property or landlord. Beware of properties with a history of scams or negative reviews.

Previous Tenants: If possible, talk to previous tenants to get their perspective on the property and the landlord’s reputation.

Read the Lease Agreement Carefully

Before signing a lease, carefully review the terms and conditions. Ensure that everything discussed and promised is documented in the lease agreement.

Document Everything

Keep a record of all communication with the landlord, including emails, text messages, and signed documents. This can be crucial if you ever need to prove the legitimacy of your rental agreement.

By following this comprehensive checklist and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to rental scams and enjoy a safe and secure renting experience. Remember, it’s always better to take your time and verify the legitimacy of a rental opportunity than to rush into a situation that could lead to financial loss and stress.

For more guidance and support in the private rented sector, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Citizens Advice. We are here to provide free, confidential and impartial information and advice to residents throughout the whole of Wales.

For jargon free help and advice, please Contact Us here.