Looking for a place to live while at school can be overwhelming. There are so many websites that have different offerings. One of the most important things to be cautious of is potential scams. Such scams can leave you stranded with nowhere to live. Being able to spot potential scams will help you be able to avoid them so you do not get caught in a stressful situation.
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Too good to be true
If a listing on a rental seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Trust your instincts that you know what is right and wrong. It can be easy to fall into traps, but being able to trust your gut feelings about what seems too good will help you in the long run.
Recommendations
Asking for recommendations from classmates and friends in your school’s city and town will help you out. Many people have experience and are more than willing to share good rental experiences with those who need recommendations. These people may have also had bad experiences, so they can help you steer clear of any scams. Just be sure you ask people you actually know and trust.
Visit in-person
If possible, visit places in person before you make a decision on where to live. It is easy to put up a front online in order to scam potential tenants. Some people even put up listings for places that do not exist. Do not give money to a landlord online and avoid sending cash to someone you have not met. Again, trust your instincts on listings. Do not sign a lease until you have visited a place in-person.
However, you may be in a position where you are unable to visit in person. In this case, find temporary housing. Some landlords will offer short-term contracts for these types of situations. Your school may be able to assist in temporary housing as well. Use the time in temporary housing to find something long-term to move into.
Look local
When searching for a place to rent, it is better to use sources such as known websites and newspapers. Check to see if anyone you know needs a roommate or has any recommendations. If you do end up connecting with someone you have not met, meet in person to check out the property before signing a lease or paying.
Do your research
Just as you check out your professors on Rate My Professor when deciding on classes, you can do the same thing for landlords and properties. There are websites that allow you to see what previous tenants thought of the property and how trustworthy the landlord is. Ask around to see if any of your classmates have had experience with a property or landlord you are interested in. This way, they can inform you of the positives and negatives of the property and let you know of any scams they know of.
Personal information
Until you are definitely sure that you are interested in a property, do not share your personal information. Be sure that the landlord is who they say they are. Likewise, if you are asking your landlord basic informational questions about themselves or the property and they refuse to answer, they are likely trying to scam you. Be cautious of how much information you give out, and be wary of someone not answering basic questions you have.
Compare prices
As a student, it is understandable that you want to live somewhere that has a low rent cost. However, compare the price of the apartment you are looking at to comparable properties in the area. If the price is significantly lower, it is likely a scam. Look on property search websites to get a feel of what the average cost in the city you are in is and compare from there.
Payment options
Avoid paying the landlord if they require you to pay with cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Any landlord who asks you to pay these ways is likely scamming you. With cash and wire transfers, if you realize that it is a scam too late, you have no way to get the money back. Gift cards are for gifts, not paying rent. Reputable landlords will not have you pay this way. Most landlords have either an online portal or ask to be paid by check. Any other form of payment is not secure and is likely a scam.
Found a scam?
If you do find someone you think is trying to scam potential tenants, be sure to report them to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission. These agencies will take action to be sure that no one falls for the scams the landlord is trying to pull.
As a student, you are newer to the rental property world, meaning you may be more vulnerable to scams. However, knowing what to look for in a scam listing can help you protect yourself from falling for a scam.
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