Safety Guide for Online Rentals
Rental Search Safety Tips
Typically our patrons report to us about how easy finding and listing properties on Rentandleaseit.com truly can be. However, occasionally our attention is drawn to atypical or even suspicious interactions with property owners who have listed properties on this site. This is why we have supplied our users with the following list of safety tips to foster a more secure online rental experience for everyone.
If it's "too good to be true," ...Be aware. If the monthly rent for a property seems too low, you should compare similar apartments in your search area to determine the average rent you should anticipate paying in that area. Don't ever enter into suspicious rental situations or agreements - ever!
Always meet the landlord and visit the property first. Arrange a meeting between yourself and the prospective property manager/owner in person before renting or leasing a property.
"Wire you how much money?". DON'T EVER use a wire money transfer service, such as Western Union when handling any financial transaction for rental property.
Insist on seeing "it" first. Before making a decision to rent a property and definitely before sending or making any rental payments, visit the property to verify that the condition, size, etc. is the same as what was listed online.
We never process lease transactions or provide rent collection. NEVER engage in activity with anyone who claims that Rentandleaseit.com is responsible, in any way, for lease transactions, including any type of payment security, apartment certification, or rental guarantees of any kind.
Common Signs of Online Apartment Fraud
Sometimes a spade is just a spade, but not always. While the warning signs below are not a definite indication of fraudulent activity, you should proceed with caution if you experience any of the following situations when dealing with a landlord or property manager.
Landlord is in another state or country
If the landlord or property manager claims to reside in another state or country you should investigate further or move on to another property.
Pressure sign a lease or send security deposit
If you are being rushed or pressured into signing a lease or paying a security deposit before you have have seen a property, tread cautiously.
It just seems too hard to believe
Are there unusual circumstances to explain why rent is low or why you can't see a property prior releasing money or signing a lease? Exercise caution.
Difficulty contacting or meeting landlord or property owner
If the landlord or property owner is "not able" or "unwilling" to talk on the phone or meet with you face-to-face, then your should find an alternate listing.
Where to Report Online Fraud
Have you witnessed or are you a victim of fraudulent activity online? You can help - immediately report any incident to your local law enforcement authorities. In addition, please contact the following online fraud prevention centers:
Internet Crime Complaint Center
www.ic3.gov
Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov
Are you a victim of Identity Theft?
If for any reason you feel that your personal financial information has been compromised, visit the FTC's identity theft website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft for important information about protecting yourself.
Contact Us to Report Fraud on This Site
If you witness or become a victim of online fraud, report the incident to to Rendandleaseit.com immediately, so that we can protect all our patrons from unwanted violations. Report Fraud Now