How to Spot and Counter Common Landlord Scams

Choosing to rent a home instead of buying has many advantages, but there are also additional precautions that you should take when entering into a rental agreement. If you’re looking to rent an apartment or a house, you’ll want to be aware of some of the scams that some landlords have been known to pull to try to swindle tenants out of their hard-earned money. Here are some effective ways to spot and counter common landlord scams.

Beware of the Bait-and-Switch

A landlord may try to pull a bait-and-switch scam by enticing you to check out a property listing that they claim is available. When you go to see the property, the landlord may tell you that the property or rental unit is no longer available and will instead try to show you something that’s of a lesser quality that might end up costing more to rent. If you suspect that a landlord is trying to pull a bait-and-switch scam, it will be in your best interest to look for a rental elsewhere.

Information Theft

The personal information that you provide on your rental application could be used by a dishonest landlord to commit identity theft. A landlord might also use your bank account or credit card numbers to try to steal money from your accounts. After giving a landlord any of your personal information, you’ll want to check your account balances and credit score frequently to make sure that there aren’t any unwanted changes. Signing up online for ID theft protection service will also be to your advantage.

Renting an Illegal Unit

A landlord may try to rent a property or unit to you that they are not entitled legally to rent. The rental may violate zoning ordinances or safety regulations that could put your health at risk. Some illegal rentals are inside a room, a garage, or another space inside the landlord’s home. Some telltale signs that a rental might be illegal include the unit having a low ceiling, no separate utility bills, or no ways to escape from an emergency. If you enter into a rental agreement for an illegal rental, you may have less legal protection, but a civil litigation lawyer can try to help you get a settlement that covers any financial loss.

Charging You More Money Upon Moveout

Even if your landlord has been honest during the time throughout your tenancy, they may still try to charge you extra money unlawfully when you get ready to move out of the rental. The landlord may try to claim damages and possibly withhold your security deposit. Taking pictures of all parts of the rental to show its condition immediately before you vacate the premises can help protect you from litigation.

Renting can be a great option, but it’s also important to be aware of the scams that some corrupt landlords try to use. Arming yourself with the right information can help you navigate through any legal challenges that may arise with a dishonest landlord with greater confidence.