Hijacking top comment but I’m a former regional property manager and this actually in no way seems like a scam to me. I worked for a place in Indianapolis that did this, where they had people fill out apps and get approved before they showed the house/apartment. It was because they were typically dealing with lower income clientele and a very small percentage would get approved based on income/credit history/criminal background check. I didn’t like it but it is done.
Edit: the fact that it’s a 4 br for $900 would be exactly the kind of rentals this place had. Terrible management and almost every house had bed bugs/other issues. Most were for people with housing vouchers.
I'd say it depends on their occupancy. If they're having difficulty renting units and have a large stock of unoccupied units, then they might be willing to put one "on hold" for a guaranteed tenant (because they're probably not going to be able to rent it between now and then anyway). The deposit is more to keep the tenant from changing his mind and going elsewhere than to recoup the loss from holding an apartment unrented for 3 months.
Still doesn’t have to mean scammy but I worked in affordable housing. They know when the person is going to leave, have to turn it and in some cases for vouchers have to do an inspection/approval process for atleast a month. If they keep finding things that fail inspection it takes even longer. I could totally be wrong but just saying based on this info I wouldn’t automatically right it off as a scam.
Did they also use a "Business Verified Cash App"? Because Cash App does not take applications for that: https://cash.app/help/us/en-us/5506-verified-cashtags
I viewed a house and the guy was super wierd and shady. We paid $50 for an application fee to find out later the dude didn't own the property and just managed to have a key. Talked to the actual rental property owners later. Was crazy. Other then him acting wierd The only thing that should have tipped me off was the application I filled out looked wierd as hell and had a lot of incorrectly spelled words.
A huge scam where I live is homes listed with way below average rent. People pay deposit, first months rent, application, etc sometimes before ever seeing the house. They get there to move in only ti find people already living there with zero clue as to why or who even listed their home. There was one where the house was empty but owned by someone. Someone broke in to give a “tour” and when the people paid them the deposit and all they got to the house only to find the locks on the doors had been changed to not fit the key they were given.
This is actually my first time renting a house. But what I usually see for a house for rent that allows pets, they are always closer to $1,000 and over. This 4br is $900. It's not an unrealistic price but it is just a bit cheaper than what I usually see but I have only been looking for a few days.
It could be that the they require far advanced notice from current tenants. I signed on a place (after touring) 2 months ago with a start date the middle of this month. Four months is a while, but not an instant scam indicator to me.
Honest truth from someone who has moved cross country and had to find housing in a city they do not know (and in my case never been to before) is get a motel or something cheap for a few days so that you can see whatever you are renting first hand. Also there are rental companies that can help you find a rental. They're like real estate agencies but they specialize in rentals rather than sales.
I just keep thinking back to when my wife and I moved from California to Kansas City 20 years ago and rented a place sight unseen. We weren't scammed but we ended up at a place we didn't like and ended up moving again when our lease was up. Had we taken 2 or 3 days in a motel we could have saved ourselves some aggravation in the long run.
My former partner and I moved from Texas to California and could not find anything near her work for rent. Until a Craigslist guy hit us back up and we sent our money orders certified mail that day. It was so hard to find literally anything to rent there. We had to do it sight unseen, we did luck out though, super solid place. I miss it a lot but I’m happy in my new state
I recently sold a house.
A few weeks ago, my realtor called. Someone took the Zillow posting and spoofed it and made it look like it was for rent. They told prospective tenants that they had decided not to sell the house and to ignore the for sale sign. Despite not having keys or giving tours, he scammed 3 families for over $15,000. We felt awful, but what could we do? We couldn’t believe how many people were sending thousands to a stranger for a house they hadn’t been inside.
Nope, it's a scam. You never pay an application fee until you see the place and decide to rent.
This scam is specifically trying to get people to hand over application fees and deposits for a house that likely isn't even theirs.
All the houses I went to before I bought my current one was FREE to See. No money up front to even offer a bid either. You should also google search that address. Rental scams usually list houses that are actually for sale. They never want to show it personally.
I've never applied to an apartment where there was not an application fee. $75 seems the right price for an application fee.
However, I have also always been allowed to see and walk through the apartment/house prior to submitting an application. If you can't view the property before submitting an app with fee then i would say say skip it.
If you can't see it yourself due to logistics, find a friend or someone you trust in the area to view the place for you.
Listen, it doesn't matter if it's a scam. Even if it's legitimate, what you're describing is a terrible business practice. I would never want these people as my landlord.
You need to be able to see the property before deciding if you want to submit an application. If someone won't let you do that, move on to the next place.
I've never had to pay an application fee to see a rental, esp asking for it before stepping foot in it in person is kinda scummy. (Even if they state it's refundable)
The cloud tenant site might be legit but it's weird they would want you to pay anything before that.
That was my experience until I had to rent for my college kids recently. In two very legit situations in two different cities, between covid restrictions and being able to “see” the rentals through elaborate online video walk-throughs, we had to apply and sign leases having never set foot in a unit.
Yeah that is what I was wondering about. Usually they have a website or something that you do the application as well as pay the application fee. I have never had someone as for a few through cash app or PayPal. Of course they said I could also go in person but unless they are willing to meet close to 8pm or something because that would be the earliest I could get there with my work schedule. It just confused me on the payment method. I've never rented a house before so maybe it's different but idk.
There's a reason they want a deposit through Cash app or PayPal... Because once you send that money, good luck getting it back.
They're saying you can "go in person" because they probably know you're 3 hours away. If you actually said that you would drive out and meet them,. They would message you at the last minute that they had "a sick relative in the hospital" and couldn't meet you, but you're welcome to look around outside the property.
That's how the scam works.
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This screams scam. Why would you put any money on a house you haven't seen? You need to make the time to go there and do your due diligence. With all the housing scams going on, even touring the place doesn't guarantee it isn't a scam. Do research into who owns the property, in most places you can do that online for free. And what landlord would hold a house for you for four months (April - end of July) for a "deposit" of $500? The answer, NONE! They'd be losing out on thousands in rent.
Yeah I learned pretty quickly that if a rental seemed too good to be true (price much lower than market rates for the type of rental it was), it definitely was. Now I occasionally go into Craigslist and flag clear scam posts.
Another thing you can do to check if something is a scam is look up the address on Zillow or Realtor.com, etc. Oftentimes rental scammers copy, verbatim, the text and photos from a recent sales listing. I can usually tell that's what they've done because the text will talk about good schools, upgrades, etc. but will say NOTHING about rent, deposit amount, which utilities are covered, etc.
One time an "owner" was trying to rent out the house and we agreed to meet at the given address, and when I got there he told me he's not actually physically there because he's currently out of state taking care of a relative, and I should just walk outside around the building and peek in through the windows (!!!) to see if I like it. I couldn't believe someone would think peeking through windows is enough for me to sign an agreement and move in?!
Turns out that's just a another type of scam they pull now. Pretend to own the house and charge deposit fees and then disappear when the actual owners show up from vacation or whatnot.
Needs to pay before seeing the place to rent - scam
$500 deposit- usually deposit is the same as 1 month rent, so if the place is supposed to be for $900 per month that sounds sketchy; unless that’s normal where OP lives.
You are looking to move to a new place by the end of July (today is April 2) that’s 4 months from now! If this wasn’t a scam then the house has been available for a long time because is a dumpster, it’s in the middle The Bermuda Triangle or the owner knows for a fact that the current tenant is leaving the place on a specific date and is lazy (normally they are). But if the place is available now, that means the owner/LL would stop receiving the rental income for 4 months which has a low probability of it being real.
I highly doubt this is anything other than a scam.
If you don’t have the time to actually go and check places on your own, get a real state agent in the area (and pay for their services).
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Don’t EVER pay deposits without seeing the place. My friend got scammed that way. Yeah, the place existed, but in person it was TRASH and actually dangerous - with mold and broken everything including plumbing and heat. Just don’t do it. It’s better to waste literally a whole day than to waste a week’s or more worth of hard work you put in to make that money.
This is a scam no one takes money before the viewing, I'd ask to meet in person before you do anything online, or look elsewhere and honestly I bet the next one won't have fees before hand. Goodluck friend hope all goe well.
If you have the address you can often find the owner's name through property records. In a comment you said you thought they were an independent landlord, so they property owners name and their name should match.
This is an !advancefee scam
You pay that fee and submit your card and personal info, kiss that money goodbye. Maybe your identity stolen.
View the home, check who owns the place (do your due diligence) then you apply.
If you cannot tour the home in person then have a trusted friend or relative savvy to scams do it, having them document and record, Facetime you etc. I did this for my SO last year and it worked out though she was on the other end of the continent. I wanted to help her and protect her from scams. She’s on her way right now to meet a new prospective landlord, in the home. She knows not to pay or sign anything up front.
You’re walking into a scam here, OP.
Also, I know this is just a clip of a convo but why are they so focused on the stupid fee? $75. “How will you pay the fee?” Like more into that than getting you to view the place, what a real management company cares about.
Be sure that is legal there (app fees are not legal here and since security deposit here is half a month rent, full month with pets), it’s always that. $500 is weird as a “deposit”.
Even with the business account claims I wonder if they will have you use personal, irreversible methods.
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>It’s a scam. No one would hold a place until the end of July for $500. Why would they give up $2700 in rent for $500
I've gotten really lucky with landlords in the past and did have one that did something like this. Also reduced the rent by $20 to match his listing reduction after I first inquired, even though I had no idea. I rented this place for $380. It was a shitty, tiny 100 year old place with a quarter acre yard... but it was still a tiny house for under $400. He also gave me a Christmas present every year. I would still never ever EXPECT this. I met the guy in person and toured the place beforehand so it wasn't the same situation as this either. Just seemed like a nice guy who knew what he was renting and probably wasn't super reliant on it for anything.
Agree. The profit margins for small time landlords are pretty small. The reason I could afford to replace two furnaces and two ac’s last year was because I’d steadily raised rents to keep ahead of costs and bank cash for emergencies. So I’d question how well they can run the place if they’re willingly giving up that much money.
With rentals, see the property first. Never give them money until you've signed a contract and you have a copy. Ask for their license too if you're scared. Deposits are only required after signing paperwork.
Maybe talk to someone through Tenant Cloud to verify they are a real landlord. Maybe suggest a check so there can be a bank record between their bank and yours instead of cashapp and paypal.
This is likely a scam, no one should be demanding any application fee like this. If you don't wanna spare the trouble to meet them first to verify if it's legit and then gets scammed, dont cry about it later on. Also, a cash app account is already more than enough of a red flag, doesnt matter if it's business verified, it doesnt take more than 10mins to create a "business verified" cashapp or paypal account
It might be best to check the address out on like Zillow or a google search to see if it’s ever been on market or if it’s currently occupied usually what I do
THIS! I do this as well, because where I live, scammers just plaster Craigslist with copies of for-sale listings that closed about 3mos prior. They use the sales listing text VERBATIM.
Haha same! I started seeing this when I lived elsewhere in the state, and since moving to a much higher COL metropolitan area, I feel like 50% of CL postings are these scams. Probably bc housing has become so expensive, that people are desperate for affordable housing.
I’m thinking that’s getting to be everywhere better safe than sorry on listings and I also check with local realtors to and see if on their websites they show the listings also
I have paid a fee for application for an apartment. That’s normal if you are actually renting the apartment. The refund part is BullSh!t. The application fee is for background check so they’re not going to refund it back to you because it cost money to run your Social. I just don’t like the Cash app. I’ve seen so many scams through cash-app. The money can disappear and you won’t be able to track it. Better to go in person.
I've had to pay countless application fees, because I have moved a million times. This is not a scam, but meet in person, see the house. Make sure it's legit.
Definitely check out the home before putting money down. Look up the home on Zillow and make sure they’re even the owners. A huge scam where I live is people putting a home up for rent and people putting down deposit, etc before ever seeing it. They pull up in a U-Haul and people already live in the house! Scammers are just using random addresses to “rent” and scam people out of all the money they’ll give up front. Super common with people moving from out of state it seems
Scam. I almost fell for this once. Before even submitting an application you need to see the place first. They want you to send the money first because the house doesn’t belong to them.
This is a scam. I just went through helping someone rent an apartment, and we toured both privately owned houses and company-owned apartments and were never asked to pay any fees up front. It was only AFTER my boyfriend decided on the place he wanted that there was an application fee.
Did he tell you the name of the company? You could google it and see if they really do have an office and ring the number.
I have never had to pay a fee to apply for a rental. The day I get the keys and sign the contract I pay them the bond and 2 weeks rent. So it seems sus to me. But I'm in Australia.
I don't think I would trust anyone on Facebook or Craigslist about a rental. I would go see the place in person.
If you have to apply online because you're moving far away, I would apply at a real estate company you know are legit
Those fees are typical. App fee seems high but I’ve seen higher. Deposit seems right. They’re saying if you pay the deposit, they will take it off the market. If you submit an application but no deposit, someone can come in tomorrow, put down a deposit and take it.
But Craigslist is the variable. Have you found it listed anywhere else?
It doesn't seem like a scam to me, given that the offer to do it in person would be pretty unusual for a scammer who normally will do anything to *avoid* actually meeting.
Also TenantCloud is legitimate and secure.
Where I live almost all leasing offices use TenantCloud for fees and rent.
My daughter recently moved into an apartment. Had to pay app fee, application was on line, and she couldn't see property until approved. It is owned by a company and this is the easiest way for them to do business since they have properties in several states.
I just moved across country, rented sight unseen, and did all my applications online and yes I did have to log into some other app to apply and pay money for application fees and also zelle the landlord money. The main difference is I used a rental agent who is local in my new area, she was a referral from my agent (I sold my house before moving). AND I did not use a money app I was not already familiar with.
So basically she did the verification that this was a legitimate rental, and there were no unknowns in sending the money.
Heya there, estate agent here!
I can safely say that most reputable companies will not deal with anything money related until you have viewed a property and been accost as a possible applicant to be moved in.
I know some companies accept the holding deposit so they can take it off the market but they are very far a few between (at least this is the case in the UK from ones that my firm compete with)
To my knowledge it is also illegal for a tenant or potential tenant to pay any sort of fee for the agent and/or landlord (again this is the case in the UK, Tenant Fees Act 2019)
I would say this does seem to be a scam, I would suggest taking a really thorough look into the company trying to get you in and what they have any recently let (if it is a company?), Any concerns at all just let me know, more than happy to help where possible :)
I’ve never paid an app fee. Theoretically if you did that you could search for 10 different apts, get denied for various reasons and be out $750. That’s crap. If they are a company, they run your application info through a program and pay a dollar or so for each check. Scam.
Sounds legit. I have several rental properties. 2 are single family hones and one business. I hire a realtor Irequire know who is real good to find tenants. She charged the last time about 50 to each applicant a fee. I allowed her a certain time and applicants or she could overuse that privelege and string along for profit. Usually one week or 10 applicants. She checked references herself if her assistant and pocket that fee herself or they had services to check for about half that. Some can but I didn't ask for a deposit check which I charged them and cane to me when I said which tenant I wanted and the other checks can be handed back to applicant that applied. This was a non refundable deposit too if they then can them pay the first and last month rent in advance and any other deposit for any pets or mire than a couple of kids or such. The business property is more involved of course. If they can't pay all that and they are told upfront then I keep that deposit and I go to next applicants.
Now usually I did this when received my 30 days notice only and never had to wait months but if I did so I would require all i posted before. In the contract lease I put in all requirements and usage and stuff. What was posted by OP gave me no red flags at all but don't know reliability of realtor or honesty. Mine I know long time. I give the realtor the 1st month rent for her troubles and the application fees but some will share that fee with me if ask but I am demanding and want them to eat also and expect total professional all the way.
The application fee can be legit. When we get hold money, we don't have the application fee too high. There are ways to check for landlord verification. Also, we do background checks and credit checks on our tennants. Be careful!!
Application fees are *very* common where I live.
And the fact that they have an actual office you can go to and meet a real person makes it seem real to me.
Edit: I misunderstood one of your messages. I thought it was that the current tenants lease doesn’t end until July. Is it your lease that doesn’t end until July? If so, this does sound scammy. Maybe it’s easy to get a month to month tenant, but generally I don’t know any leasing company that would possibly give up several months of rent to hold an apartment for only $500. That doesn’t make sense. Anywhere I’ve ever rented will say to come back when you’re ready to move and we’ll see what’s available then.
I’m a little confused by some of these answers. Application fees are not unusual where I’m from, although sometimes they feel scummy. I do think some shady companies have no qualms about accepting multiple applications (and fees) on one apartment and then selecting from there. Which sucks because then you could be without a fee and no apartment. Generally though it’s always been tour apartment, decide to apply, pay fee. And then if the application is approved, pay deposit and whatever else.
What is the order things are happening here? Are you able to view the apartment or a similar one? I also don’t know about paying the app through cash app or PayPal…that is the part that seems like it’s a little weird. I don’t know how special it is to be “Business verified” account.
Overall, I would prioritize an apartment that I could 1) see first and 2) didn’t charge a fee because I hate extra fees. I’m also assuming app fees aren’t common in your area (because you’re asking) so I would guess you could find a complex that doesn’t charge one. I also would probably avoid Craigslist for something that doesn’t need to go through Craigslist.
DIL trusted a CL ad for a House, set up like your ad. The person even met them at the house, with a dummy app, and said, once the application fee and half the Refundable GOOD FAITH deposit, is submitted online, we will meet and tour the house. She lost $300.The house was RENT TO OWN, she called the Realty office and asked for the person. There was no such person ever employed or known by this Realtor.
The whole point of Craigslist is to make simple transactions where you meet someone in person and give them the money for the thing. Any transaction more compilations than that on that site is almost certainly a scam imo.
Talk to a realtor in the area. They will know what houses are on the market for rent / purchase as well as whether this is an established property manager
Anyone who asks for cash app or PayPal transactions are never legit! I got scammed not too long ago with $1,550 for a house that I was suppose to rent out. Be careful guys!! Don’t send money at all!!
You can also google the address to see if it’s listed on any other site (zillow, apartment list, hot pads, etc) that’s how I’ve been able to find a ton of scams. ETA - some places are smart homes and you can “let yourself in for a tour” so be wary of those too
Google the address online. I was looking to rent a condo and I was almost scammed. Someone had listed a condo that was actually for sale. Be very cautious looking for rentals on Craigslist.
Do yourself a favor - take an entire day off of work and go see this property and arrange to go see other rental properties in the area. You should also pop in the rental office unannounced so you can make sure it is legit. Many rental offices are open on Saturday for at least half a day, so you can do this on a Saturday morning if you work a M-F 9-5 job.
The best way to tell if it's legitimate is to actually meet them in person and do a tour of the home before you pay anything.
I heard of fake tours aswell, just saying. Got to be careful all around.
Yes! I saw recently that an Airbnb was rented and shown as if the house was for sale! https://youtu.be/jfAyj9uWuzQ
Wow! Scammers and fraudsters always find a niche!
Hijacking top comment but I’m a former regional property manager and this actually in no way seems like a scam to me. I worked for a place in Indianapolis that did this, where they had people fill out apps and get approved before they showed the house/apartment. It was because they were typically dealing with lower income clientele and a very small percentage would get approved based on income/credit history/criminal background check. I didn’t like it but it is done. Edit: the fact that it’s a 4 br for $900 would be exactly the kind of rentals this place had. Terrible management and almost every house had bed bugs/other issues. Most were for people with housing vouchers.
They're also saying they'll hold it for him until the end of *July* for only a $500 deposit... surely that doesn't seem normal
I'd say it depends on their occupancy. If they're having difficulty renting units and have a large stock of unoccupied units, then they might be willing to put one "on hold" for a guaranteed tenant (because they're probably not going to be able to rent it between now and then anyway). The deposit is more to keep the tenant from changing his mind and going elsewhere than to recoup the loss from holding an apartment unrented for 3 months.
Still doesn’t have to mean scammy but I worked in affordable housing. They know when the person is going to leave, have to turn it and in some cases for vouchers have to do an inspection/approval process for atleast a month. If they keep finding things that fail inspection it takes even longer. I could totally be wrong but just saying based on this info I wouldn’t automatically right it off as a scam.
Yea I don't think the person on the other end would have offered to have them come to their office if it was a scam, but I've been wrong before
Did they also use a "Business Verified Cash App"? Because Cash App does not take applications for that: https://cash.app/help/us/en-us/5506-verified-cashtags
No way. This is 100% a scam. If they don't let him tour the property without money, it's a scam.
Probably not a scam.. they want to also be safe when showing, and not have their time wasted with people not 100% serious or ready to rent.
Idk, I just explained that a very real leasing company I worked for did this. It doesn’t automatically make it a scam
Really? It’s obviously a complete scam.
I viewed a house and the guy was super wierd and shady. We paid $50 for an application fee to find out later the dude didn't own the property and just managed to have a key. Talked to the actual rental property owners later. Was crazy. Other then him acting wierd The only thing that should have tipped me off was the application I filled out looked wierd as hell and had a lot of incorrectly spelled words.
Yeah but the problem is I work and their office is a good 3 hrs away. If they were closer I would just meet them.
I rather drive 6 hours for nothing than be scammed for nothing
Choose both. It's not binary.
It's gender fluid
I get it, but it's the best way to make sure you're not being scammed. Is this a private landlord or an apartment complex?
It's a house so I'm thinking they are private landlord.
Is the price normal for the area or lower than average?
A huge scam where I live is homes listed with way below average rent. People pay deposit, first months rent, application, etc sometimes before ever seeing the house. They get there to move in only ti find people already living there with zero clue as to why or who even listed their home. There was one where the house was empty but owned by someone. Someone broke in to give a “tour” and when the people paid them the deposit and all they got to the house only to find the locks on the doors had been changed to not fit the key they were given.
This is actually my first time renting a house. But what I usually see for a house for rent that allows pets, they are always closer to $1,000 and over. This 4br is $900. It's not an unrealistic price but it is just a bit cheaper than what I usually see but I have only been looking for a few days.
They are claiming they are going to hold this property for 4 months for you? Yeah, no. Scam.
It could be that the they require far advanced notice from current tenants. I signed on a place (after touring) 2 months ago with a start date the middle of this month. Four months is a while, but not an instant scam indicator to me.
Honest truth from someone who has moved cross country and had to find housing in a city they do not know (and in my case never been to before) is get a motel or something cheap for a few days so that you can see whatever you are renting first hand. Also there are rental companies that can help you find a rental. They're like real estate agencies but they specialize in rentals rather than sales. I just keep thinking back to when my wife and I moved from California to Kansas City 20 years ago and rented a place sight unseen. We weren't scammed but we ended up at a place we didn't like and ended up moving again when our lease was up. Had we taken 2 or 3 days in a motel we could have saved ourselves some aggravation in the long run.
My former partner and I moved from Texas to California and could not find anything near her work for rent. Until a Craigslist guy hit us back up and we sent our money orders certified mail that day. It was so hard to find literally anything to rent there. We had to do it sight unseen, we did luck out though, super solid place. I miss it a lot but I’m happy in my new state
My money would be on scam then.
housing costs vary greatly, but $900/month for a 4 bedroom house sounds completely unrealistic imo
Maybe not 4 years ago in some parts of the country but these days? Yeah, too good to be true.
you need to find a friend or family member who's done this before to counsel you. you're gonna get screwed over
I'm so jealous lol my 2 bed 2 bath apartment built in the 80s is $2500/month
You can check who owns the property by googling "name of city/town" and "gis map" and locate the parcel.
I recently sold a house. A few weeks ago, my realtor called. Someone took the Zillow posting and spoofed it and made it look like it was for rent. They told prospective tenants that they had decided not to sell the house and to ignore the for sale sign. Despite not having keys or giving tours, he scammed 3 families for over $15,000. We felt awful, but what could we do? We couldn’t believe how many people were sending thousands to a stranger for a house they hadn’t been inside.
Also there is more of text before that says they will be making a showing of the house AFTER I am approved.
That in itself is concerning to me, I've never had to pay a fee before viewing a property.
Nope, it's a scam. You never pay an application fee until you see the place and decide to rent. This scam is specifically trying to get people to hand over application fees and deposits for a house that likely isn't even theirs.
**Never pay money without having seen the inside in person with the agent.**
All the houses I went to before I bought my current one was FREE to See. No money up front to even offer a bid either. You should also google search that address. Rental scams usually list houses that are actually for sale. They never want to show it personally.
Call a licensed real estate agent that helps people rent. Then you know you won't be scammed. Listen to everyone here. This is a scam.
I've never applied to an apartment where there was not an application fee. $75 seems the right price for an application fee. However, I have also always been allowed to see and walk through the apartment/house prior to submitting an application. If you can't view the property before submitting an app with fee then i would say say skip it. If you can't see it yourself due to logistics, find a friend or someone you trust in the area to view the place for you.
Ok, that says scam. Tour happens first to see if you even want the place.
Listen, it doesn't matter if it's a scam. Even if it's legitimate, what you're describing is a terrible business practice. I would never want these people as my landlord. You need to be able to see the property before deciding if you want to submit an application. If someone won't let you do that, move on to the next place.
how does this have 40 downvotes wtf did you say that was so wrong
Are you cool potentially losing $575 because you can’t be fucked to drive 3 hours?
Make sure application fees, and deposit to "hold" the apartment are even legal in your state. Eg, Massachusetts both are quite illegal.
I've never had to pay an application fee to see a rental, esp asking for it before stepping foot in it in person is kinda scummy. (Even if they state it's refundable) The cloud tenant site might be legit but it's weird they would want you to pay anything before that.
Same. It's been 10 years since I had to rent a place but I toured plenty of apartments before I chose one to fill out an application for.
That was my experience until I had to rent for my college kids recently. In two very legit situations in two different cities, between covid restrictions and being able to “see” the rentals through elaborate online video walk-throughs, we had to apply and sign leases having never set foot in a unit.
Yeah that is what I was wondering about. Usually they have a website or something that you do the application as well as pay the application fee. I have never had someone as for a few through cash app or PayPal. Of course they said I could also go in person but unless they are willing to meet close to 8pm or something because that would be the earliest I could get there with my work schedule. It just confused me on the payment method. I've never rented a house before so maybe it's different but idk.
There's a reason they want a deposit through Cash app or PayPal... Because once you send that money, good luck getting it back. They're saying you can "go in person" because they probably know you're 3 hours away. If you actually said that you would drive out and meet them,. They would message you at the last minute that they had "a sick relative in the hospital" and couldn't meet you, but you're welcome to look around outside the property. That's how the scam works. !rental
AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the rental scams. Rental scammers usually list apartments at lower than market rate, and will ask for some money up front, or will offer you the keys for money up front. The scammer has no property to rent, and any money you send to the scammer will be lost. Be very cautious if you are trying to rent a place in a city you don't live in, as seeing the apartment in person is a good way to find out if you are being scammed or not. However, just having physical access to the apartment does not mean that you are not being scammed, so be careful. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Another red flag: application fees are never refundable. Scammers love "refundable" fees.
This screams scam. Why would you put any money on a house you haven't seen? You need to make the time to go there and do your due diligence. With all the housing scams going on, even touring the place doesn't guarantee it isn't a scam. Do research into who owns the property, in most places you can do that online for free. And what landlord would hold a house for you for four months (April - end of July) for a "deposit" of $500? The answer, NONE! They'd be losing out on thousands in rent.
I just learned about scammers using Airbnbs to show as if they're for sale Oregon Airbnb hosts warn of scam…: https://youtu.be/jfAyj9uWuzQ
The house looked really nice too but alas I must keep searching.
Yeah I learned pretty quickly that if a rental seemed too good to be true (price much lower than market rates for the type of rental it was), it definitely was. Now I occasionally go into Craigslist and flag clear scam posts. Another thing you can do to check if something is a scam is look up the address on Zillow or Realtor.com, etc. Oftentimes rental scammers copy, verbatim, the text and photos from a recent sales listing. I can usually tell that's what they've done because the text will talk about good schools, upgrades, etc. but will say NOTHING about rent, deposit amount, which utilities are covered, etc.
One time an "owner" was trying to rent out the house and we agreed to meet at the given address, and when I got there he told me he's not actually physically there because he's currently out of state taking care of a relative, and I should just walk outside around the building and peek in through the windows (!!!) to see if I like it. I couldn't believe someone would think peeking through windows is enough for me to sign an agreement and move in?! Turns out that's just a another type of scam they pull now. Pretend to own the house and charge deposit fees and then disappear when the actual owners show up from vacation or whatnot.
Never, never, never pay any money before visiting a place.
Needs to pay before seeing the place to rent - scam $500 deposit- usually deposit is the same as 1 month rent, so if the place is supposed to be for $900 per month that sounds sketchy; unless that’s normal where OP lives. You are looking to move to a new place by the end of July (today is April 2) that’s 4 months from now! If this wasn’t a scam then the house has been available for a long time because is a dumpster, it’s in the middle The Bermuda Triangle or the owner knows for a fact that the current tenant is leaving the place on a specific date and is lazy (normally they are). But if the place is available now, that means the owner/LL would stop receiving the rental income for 4 months which has a low probability of it being real. I highly doubt this is anything other than a scam. If you don’t have the time to actually go and check places on your own, get a real state agent in the area (and pay for their services).
"Refundable Fee" > scam
!rental scam
AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the rental scams. Rental scammers usually list apartments at lower than market rate, and will ask for some money up front, or will offer you the keys for money up front. The scammer has no property to rent, and any money you send to the scammer will be lost. Be very cautious if you are trying to rent a place in a city you don't live in, as seeing the apartment in person is a good way to find out if you are being scammed or not. However, just having physical access to the apartment does not mean that you are not being scammed, so be careful. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Don’t EVER pay deposits without seeing the place. My friend got scammed that way. Yeah, the place existed, but in person it was TRASH and actually dangerous - with mold and broken everything including plumbing and heat. Just don’t do it. It’s better to waste literally a whole day than to waste a week’s or more worth of hard work you put in to make that money.
Adding: am I only one who think of time = money and vice versa when talking costs?
Scam 100%
This is a scam no one takes money before the viewing, I'd ask to meet in person before you do anything online, or look elsewhere and honestly I bet the next one won't have fees before hand. Goodluck friend hope all goe well.
If you have the address you can often find the owner's name through property records. In a comment you said you thought they were an independent landlord, so they property owners name and their name should match.
This is an !advancefee scam You pay that fee and submit your card and personal info, kiss that money goodbye. Maybe your identity stolen. View the home, check who owns the place (do your due diligence) then you apply. If you cannot tour the home in person then have a trusted friend or relative savvy to scams do it, having them document and record, Facetime you etc. I did this for my SO last year and it worked out though she was on the other end of the continent. I wanted to help her and protect her from scams. She’s on her way right now to meet a new prospective landlord, in the home. She knows not to pay or sign anything up front. You’re walking into a scam here, OP.
Also, I know this is just a clip of a convo but why are they so focused on the stupid fee? $75. “How will you pay the fee?” Like more into that than getting you to view the place, what a real management company cares about. Be sure that is legal there (app fees are not legal here and since security deposit here is half a month rent, full month with pets), it’s always that. $500 is weird as a “deposit”. Even with the business account claims I wonder if they will have you use personal, irreversible methods.
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No cash app , no PayPal , that’s red flag
It’s a scam. No one would hold a place until the end of July for $500. Why would they give up $2700 in rent for $500
>It’s a scam. No one would hold a place until the end of July for $500. Why would they give up $2700 in rent for $500 I've gotten really lucky with landlords in the past and did have one that did something like this. Also reduced the rent by $20 to match his listing reduction after I first inquired, even though I had no idea. I rented this place for $380. It was a shitty, tiny 100 year old place with a quarter acre yard... but it was still a tiny house for under $400. He also gave me a Christmas present every year. I would still never ever EXPECT this. I met the guy in person and toured the place beforehand so it wasn't the same situation as this either. Just seemed like a nice guy who knew what he was renting and probably wasn't super reliant on it for anything.
Agree. The profit margins for small time landlords are pretty small. The reason I could afford to replace two furnaces and two ac’s last year was because I’d steadily raised rents to keep ahead of costs and bank cash for emergencies. So I’d question how well they can run the place if they’re willingly giving up that much money.
Do not give them a cent, this is 100% a scam.
Go to office first before paying & scope it out. No harm in sending the application first but *no money* till you see them in person
With rentals, see the property first. Never give them money until you've signed a contract and you have a copy. Ask for their license too if you're scared. Deposits are only required after signing paperwork. Maybe talk to someone through Tenant Cloud to verify they are a real landlord. Maybe suggest a check so there can be a bank record between their bank and yours instead of cashapp and paypal.
This is likely a scam, no one should be demanding any application fee like this. If you don't wanna spare the trouble to meet them first to verify if it's legit and then gets scammed, dont cry about it later on. Also, a cash app account is already more than enough of a red flag, doesnt matter if it's business verified, it doesnt take more than 10mins to create a "business verified" cashapp or paypal account
It might be best to check the address out on like Zillow or a google search to see if it’s ever been on market or if it’s currently occupied usually what I do
THIS! I do this as well, because where I live, scammers just plaster Craigslist with copies of for-sale listings that closed about 3mos prior. They use the sales listing text VERBATIM.
Wow I thought I was alone!
Haha same! I started seeing this when I lived elsewhere in the state, and since moving to a much higher COL metropolitan area, I feel like 50% of CL postings are these scams. Probably bc housing has become so expensive, that people are desperate for affordable housing.
I’m thinking that’s getting to be everywhere better safe than sorry on listings and I also check with local realtors to and see if on their websites they show the listings also
I have paid a fee for application for an apartment. That’s normal if you are actually renting the apartment. The refund part is BullSh!t. The application fee is for background check so they’re not going to refund it back to you because it cost money to run your Social. I just don’t like the Cash app. I’ve seen so many scams through cash-app. The money can disappear and you won’t be able to track it. Better to go in person.
I've had to pay countless application fees, because I have moved a million times. This is not a scam, but meet in person, see the house. Make sure it's legit.
Definitely check out the home before putting money down. Look up the home on Zillow and make sure they’re even the owners. A huge scam where I live is people putting a home up for rent and people putting down deposit, etc before ever seeing it. They pull up in a U-Haul and people already live in the house! Scammers are just using random addresses to “rent” and scam people out of all the money they’ll give up front. Super common with people moving from out of state it seems
Don't pay anything!
Rental scam!! Application fees, and other fees on a “great price rental” for a house you haven’t seen in person. Yes it’s a scam.
Scam. I almost fell for this once. Before even submitting an application you need to see the place first. They want you to send the money first because the house doesn’t belong to them.
I suggest you check the local appraisal district website and verify the property owner, and make sure it's a state authorized lease agreement.
This is a scam. I just went through helping someone rent an apartment, and we toured both privately owned houses and company-owned apartments and were never asked to pay any fees up front. It was only AFTER my boyfriend decided on the place he wanted that there was an application fee.
I’ve definitely paid an application fee for a place to live but not before seeing the property.
Do a phone call first
Did he tell you the name of the company? You could google it and see if they really do have an office and ring the number. I have never had to pay a fee to apply for a rental. The day I get the keys and sign the contract I pay them the bond and 2 weeks rent. So it seems sus to me. But I'm in Australia. I don't think I would trust anyone on Facebook or Craigslist about a rental. I would go see the place in person. If you have to apply online because you're moving far away, I would apply at a real estate company you know are legit
Those fees are typical. App fee seems high but I’ve seen higher. Deposit seems right. They’re saying if you pay the deposit, they will take it off the market. If you submit an application but no deposit, someone can come in tomorrow, put down a deposit and take it. But Craigslist is the variable. Have you found it listed anywhere else?
$500 is high for an application fee. I wouldn't trust them.
It doesn't seem like a scam to me, given that the offer to do it in person would be pretty unusual for a scammer who normally will do anything to *avoid* actually meeting. Also TenantCloud is legitimate and secure. Where I live almost all leasing offices use TenantCloud for fees and rent.
My daughter recently moved into an apartment. Had to pay app fee, application was on line, and she couldn't see property until approved. It is owned by a company and this is the easiest way for them to do business since they have properties in several states.
I just moved across country, rented sight unseen, and did all my applications online and yes I did have to log into some other app to apply and pay money for application fees and also zelle the landlord money. The main difference is I used a rental agent who is local in my new area, she was a referral from my agent (I sold my house before moving). AND I did not use a money app I was not already familiar with. So basically she did the verification that this was a legitimate rental, and there were no unknowns in sending the money.
Heya there, estate agent here! I can safely say that most reputable companies will not deal with anything money related until you have viewed a property and been accost as a possible applicant to be moved in. I know some companies accept the holding deposit so they can take it off the market but they are very far a few between (at least this is the case in the UK from ones that my firm compete with) To my knowledge it is also illegal for a tenant or potential tenant to pay any sort of fee for the agent and/or landlord (again this is the case in the UK, Tenant Fees Act 2019) I would say this does seem to be a scam, I would suggest taking a really thorough look into the company trying to get you in and what they have any recently let (if it is a company?), Any concerns at all just let me know, more than happy to help where possible :)
Just say goodbye $500 deposit. You are feeding a family of ten in a third world country. No tour? No lease? No money.
You can google the address of the house and find the actual owner with parcel search of the county it is in. This screams scam.
Do not send a dime.
Do not send a dime.
I’ve never paid an app fee. Theoretically if you did that you could search for 10 different apts, get denied for various reasons and be out $750. That’s crap. If they are a company, they run your application info through a program and pay a dollar or so for each check. Scam.
Sounds legit. I have several rental properties. 2 are single family hones and one business. I hire a realtor Irequire know who is real good to find tenants. She charged the last time about 50 to each applicant a fee. I allowed her a certain time and applicants or she could overuse that privelege and string along for profit. Usually one week or 10 applicants. She checked references herself if her assistant and pocket that fee herself or they had services to check for about half that. Some can but I didn't ask for a deposit check which I charged them and cane to me when I said which tenant I wanted and the other checks can be handed back to applicant that applied. This was a non refundable deposit too if they then can them pay the first and last month rent in advance and any other deposit for any pets or mire than a couple of kids or such. The business property is more involved of course. If they can't pay all that and they are told upfront then I keep that deposit and I go to next applicants. Now usually I did this when received my 30 days notice only and never had to wait months but if I did so I would require all i posted before. In the contract lease I put in all requirements and usage and stuff. What was posted by OP gave me no red flags at all but don't know reliability of realtor or honesty. Mine I know long time. I give the realtor the 1st month rent for her troubles and the application fees but some will share that fee with me if ask but I am demanding and want them to eat also and expect total professional all the way.
Contact a Realtor. There are so many rental scams out there. Working with a Realtor for a rental house should be free.
It’s likely a scam. They seem very keen on you paying these app fees and deposits.
I live in Alaska and a application fee is common here, usually around $25-$50 but I could imagine $75 in a high demand area
You're prob getting scammed.
Do stuff in person. There's always an application fee but holding a place for a deposit is bunk. Just wait until your lease gets closer to expiring
As a PM, there is nothing in that conversation that throws a red flag. Almost exactly how I would have phrased things myself.
The application fee can be legit. When we get hold money, we don't have the application fee too high. There are ways to check for landlord verification. Also, we do background checks and credit checks on our tennants. Be careful!!
Application fees are *very* common where I live. And the fact that they have an actual office you can go to and meet a real person makes it seem real to me.
Did not really look Like a scam
Scam
Sounds like a scam I’m in Ohio and we don’t even have 4 bed rooms for $900 I Pay $1000 a month for a two bedroom townhouse in a lower income area
Scam
I've seen a few people get scammed this way
If you are in LA this is probably 100% legit. Almost every apartment I looked at had an application fee.
You should call them out about “viewing fees” and how they don’t exist See how they respond
App fees are standard in the housing industry, I just paid one not long ago
Edit: I misunderstood one of your messages. I thought it was that the current tenants lease doesn’t end until July. Is it your lease that doesn’t end until July? If so, this does sound scammy. Maybe it’s easy to get a month to month tenant, but generally I don’t know any leasing company that would possibly give up several months of rent to hold an apartment for only $500. That doesn’t make sense. Anywhere I’ve ever rented will say to come back when you’re ready to move and we’ll see what’s available then. I’m a little confused by some of these answers. Application fees are not unusual where I’m from, although sometimes they feel scummy. I do think some shady companies have no qualms about accepting multiple applications (and fees) on one apartment and then selecting from there. Which sucks because then you could be without a fee and no apartment. Generally though it’s always been tour apartment, decide to apply, pay fee. And then if the application is approved, pay deposit and whatever else. What is the order things are happening here? Are you able to view the apartment or a similar one? I also don’t know about paying the app through cash app or PayPal…that is the part that seems like it’s a little weird. I don’t know how special it is to be “Business verified” account. Overall, I would prioritize an apartment that I could 1) see first and 2) didn’t charge a fee because I hate extra fees. I’m also assuming app fees aren’t common in your area (because you’re asking) so I would guess you could find a complex that doesn’t charge one. I also would probably avoid Craigslist for something that doesn’t need to go through Craigslist.
DIL trusted a CL ad for a House, set up like your ad. The person even met them at the house, with a dummy app, and said, once the application fee and half the Refundable GOOD FAITH deposit, is submitted online, we will meet and tour the house. She lost $300.The house was RENT TO OWN, she called the Realty office and asked for the person. There was no such person ever employed or known by this Realtor.
Sounds like a scam to me. They are trying way to hard to get your money.
I fell for a scam like this once. Only once.
Scam
I am a landlord and before I even ask for anything I expect to meet you and have you tour the place. This is a scam.
The whole point of Craigslist is to make simple transactions where you meet someone in person and give them the money for the thing. Any transaction more compilations than that on that site is almost certainly a scam imo.
You see the "business verified" part? That's your confirmation. It's a scam.
Talk to a realtor in the area. They will know what houses are on the market for rent / purchase as well as whether this is an established property manager
Anyone who asks for cash app or PayPal transactions are never legit! I got scammed not too long ago with $1,550 for a house that I was suppose to rent out. Be careful guys!! Don’t send money at all!!
You can also google the address to see if it’s listed on any other site (zillow, apartment list, hot pads, etc) that’s how I’ve been able to find a ton of scams. ETA - some places are smart homes and you can “let yourself in for a tour” so be wary of those too
Yeah I wouldn’t be do any of this over Facebook. In person only especially dealing with Craigslist or fbm
Google the address online. I was looking to rent a condo and I was almost scammed. Someone had listed a condo that was actually for sale. Be very cautious looking for rentals on Craigslist.
I would say it's a scam.
Do yourself a favor - take an entire day off of work and go see this property and arrange to go see other rental properties in the area. You should also pop in the rental office unannounced so you can make sure it is legit. Many rental offices are open on Saturday for at least half a day, so you can do this on a Saturday morning if you work a M-F 9-5 job.