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We at LBD Properties care about our prospective tenants and want to protect them against scammers that are hurting the rental property business.

Rental property scam signs and how to avoid them:

Dear Prospective Tenant,

As you search for your next rental property, it's important to remain vigilant and cautious. While we understand the excitement of finding what seems like the perfect home, we want to remind you of the old saying: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

In the rental market, especially in today's environment, there may be instances where offers appear overly enticing or unrealistically favorable. While some deals may indeed be legitimate, others could potentially be misleading or even fraudulent!

Here are a few red flags to watch out for:

• Unrealistically Low Rent: Be wary of properties advertised at significantly lower rents compared to similar properties in the area. Such offers may indicate hidden issues or scams. Look at multiple sources to verify rent. (Zillow, Realtor, Trulia, Apartment Guide, etc.) We highly recommend not using Facebook Marketplace as that's where most of the rental property scams take place! Note: We DO NOT advertise on Facebook.
• Pressure to Act Quickly: If you're feeling rushed or pressured to sign a lease or provide personal information before you're ready, take a step back and assess the situation carefully. A legitimate landlord does not use high pressure tactics as they have many applicants for their properties.
• Lack of Transparency: Ensure that all terms and conditions are clearly stated in the lease agreement. Avoid landlords or property managers who are vague or evasive when discussing important details.
• Requests for Unusual Payment Methods: Be cautious of landlords who ask for unusual payment methods or request payment before you've seen the property in person. (PayPal, Bit Coin, Western Union, Venmo, etc.)
• High Security Deposits: Be cautious of high security deposits and monthly rental payments up front. (We have heard people having been scammed out of thousands and thousands of dollars!)
• Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it's worth investigating further or seeking advice from trusted sources!

At LBD Properties, we are committed to transparency, integrity, and providing our tenants with a safe and reliable rental experience. If you have any concerns or questions about a rental property, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your peace of mind is our priority.

Thank you for considering us in your search for a new home! We look forward to assisting you in finding the perfect rental property that meets your needs and expectations!

Please note:

We will NEVER ask for a deposit before signing the lease. Security deposits are ALWAYS paid at the time of lease signing in the form of a money order or cashier's check.

Our leases are through LBD Properties only:

For more information please visit:

https://www.zillow.com/learn/how-to-spot-rental-scams/?utm_content=blog_ta_rental_scam_text&utm_campaign=emo_zrm_i_operational-scam-1_073024_1H_national_any_edu&utm_source=sd&utm_medium=email

https://www.usa.gov/housing-scams

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/rental-listing-scams

https://www.revitalizerealty.com/beware-of-rental-scams-on-facebook-marketplace

https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/rental-scams/