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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 home, we encourage you to remain vigilant and cautious. We understand the excitement of finding what seems like the perfect place, but it's important to keep in mind the old saying: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
In today's rental market, some offers may appear overly enticing or unrealistically low. While some may be legitimate, others could be misleading—or even fraudulent.
Protect yourself by verifying listings, avoiding pressure to send money through third-party apps, and always confirming you're dealing with the actual property manager or landlord. If you ever have doubts, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly for clarification.
Your safety and peace of mind matter to us.
Here are a few red flags to watch out for:
- Unrealistically Low Rent: Be especially cautious of properties listed at significantly lower rents compared to similar homes in the same area. These listings can often be red flags for scams or hidden problems. Always compare listings on reputable sites such as Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, or Apartment Guide. We strongly recommend avoiding Facebook Marketplace, as many rental scams originate there!
- Pressure to Act Quickly: Be cautious if you're feeling rushed to sign a lease or provide personal information before you're fully ready. High-pressure tactics are a common sign of rental scams. A legitimate landlord will not rush you into a decision—they will allow time for you to review the lease, ask questions, and feel confident in your choice. Remember, reputable landlords often have multiple qualified applicants and do not need to resort to urgency or scare tactics.
- Lack of Transparency: Make sure all terms and conditions are clearly stated in the lease agreement before signing. Be cautious of landlords or property managers who are vague, avoid answering questions, or fail to provide documentation—this may be a sign of a potential scam.
- Requests for Unusual Payment Methods: Be cautious of landlords who ask for payment through unconventional methods such as PayPal, Bitcoin, Western Union, Venmo, or other third-party apps—especially before you've seen the property in person. Legitimate landlords will use secure and verifiable payment methods, typically after a lease has been signed.
- High Security Deposits: Be cautious if a landlord requests unusually high security deposits or demands multiple months' rent upfront. Unfortunately, many scams involve victims losing large sums of money this way. Always verify the legitimacy of the property and landlord.
- Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it's worth taking a step back, 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 top priority.
Thank you for considering LBD Properties in your search for a new home! We look forward to helping you find 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 only.
Important:
LBD Properties does not advertise on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, LetGo, or other classified platforms. If you see one of our properties listed there, it is not legitimate and may be a scam.
Our leases are exclusively through LBD Properties only:
For more information please visit:
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
