Avoid Rental Scams

HousesForRent is an open, public listing platform. Please use caution when communicating with anyone about a rental.

Important notice

  • Public platform: Listings and messages may be posted by members of the general public. We do not guarantee that every listing is verified.
  • Never wire money: Do not send money by wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash apps to someone you have not met and verified.
  • Verify before paying: Always confirm the property and the person offering it before you send any payment.

Common red flags

  • Below-market rent for the area, especially if they pressure you to act fast.
  • They refuse to meet or won’t allow an in-person walkthrough.
  • They claim to be “out of town” and want to mail keys after you pay.
  • They want payment first “to hold the place” before you’ve verified anything.
  • They ask for wire transfer, gift cards, crypto, or “friends and family” payments.
  • They won’t provide a lease or they send a lease that looks generic or inconsistent.
  • Mismatch of names between who you’re speaking with and the lease, email, or payment recipient.
  • Poor documentation, strange urgency, or inconsistent answers about the property.

How to protect yourself

  • Tour the property in person whenever possible.
  • Confirm access: meet at the property, check that they can legally show it.
  • Ask for identification and confirm the person’s relationship to the property.
  • Verify ownership/management: search public county property records or confirm through a known management company phone number (not the one they provide in a message).
  • Use traceable payments only after verification and signing a lease.
  • Be careful with personal info: avoid sending SSN/banking info until you’ve verified the landlord/manager.
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.

Recommended safe payment approach

  • Do not pay anything until you have toured the property and confirmed who you are dealing with.
  • Sign a written lease that includes the property address, terms, and the landlord/manager’s legal name.
  • Pay with a method that creates a clear record (for example: check, credit card, or a documented payment portal).
  • Avoid cash, wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, and “friends and family” transfers.

If you suspect you are dealing with a scammer

  • Do not send money or additional personal information.
  • Stop communication with the person requesting payment.
  • Document everything: screenshots, emails, phone numbers, payment requests, and URLs.
  • If you already paid, contact your bank/payment provider immediately and ask about reversing or disputing the transfer.
HousesForRent does not broker transactions and does not collect rent payments on your behalf. Users are responsible for verifying listings, parties, and transactions.