Avoid Rental Scams: Tips for Finding Legitimate Rental Properties
Rental scams are on the rise, particularly targeting Facebook Marketplace users. To avoid falling victim when searching for a rental property, follow these tips to ensure your safety:
- Verify legitimacy through property viewings: Always attend a property viewing to confirm its authenticity before making any payments or commitments.
- Use the bond lodgement tool: Lodge your bond directly with Tenancy Services instead of transferring it to a landlord’s account. This ensures the landlord must provide their Landlord ID.
- Avoid upfront payments before viewing or signing: Never pay a landlord or property manager before signing the lease or viewing the property.
- Be cautious of unusually low rents: If the rent seems suspiciously low or below market rate, it could be a red flag.
- Check trading history: For properties listed on platforms like Trade Me, review the user’s trading history to verify their credibility.
- Opt for reputable property managers: Choose trusted rental management agencies like Harcourts Patras and Co to minimize risk.
Scammers have been known to fraudulently use rental properties to deceive tenants into paying bonds and rent. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.For more detailed advice, visit Harcourts’ rental scam prevention tips.