How to Be Sure That I Am Signing a Lease for a Rental Property With the Owner
When a home sits empty, either for sale or in the foreclosure process, it may become the focus of a rental scam on classifieds or public forums for real estate or rentals. Scammers "steal" a listing and advertise it as their own property to snare unsuspecting renters looking for a good deal. The prospective renter gives money – frequently a large deposit or first and last months' rent – to the "owner," who turns out to be an imposter. To avoid getting ripped off, take precautions to ensure the person you meet with legitimately owns the home for rent.
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Instructions
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Speak with the owner of the rental property on the phone in advance seeing the home, and ask him to bring a copy of the deed to the house when you meet.
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Meet in person only. Do not give money to anyone with whom you correspond online or only speak to on the phone.
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Ask to see the copy of the deed and the owner's driver's license or identification. The deed will list the true owner of the home. Ensure that the name on the deed matches the name on the ID.
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Ask the agent to provide proof of power of attorney if the agent you meet with is authorized to act as a representative for an absent landlord.
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Search your county clerk's or registrar's office for the owner of record of the property you wish to rent, then call the owner to see if the person renting the home to you is legitimate. Property taxes are public record.
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Check the property address to see if it is in foreclosure or about to be foreclosed on. This information can also typically be found at the county clerk's office.
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Tips & Warnings
All documents can be forged, but if you ask the right questions and do your research, you can protect yourself from getting taken in a rental scam.
Research rental rates in the neighborhood; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Never wire money to someone you do not meet.
