How to Recognize and Avoid Common Rental Property Scams
Rental property scams are an unfortunate reality for property owners and tenants, especially in high-demand areas like Fontana, Redlands, and San Bernardino in the Inland Empire. With a strong rental market, property owners, property managers and tenants must stay vigilant against scams that can lead to financial loss and legal headaches. This article highlights common scams and offers strategies to help protect yourself from becoming a victim to a rental property scam.
1. Copycat Listings
Scam: Copycat listings occur when scammers duplicate your rental property’s information and images, posting them on less-regulated sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace at enticingly low prices. Prospective tenants, lured by the low rent, often pay deposits to scammers without realizing the listing is fake.
Solutions for Property Owners and Property Managers:
Monitor online listings for duplicates, especially on popular platforms. Many websites will allow you to flag fake listings.
Use watermarked photos and detailed descriptions unique to your property. Scammers are less likely to steal your listing pictures if they can’t prove that they have some relation to your company.
Solutions for Renters:
Avoid paying any rent or deposit in cash which is untraceable. Checks, cashier’s checks or even ACH payments can be tracked and sometimes reversed making it less likely the scammer will take your money since they can be found.
Search the address of the rental property on multiple websites to see if the price varies or if there are multiple people representing themselves as the property owner. That could be a red flag that at least one of the listings is fake.
At Realicore Real Estate Group, our team ensures that property listings rentals are secure and accurately represented.
2. Squatters
Scam: Squatters unlawfully occupy vacant properties, sometimes attempting to claim legal residency. Removing squatters can be costly and time-consuming, especially in California, where tenant laws favor residents.
Solutions for Property Owners and Property Managers:
Minimize vacancy periods by promptly placing tenants.
Conduct regular inspections of vacant properties.
Display “No Trespassing” signs and inform neighbors to stay alert. The best security comes from a vigilant neighbor keeping an eye on the property.
Consider not using a physical sign to promote the property which could alert would-be scammers that the property is vacant.
Solutions for Renters:
You can confirm that you are actually renting from the correct property owner by checking the ownership records online at the county assessor’s office. Don’t become an unintentional squatter by paying rent to the wrong person!
Avoid having an eviction on your record by working with the property owner. If you are illegally squatting and get an eviction on your record, renting in the future will become extremely difficult.
Realicore’s proactive property management services include regular property checks to prevent unauthorized occupation.
3. Unauthorized Subletting
Scam: Unauthorized subletting involves tenants renting out your property without your permission, often leading to property damage, lease violations, and tenant turnover.
Solutions for Property Owners and Property Managers:
Clearly outline subletting rules in your lease agreements.
Conduct periodic tenant checks to ensure compliance. We recommend inspections at least once per year before renewing the lease or if you have several consistent issues/complaints then you may want to schedule an inspection sooner.
Offer an approved subletting option to maintain control over who resides in the property.
Solutions for Renters:
Ensure you read the terms of your lease, especially the part regarding how long guests can stay and if subletting is allowed.
Be up-front about your intentions with the property owner. If you plan to run an AirBNB out of the property without permission, you are risking eviction and may need to take responsibility for damages that your guests cause.
Realicore’s comprehensive lease terms and tenant screening process protect property owners from such issues.
4. Fake Property Management Firms
Scam: Fraudulent property managers may lure property owners with promises of low fees and high returns, only to disappear after receiving advance payments or mismanaging your property.
Solution:
Verify credentials and seek references.
Partner with trusted and reputable property management companies.
You can look up a property manager’s real estate licensing and any violations they may have by visiting the California Department of Real Estate.
Realicore’s established reputation in the Inland Empire ensures transparency, reliability, and client-first service. Visit our services page to learn more about our offerings.
5. Renters Posing as “In Need”
Scam: Scammers may claim urgent need for housing, offering large upfront payments with fraudulent checks. Once the check bounces or they secure access, they may cause damage or disappear.
Solution:
Maintain a rigorous tenant screening process, including credit and background checks.
Avoid accepting unusual or large upfront payments.
Realicore’s residential property management services prioritize thorough tenant vetting to ensure your rental properties in San Bernardino and Redlands are occupied by reliable tenants.
Partnering with Realicore: Your Trusted Property Management Partner in the Inland Empire
Managing rental properties across the Inland Empire requires vigilance and expertise. At Realicore Real Estate Group, we offer tailored property management services to safeguard your investments, prevent scams, and maximize returns. Our team’s deep knowledge of the Inland Empire rental market makes us the trusted choice for property owners seeking stress-free and profitable property management.
Looking for reliable property management services in San Bernardino or Redlands? Contact Us today to learn how we can help protect and grow your rental property investments.
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this article is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. The information may not reflect the most current legal developments or property management practices.
Realicore provides advice and professional guidance solely to its clients—defined as individuals or entities with an active, signed property management agreement with Realicore. However, even if you are a current client, the information in this article should not be acted upon without first consulting directly with your Realicore representative. Every situation is unique, and general content cannot substitute for personalized advice.
Real estate laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. We strongly encourage all readers to consult with qualified legal or professional advisors before making any decisions based on the content of this or any article published by Realicore.
