Renters(Tenants) Advice
Please be aware that 4myrent.com is not a real estate broker, mortgage broker or lender, and the 4myrent.com site does not (and is not intended to) establish a brokerage relationship between you and any agency, 4myrent maybe act on such on a special agreement and arrangements. 4myrent.com does not participate in lease transactions or money transfers. Please, report users claiming to offer such services. You are strongly encouraged to obtain assistance from a licensed real estate professional and/or attorney in connection with the negotiation and completion of any real estate transaction or transfer of funds.
Rental Search Safety Tips
We offer an impersonal online advertising avenue for potential renters, landlords, Realtors and agents to obtain and exchange introductory real estate information with each other. We take great pride in the fact that the vast majority of listings on 4myrent.com are legitimate; however, please realize that some individuals may post property rental listings for the sole purpose of scamming a potential renter. While we do everything we can to help and protect renters using 4myrent.com, occasionally we hear about unusual or suspicious communications between potential renters and individuals posing as property owners which resulted in the renter being scammed. For this reason, we have compiled the following list of tips on recognizing potential scams to help provide a safer online rental experience.
If it seems “too good to be true,” it probably is and you should beware.
Does the monthly rent for the apartment seem unusually low or significantly less than market value for the area? Investigate similar apartments in your desired area to determine the approximate rent that you expect to pay. Trust your instincts, never send money without seeing the rental, stop all communications and walk away from any suspicious situation.
Check out who you’re dealing with online.
Make sure to meet your prospective landlord, Realtor or agent in person before deciding to rent an apartment or providing any personal information about you. If you feel like any contact or communication you are receiving is suspicious, research about the individual’s name or company online to see if you can find any further information.
Avoid unusual forms of payment.
Never use a wire transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, or an online escrow service when sending money (such as a down payment or security deposit) for an apartment. Always try to deal locally and never send money overseas. Never give out your financial information. This includes bank account details, eBay/PayPal info and any other information that could be misused.
Never rent an apartment “sight unseen.”
Before sending or paying any money (including by cashier’s check), ensure that the apartment’s condition, size, features, and amenities match what was described in the online listing by visiting the apartment yourself or by asking a friend to visit for you. Don’t fall for “send me the deposit and I will send you the keys”.
