---

Are you looking for an affordable apartment to rent? If so, you may turn to Craigslist.org to start the search. Although you fill find cheap apartments on Craigslist, you may also find apartment rental scams. How can you avoid becoming a victim?

Never pay without first seeing the apartment in-person. A scammer doesn’t have an apartment to rent. They pretend they do. Since there is no actual apartment, they will come up with many reasons why you cannot view it ahead of time. Run, as it is likely a rental scam. If relocating, send a friend or associate to view the apartment for you. Unfortunately, frauds like to target those relocating because there is often a last minute rush to rent an apartment and because some renters do not have the chance to view an apartment beforehand.

Don’t fall victim to upfront fees. It is common for landlords to perform background checks on their tenants. However, many frauds are using this legitimate practice to steal money. They claim all potential tenants must undergo a background check, but that you must pay the fee. You handover the money and they disappear. Most legitimate property owners cover the cost of background checks themselves. If you are asked to pay the fee, handle everything yourself. State you will request and pay for your own background check. A scammer won’t like this. Or, ask to have the fee rolled into your first month’s rent, which you will pay after viewing the apartment.

Never give out your credit card information. Rent is paid in cash or checks. Don’t offer to make payment another way. In fact, be cautious of any “landlord,” who asks for your credit or debit card number. Once again, they may use the background check as an excuse. Don’t do it! A landlord does not need your credit card information. Anyone who pressures you for this information is doing nothing more than trying to scam you.

Most importantly, look for a local contact number. Long distance landlords typically employee a local resident to collect rent checks, show the property, make repairs, and so forth. This individual may be a part-time or full-time caretaker. You will contact this individual to make an appointment to see the apartment. Make sure the number is semi-local.

Related Articles on Real Estate

1. We Buy House.
   
2. Miami Bank Foreclosures Leading to Widespread Evictions
   
3. Florida Fort Lauderdale New Home Communities - New Homes Ft Lauderdale Florida Real Estate
   
4. Condo or Co-op?
   
5. Mistakes First Home Buyers make when they buy a house
   
6. Buying the House that you’re Renting
   
7. Information About homes in Freehold Twp NJ
   
8. If it is not BuyATimeshare, Buyer Beware
   
9. Acid Staining Concrete
   
10. How to Care for Concrete Countertops
    
11. Buying a Home for Your Home Office
    
12. Commercial property companies hit by fears of negative equity
    
13. How it Came to be Known as Rocky Point
    
14. Mexico Beachfront Real Estate Investment
    
15. Got Plane? Take it to Rocky Point
    
16. An Introduction to Riviera Maya
    
17. Aquatic Wildlife in Puerto Penasco, Mexico
    
18. Beach Estate for sale in Greece
    
19. Greece Property
    
20. Home loan time in India
    
21. How To Find Apartment Rentals On Craigslist
    
22. Las Vegas Realtors Who Know Las Vegas Foreclosures
    
23. Is It Time To Buy In The Tucson Real Estate Market
    
24. How To Choose The Best Apartments In Dallas?
    
25. Get Great Deals On Chicago Rent To Own Homes!
    
26. Dallas Apartment Search Made Easy
    
27. Tucson Real Estate Market June 2009 Update
    
28. Get Personalized Services From A Dallas Apartment Finder
    
29. Essential And Effective Tips For Apartments For Rent
    
30. The Advantage Of Rent-to-own Homes In Chicago, Aurora, And Plainfield
    

Latest Articles on Real Estate

1. Best Apartments In Dallas
   Dallas is the third largest city of Texas and is known as a metropolitan city. Dallas is very famous for its modern and exclusive apartments. And if you live outside Dallas then Dallas apartments for rent is the best option for the students who want to pursue their education in Dallas. Dallas offer apartment in its various areas such as Addison, Carrollton, Frisco, Irving and in many other parts....
2. Mortgage Ireland - Types Of Mortgage Loans
   According to the Bank of Ireland, there are many different homeowner mortgage packages available. These include: a First Time Buyer’s Package, a Trade Up Mortgage, a Switcher Package, a Breakthrough Mortgage, an Equity Release, an Investment Property Package, and a Lifeloan....
3. Advantages To Condo Living In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
   Mexico real estate sector has evolved in last few years tremendously. The property sector has strived to cater to needs of discerning international investors who expect and demand word class facilities and innovations. One such trend has been condo living in Mexico. Condo concept is very popular all over the world and every year people are increasingly adopting this option....
4. Flat Fee Mls - List In Mls
   Flat Fee MLS this means that you pay one small amount front and your property is List on MLS until it sells or until you end to verify it off the listings. If you sell your property on your own, you acquire the advantages of the List in MLS network by doing a Flat Fee MLS listing. Agents and buyers grill this database to find exactly the category of property that they are looking for....
5. Flat Fee Realtor - Listforsaleinmls
   With Flat Fee Realtor you take advantage of the opportunity to get the most for your money, whereas with typical real estate listing agents, you must go by their rules and regulations and turning up with paying high sales commission on closing the sales....
6. Trends In Playa Del Carmen Real Estate
   Playa del Carmen real estate has for many years been a favorite with International expats and tourists. A recent study showed that about 40% of the Riviera Maya real estate sold is being lapped up by foreigners. Of these, American and Canadian citizens constitute.....
7. Do You Want To Be The Borrower Or The Banker?
   The J. Hartman Company is a good resource for investing tips and financial information. According to Jason Hartman, founder of Platinum Properties Investor Network, the borrower has the most advantage during times of inflation. Here is an example of purchasing power and the decreasing value of the dollar over time:...
8. Real Estate Investments – The J. Hartman Company 10 Commandments
   Real Estate Investments should be part of everyone’s investment portfolio. Sure, like any investments, there is risk involved; however, the risk is greatly minimized by those who are properly prepared to make wise real estate investmentsJason’s Ten Commandments of Successful Investing™...
9. Benefits Of Apartments For Rent Dallas
   If there are any apartments in Dallas which offer comfortable and classy living, then they are Dallas apartments.Apartments for rent Dallas is the best option for people who can not afford to invest in real estate. Renting allows them to enjoy the amenities and culture without investing huge amount for staying in Dallas apartments....
10. Calculating The Real Costs Of Home Ownership
    Homeowners insurance really depends on the value of your home and belongings, but you might be paying anywhere from $50 to hundreds of dollars a month to ensure that damage, vandalism, burglary, etc. can be repaired and items replaced. So that is something that you might need to calculate paying....

Related topics in Business and Finance

Submit Articles © 2009 KeepArticles.com, All Rights Reserved.