In today’s fast-paced rental market, a quick text message can seem like an efficient way to secure a new place to live. A landlord who communicates informally might feel more approachable and friendly. However, this casual approach can mask a variety of rental scams and dangerous rental agreements that leave tenants vulnerable. Without the protection of a formal, written lease, you could lose your deposit, face illegal eviction, or find yourself in an uninhabitable property.
Recognizing the red flags in these text-based negotiations is key to protecting yourself. Here are eight signs of a dangerous agreement that often starts with a simple text.
1. The “No Lease Needed” Agreement
A landlord who suggests you can move in based on a verbal or text-message agreement is a massive red flag. A formal lease is not just a piece of paper; it’s a legal contract that outlines your rights and responsibilities, as well as the landlord’s. Without it, you have no proof of your tenancy terms, rent amount, or security deposit. This makes it easy for a dishonest landlord to change the rules, raise the rent, or evict you without proper notice.
2. The Pressure to Pay a Deposit Sight-Unseen
Scammers often create fake listings for properties they don’t own, using photos scraped from other websites. They will pressure you to send a deposit and first month’s rent immediately to “hold” the apartment, claiming there are many other interested renters. They will make excuses for why you can’t see the property in person. Never send money for a rental you haven’t physically toured yourself.
3. Vague Terms About Utilities and Maintenance
A friendly text might say, “Utilities are included,” or “I’ll take care of any repairs.” But what does that really mean? A proper lease specifies which utilities are covered and outlines the process for requesting and completing maintenance. Informal agreements leave these terms dangerously ambiguous. You could find yourself with a surprise electricity bill or a landlord who ignores your calls about a leaking pipe.
4. The Landlord Who Is “Out of the Country”
This is a classic scam narrative. The supposed landlord will claim to be out of the country for work, on a mission trip, or due to a family emergency. This story is designed to explain why they can’t meet you in person or show you the property. They will instruct you to send money electronically and promise to mail you the keys. Legitimate landlords or property managers will always have a way for you to see the unit and sign a lease in person.
5. Requests for Unusual Payment Methods
If a landlord asks you to pay your deposit or rent via wire transfer, gift cards, or a peer-to-peer cash app, be extremely cautious. These payment methods are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to reverse, making them a favorite among scammers. Reputable landlords will typically accept payment via personal check, cashier’s check, or a secure online rent payment portal.
6. The Offer That’s Too Good to Be True
Are you looking at a listing for a two-bedroom apartment in a prime location for a price that is hundreds of dollars below market rate? If it seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Scammers use unrealistically low prices to lure in hopeful renters and rush them into making a bad decision. Do your research on average rental prices in the area to spot a fraudulent listing.
7. Refusal to Provide a Written Agreement After a Text
Perhaps you’ve discussed all the terms via text and everything seems legitimate. The final and most critical step is to get everything in a signed, written lease. If the landlord keeps making excuses, delaying, or suggesting you can just move in and handle the paperwork later, walk away. This refusal is a clear sign that they don’t want to be bound by a legal contract.
8. Promises of Future Repairs Without a Timeline
A landlord might text, “The carpet is old, but I’ll replace it after you move in,” or “I’ll get that leaky faucet fixed next week.” Without these promises documented in a written lease, they are unenforceable. You could move in and find that the landlord has no intention of making the promised repairs, leaving you stuck in a subpar living situation.
Secure Your Housing, Not Just a Handshake
While technology has made communication easier, it has also created new avenues for scams. When it comes to housing, there is no substitute for a formal, comprehensive lease agreement. Protecting yourself from dangerous rental agreements means insisting on a professional process, from the initial tour to the final signature. Don’t let a friendly text message lull you into a false sense of security.
What’s the biggest red flag you’ve ever encountered when looking for a rental property?
Read more:
6 Reasons Your Name Might Be Secretly Blacklisted from Rental Properties
8 Rental Red Flags That Could Mean You’re Being Scammed
The post 8 Dangerous Rental Agreements That Begin With a Friendly Text appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
