Scam-avoidance strategies for property renters

When it's time to search for your new rental home, you're sure to be looking for the best possible house or flat at the best possible price. Unfortunately, you need to be aware that there are scam artists doing "business" in this space, and they will try every trick in the book to fleece money from unsuspecting would-be tenants. By following some simple rules, however, you can safeguard yourself from falling victim to these scams. The golden rule, which you always need to remember, is that if something seems to good to be true, then it probably is.

Rule #1:

If you are being asked to pay an admin fee, application fee or deposit before you have even seen the property, it's a scam. The only time you should be parting with money is when you pay the deposit, which takes place after you have seen the property in person, fallen in love with it and want to move in.

Rule #2:

If a rental agent makes excuses when it comes to giving you a chance to visit the property for a viewing, walk away. Scam artists can be particularly clever and sophisticated, and they probably have a full set of photographs of the property, as well as a detailed description - which they have probably taken from a legitimate property listing. It's easy for a bogus agent to find pictures online of a property that is currently up for rent, but of course, they will not have access to the flat, and will therefore be unable to show it to you. The stories you are given can vary greatly here, but the common denominator is that you will be told to pay your deposit quickly, despite having not seen the property, due to "high levels of interest" from other people.

Rule #3:

If it seems too easy, it's probably a scam. A legitimate rental agent will require you to submit documentation, such as a copy of your identity card or document, proof of income and possibly references from previous landlords. If you are not asked for any documentation, your scam-alert radar should be sending you strong signals.

Rule #4:

If the rent seems too cheap, it's likely to be a scam. If you are looking for a property in a suburb in which a three-bedroom house tends to cost around R12 000, and you find a three-bedroom house for R8 500, you need to be on your guard.

Rule #5:

If someone says they are an estate agent, you should check to see if this is true - and it's very easy. Using the "find an agent" and "find an agency" tools provided by the Estate Agency Affairs Board of South Africa, you can find out within a second if the person you are liaising with is a registered estate agent. If a search for their name returns no results, walk away - you are being scammed.

Rule #6:

Be very careful about property adverts that you see shared on Facebook or advertised on Gumtree. If a Facebook post has been uploaded by a legitimate real estate agency, that's fine, but if the advert has been uploaded by an individual who does not appear to be affiliated with an estate agency, you need to be aware that you could be walking into a scam.

Of course, the easiest way to ensure that you don't get scammed on the way to your next rental home is to trust the CSI-EUF team to find you the home that's just right for you and your family. Contact the team today and take the stress out of finding your next home.