Recognizing and Avoiding Rental Scams while Apartment Hunting

If you’re a renter in today’s competitive housing market, finding the perfect apartment might stress you out enough without the added worry of falling prey to rental scams. Unfortunately, although the digitalization of rental listings provides a lot of advantages and comfort, it also increases the opportunities for scammers to exploit unsuspecting renters. 

Understanding how to recognize and avoid these rental scams is crucial for those who are looking for apartments, so they can spot the red flags and take action against potential scammers. In this article, we cover some of the main types of rental scams and we offer you advice on how to act if you encounter one.

Identifying Common Rental Scams

• The bait-and-switch

The bait-and-switch scam involves a fake or unavailable unit, advertised as a great deal. Scammers catch the eye of prospective tenants with well-designed listings at below-market prices. Once interest is expressed, these scammers then attempt to divert renters to more expensive or less desirable units, or they may claim that the initial property is suddenly unavailable.

• The phantom rental

Phantom rentals are particularly insidious because they involve scammers posting listings for places that they don’t manage or that simply don’t exist. Often, these scammers will steal descriptions and photos from legitimate ads, which makes their offers seem real, and more affordable than other apartments on the market. Renters who want to secure the place might be encouraged to act quickly and be pressured by a false sense of competition and urgency created by the scammer.

• Upfront money

The upfront money scam is a common ploy where those who create listings and ads ask for a security deposit, the first month’s rent, or an application fee before you’ve even had an opportunity to see the apartment or sign a lease. They pressure renters to do so to secure the apartment, generally by saying there are other parties who are interested and the offer might disappear. Often, once the payment is made, the scammer disappears with the money. This leaves the renter without the apartment and quite a large sum of money.

• Hijacked ads

Hijacked ads involve scammers who take real rental listings and repost them with their own contact information. They impersonate the real landlord or property manager and engage with potential renters as if they legitimately own the apartment and have the right to rent out the property. This can lead to renters paying deposits or rents, or even application or credit check fees, without ever being able to enter the run for that apartment.

• Missing landlord

The missing landlord scam occurs when a "landlord" claims to be out of the country and insists on renting the property remotely. They typically ask potential renters to wire them money in exchange for sending the keys by mail. Almost invariably, such scenarios are scams. Real landlords will generally have local contacts managing the property or will be available to meet in person.

How to Avoid Rental Scams

Now that you know what the main types of scams are, let’s see what you can do to check whether a listing is real or fake.

• Verify the landlord’s identity

Make sure you always check the identity of the landlord or agent you are talking to. You can do so by asking for proof of identity and confirming that the person you are dealing with is truly authorized to rent out the property. You can verify property ownership through county records, which can provide reassurance that you are dealing with legitimate parties.

• Never rent sight unseen

It is crucial that you see the property in person. Physical inspections or, at the very least, a live video tour of the property can save you from many common scams. If personal visits are not possible due to logistical reasons, arranging for a trusted friend or relative to view the property on your behalf is advisable. Avoid renting any property that you have not seen in some form.

• Don’t pay with cash

Avoid cash transactions and choose traceable payment methods like checks or credit cards. These methods offer you proof of payment and can typically be traced and recalled by your bank if it turns out that you are the victim of a scam. Be very wary of landlords who are very insistent on you paying rent or deposits in cash.

• Double check the address

Always research the address. You should search the internet to see if the property is listed elsewhere under different conditions or prices. Use tools like Google Maps and Street View to verify that the property matches the images and descriptions in the advertisement you are responding to. And you can even do a reverse Google image search to see if those images are used in other ads as well. This could help you find the real ad that was hijacked by the scammer.

• Check reviews

Looking for reviews and testimonials about a landlord or property management company can also reassure you that they’re real. A credible landlord should have a history of interactions or reviews from previous tenants. Scammers, on the other hand, don’t usually have an online presence or they have inconsistent details that do not add up.

• Read the lease thoroughly

Read the lease carefully before signing. Check that all terms and conditions are clear and reasonable, and that there are no clauses that seem unusual or unfair. If anything in the document is unclear or if it seems like they might be taking advantage of you or rushing you into signing, consider consulting with a legal professional who can provide clarity and guidance.

• Trust your gut

Lastly, always listen to your instincts. If a rental apartment seems too good to be true, it usually is. If a landlord’s behavior is odd or it makes you uncomfortable, it’s better to trust your gut and step back. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush people into making decisions without taking the time to really think about what is happening.

Conclusion

Finding a new apartment is an exciting process, but it’s important to proceed with caution. Educate yourself on common types of scams and take proactive steps to verify the property and the person you are dealing with. These steps will help you be more relaxed in your apartment hunting experience and enjoy the process.

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Growing Old in NYC: What to Know

New York is one of the biggest cities in the world. People from worldwide come to visit or live in the Big Apple every day. As an NYC resident, you may wonder about some of the challenges of growing old in such a big city. Read on for some insight that can help with such a transition.

Take Care of Your Health

One of the best ways to handle your aging health in NYC starts with what you put in your body. As a New York resident, you may be very familiar with the city's famous street food, which can be tasty but not healthy. If you indulge in the famous local hot dogs, do so sparingly or not at all, as processed food can negatively affect your health.

New York is a big city with plenty of food stores ranging from small neighborhood bodegas to large superstores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and other regular markets. You can also find farmers’ markets around the city, which are great places to buy fresh fruit and vegetables from Upstate farmers. Putting healthy foods in your body isn't only great for your physical health, but also helps the aging brain. According to the American Health Care Association, four in 10 residents living in assisted living facilities have Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Reduce the risk of cognitive decline by consuming foods that are helpful for your body.

Understand Your Housing Options

While being a homeowner is great, most New York residents of all ages tend to rent. As you grow older, your income may reduce, especially if you're on a pension or Social Security. Luckily, New York City has special housing options set aside to ensure senior populations have affordable housing. Affordable senior housing is available to you regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, thanks to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you develop dementia, other cognitive issues, or have physical ailments, the city has assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult homes, and a home-sharing program to meet your needs.

Avoid Driving

The traffic in NYC is notorious and can lead to accidents. So, it's best to play it safe and avoid driving as you grow older in the city. If you become the victim of a vehicle-related accident, the statute of limitations is three years for personal injury cases in the state. You can safely get around by taking advantage of the city's walkability. The sidewalks are huge, and the city is planned on a grid, so it's impossible to get lost. NYC also encourages residents to use biking for their health and eco-friendly transport thanks to more bike paths and accessible bike rental programs.

Utilize the Parks

Central Park is one of the oldest parks in the country. If you look at a map of New York City, you'll notice how massively big the park is. So, it's easy to exercise, enjoy nature, and take in seasonal events like Shakespeare in the Park and outdoor movies. You can also hop on the train or bike to enjoy parks over in Brooklyn and other boroughs as well.

Living in New York City can be a thrilling experience at any age. If the Big Apple will be your home into your senior years, there are ways to utilize all the city has to offer to make the transition an easy one. Whether it's going for frequent walks, avoiding driving, accessing adequate housing, or taking advantage of the vast food markets, you can age with grace and be as healthy as possible for a long time.

5 Compromises You Should Never Make in an Apartment Search

Finding a new apartment is rarely an easy experience in NYC and almost no one finds one that ticks off all their boxes. If you have a mile-long wish list and can’t find the perfect place, it may be time to adjust your expectations.

Real estate in the city is hard to come by, so you might need to make a few sacrifices to find something you can live with. However, just because you need to let go of a few of your wish list items doesn’t mean you need to throw all your standards out the window.

If you adjust your expectations too far, you may end up with a source of extreme frustration. When searching for the perfect place, avoid compromising on these five items.

1. Your Budget

You only want to wiggle in your budget by coming in under your estimate. Before getting serious about your apartment search, sit down with your finances and decide on a hard number you don’t want to exceed per month.

Remember you may have other monthly fees associated with your living situation like utilities, insurance, parking or fees to use amenities.Of course, this is easier said than done in a real estate market where rents are rising and competition is heated. As of this summer, only 23% of New Yorkers can afford to pay the median rent price, and qualified applicants are queuing for available units in many neighborhoods.

In this scenario, the best move is to get a good picture of current rent prices and decide on your limit from there. This will give you time to think through your other expenses and make cuts to accommodate as needed. You’ll still go in with a plan to manage your total costs, and that helps.

2. Viewing the Exact Unit

You’ve found a perfect place online. It checks off everything on your wishlist and seems like a steal. You ask the landlord for a tour, but they tell you that one isn’t ready to move in yet. They can show you a similar unit in the meantime.

Sometimes deals seem too good to be true for a reason.

Steer clear of situations like this and avoid signing a lease for an apartment you haven’t walked through before. You could end up saddled with a unit in poor condition or utterly different from the one you toured. If you can’t see the apartment you want to rent, it may be better to walk away.

3. Proximity to Essentials

Location is everything, and it’s important to be realistic about what is important to you in a neighborhood. You’ll want to find an apartment close to your personal essentials. Are you a gym enthusiast or a Thai food addict? Look for space in a building nearby as many of your desires.

At the very least, you’ll want to be able to pick up pantry staples close by and do your laundry if machines aren’t available in your building. Being able to walk to a grocer or at least take a short subway trip will save you from lugging bags back and forth whenever you’re looking to cook.

You may need to compromise slightly when it comes to the wants on your list, but decide on the necessities you can’t live without and don’t wiggle on them.

4. Basic Amenities

Amenities can significantly increase the cost to rent in a particular building. While some are nice to have, you may be able to scale back on extras like in-house dry cleaning or a coffee cart. Weed through your list and sort them into “Nice to Have,” “Really Want” and “Must Have”.

After sorting, you should have a short list with just a few items you aren’t willing to negotiate. Perhaps you can let go of needing air conditioning, but a working elevator is necessary.

You should also check that basic appliances are included in the rental agreement, such as a stove, refrigerator and microwave. In-unit or in-building laundry is also a necessity if you don’t relish walking your laundry to a laundromat once a week.

5. Condition 

A good landlord knows the lobby is their first opportunity to make a lasting impression, so looking around can tell you a lot about the long-term maintenance of the building. If the entry is filthy and appears in disrepair, you can probably expect a similar lack in the rest of the building.

On the other hand, well-maintained communal spaces are a possible sign of a landlord who pays excellent care and attention to their facility.

Likewise, you want to find a unit that’s in good condition. If major repairs need to be made, walk away or get the landlord’s promise in writing to complete them in a timely manner.

Trust Your Gut While Searching for Apartments

Knowing where and when to compromise is challenging, as is the NYC market. However, you need to know what you are and aren’t willing to live with. Establishing what you refuse to compromise on will help you as you start your search.

Hiring an apartment broker can save you time in your search and help you find the right fit for you without making too many compromises on essential items.

Author

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated. Her real estate work has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Rental Housing Journal, and other online publications.

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What To Look For In An Apartment Rental For Your Next Trip

If you’ve got a trip planned, whether for business or for pleasure, you need to make sure you’re staying in the right place. Having some home comforts and the right amenities close by will make your trip far more enjoyable, and probably more productive.

Here, we’re going to talk about what you should be looking for in your next apartment rental:

The Right Price

The price of your apartment is going to be important - so this means you need to know your budget. It can be all too easy to ignore the price if the apartment is beautiful and the views are even better, but it isn’t a good idea to go over your budget for this.

Set a budget before you even start your search. What can you afford, and how long for? Whether you’re staying for one week, a few weeks, or a couple of months, make sure you know your numbers as accurately as possible. Make sure you think of anything else you’ll have to pay for, such as food, utilities, gym membership, social activities, and more so that you don’t overshoot and end up choosing somewhere you can’t afford in the long run. You don't want to have to move to another, more affordable apartment once you’ve settled in!

Always look at the price of an apartment before looking deeper into information and pictures so you can avoid falling in love with something that you can’t afford. Remember, the time of year will play a part in how much you pay when you look at utrecht apartments for rent or wherever you may be visiting. The prices will be much higher during summer because that’s the time of year people search for somewhere to stay. In general, when it’s colder outside, prices will drop. If you can secure the price of the apartment out of peak season, then you will get a much better deal.

Schedule In Person Visits

When you have 2 or 3 apartments on your short list, perhaps a maximum of 4, you should visit them in person. Checking them out in person will help you to get a feel for the place and whether it will suit the way you’re planning on spending your time while you’re there. This may not always be possible, but if you’re looking into long term rentals then it should be considered a must. You can look at these long term rentals in Paris to get an idea of where you could be staying and what you want to look for during your visit. Don’t forget to take the people you’re going to be staying with, as they can help you to see another perspective and find the perfect place.

Plan To Stay As Organized As You Can

If you are viewing multiple apartments, make sure you keep track of the important details so that they don’t all blur into one when it’s all said and done. Make a note of things like:

• Amenities

• Rental rates

• Security deposit amounts

• Contact information

• Side notes

• Other relevant information

Making a spreadsheet could be the most effective way of noting these things down where you can easily compare and contrast.

You may want to look for different things in an apartment depending on the purpose of your trip. It can be a good idea to make a priorities list before you go to viewings so you end up staying in a place that is perfect for you. For instance, would you like a kitchenette, and somewhere you can wash clothes? Or are you happy with a laundrette near by? Think up as many possibilities as you can, and don’t forget to make notes so you remember to look for these things when visiting a rental. Try to stay focused during viewings, writing everything down and looking for what you need. Don’t be dazzled by views and things that are considered non-essential!

Considering Public Transportation

Knowing what you have nearby will be a huge help if you’re planning on renting somewhere. You want to have the right facilities and amenities - public transport is especially important, even if you plan on using a car some of the time. Public transport can save you a lot of money in the long run, so see if you can easily access it from your chosen apartment. Saving money on things like gas, car insurance and maintenance leaves more in your budget to put towards to monthly rent and other expenses.

What will you look for in your apartment rental for your next trip? Leave a comment below!

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•  Inside The Manhattan View at MiMA Tower Residences

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Top Open Houses This Weekend

Tribeca

WHERE: 311 Greenwich St Apt: 2GH New York NY 10013

SIZE: 3 bed, 2 baths 1450 sqft

COST: $2,495,000

WHEN: Sunday by appointment only

ABOUT: This well laid out 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home blends an open floorplan. The expansive living and dining area flows into an updated kitchen with granite countertops, two separate cook stations, a built-in water filtration system, and a suite of stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom possesses a series of custom built-ins that include cabinets, a queen-sized bed frame, and a walk-in California closet. Other features of the home include brand new windows and a stacked washer/dryer.

311 Greenwich is an 11-story, 81 unit condominium in Tribeca. Conveniently located nearby Whole Foods, Washington Market Park, Target, and a number of local trendy restaurants, cafes, and shops. The building comes with a full-time doorman, an elevator, a landscaped rooftop deck, a bike room, a fitness room, and a live-in super. Nearby subway lines include the 1/2/3/A/C. Pets Allowed.

Check out our Listing Gallery

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Upper West Side

WHERE: 1 West End Avenue Apt. 23F

SIZE: 4 bed, 4.5 baths 2,836 sqft

COST: $6,350,000

WHEN: 4/22 &4/23 1-3pm 

ABOUT:  An elegant walnut door and bronze newspaper box greet you as you enter this remarkable residence featuring four bedrooms, four baths and a powder room. This spacious 2,836 SF home is outfitted with walnut wide plank floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and custom finishes throughout. A generous corner living room with southern and western exposures offers extraordinary natural light. 

Heated Bianco Dolomiti marble floors, brushed limestone walls and a marble slab countertop adorn the tranquil five-fixture master bathroom. Recessed medicine cabinets with LED lighting, Zuma soaking tub, glass-enclosed shower and Dornbracht fixtures add to the resort-inspired experience.

The secondary bathrooms contain Opal White marble floors and walls, custom-stained oak vanity with a Lacava countertop and Dornbracht fixtures throughout.

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Gramercy Park

WHERE: 234 East 23rd Street, #Sky Duplex

SIZE: 5 bed, 5.5 baths 4,135 sqft

COST: $11,250,,000

WHEN: Sunday, April 23, 12:00PM - 1:00PM

ABOUT: The unique open layout kitchen was custom designed with functionality top of mind. A moveable island, open stainless steel shelving, pantry storage and Quartzite work surfaces surround professional grade appliances by Sub-Zero, Bertazzoni and Bosch. Tucked off the kitchen hallway, there is a media area and guest bedroom suite complete with ensuite bath offering privacy in addition to tremendous southern light.

The master bedroom occupies the entire southeast corner of the 16th floor. The master bath is a serene space outfitted with a windowed walk-in closet and bordered by a gorgeous, landscaped, south-facing terrace. Here you'll find two ensuite baths one with an elegant shower surrounded with framed casement glazing that mirror the building's industrial window theme and one with a deep soaking tub. 

Downstairs lies a full entertainment/guest suite with a second full kitchen as well as three well-appointed bedrooms, two full marble bathrooms and a laundry room with Bosch washer-dryer. A large storage unit is also included with this stunning residence in the clouds.

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Top Open Houses This Weekend

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our top open houses this weekend.

Chelsea

WHERE: 126 W 22nd St Apt 7S New York, NY 10011

SIZE: 2 bed 2 baths 2160 sqft

COST: $3,575,000

WHEN: 4/2, 1:00PM - 2:30PM

ABOUT: Flawless prewar Chelsea loft with abundant natural southern light, two generous bedrooms and two elegant bathrooms. High ceilings, hardwood floors, central air conditioning, surround sound, tilt & turn windows, tasteful custom built-ins and outfitted closets are throughout this exclusive home. Great Room and Dining Room are perfect for entertaining. MPD Design Build custom kitchen has Corian countertop and integral sink, marble backsplash, SubZero refrigerator and freezer, U-Line wine refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, Wolf stove with six burner gas cooktop, vented hood and custom cabinetry with substantial storage. Corian shelved pantry closet includes vented LG Tromm washer and dryer. Luxurious master bedroom suite has an exquisite en-suite bathroom and a lavish dressing room. Master bathroom has Italian porcelain floor tiles, radiant heat, Neolith wall panels, soaking tub, separate shower, Robern medicine cabinets, master bath counter top, integral sinks and vanity apron are Caesarstone. Additionally there is a spacious second bedroom, beautiful second bathroom and a home office.

Additional private storage is included and conveniently located on the floor. Chelsea Flats is a well established boutique condominium with two lofts per floor, key locked elevator and a common roof deck. Centrally located in Chelsea just a few blocks South of Madison Square Park. Convenient to the city's best restaurants and shopping, nearby specialty food stores include Eataly, Trader Joe's, Fairway and Whole Food

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Chelsea Waterside Residences

WHERE: 559 W 23rd St Apt: 6 New York NY 10011

SIZE: 4 bed 4 baths 2410 sqft

COST: $4,450,000

WHEN: 4/2, 1:00PM - 2:00PM

ABOUT: From the moment you step off the elevator, this home will literally take your breath away. Saturated with southern & western light and graced with views of the Hudson River, this stunning 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom duplex features 2,410 sq. ft., soaring 19-ft double height ceilings, floor-to-ceiling Schuco windows and a pair of private, north-facing balconies.

The grand living space is designed with an open concept allowing for effortless living and entertaining. The high-end kitchen opens to the dining area and is a show stopper in its own right with the sleek custom cabinetry by Eggersman, Honed Montclair Danby marble countertops and top-of-the-line appliances including a Sub Zero refrigerator and Miele ovens. Follow the 7-inch wide plank European oak flooring down the hall to the two generous sized bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a private balcony.

The upper level of the apartment contains a stylized mezzanine bedroom and bathroom and the home’s palatial master suite featuring a huge walk-in closet, a private balcony, an extravagant master bathroom complete with dual-vanity sinks, a walk-in shower with a Raindance showerhead and a Duravit soaking tub.

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Union Square

WHERE:  130 East 18th Street, 11G - Gramercy - Union Square, New York

SIZE: 1 bed 1 baths 650 sqft

COST: $867,000

WHEN: 4/1, Appointment only

ABOUT: This Gramercy Park stunner is a total gut renovated one bedroom . Situated on idyllic Irving Place in one of the best buildings in Gramercy. This light filled one bedroom enjoys both open eastern and southern views for constant sun throughout the day. The open kitchen features new slate flooring, granite countertops and top of the line stainless steel appliances. The windows are outfitted with Hunter Douglas shades. Bathroom has been immaculately renovated as well. The apartment has four extremely large closets making this a rare one bedroom with plenty of storage space! Gramercy Plaza has a sweeping 360 roof deck, beautiful common garden and laundry room. 24 hour doorman and on site superintendent. Steps to all subway transportation, Gramercy Park and the Union Square farmer's market.Please note broker is owner.

This listing courtesy of Douglas Elliman

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