Finding a fake landlord can save you from a scam and protect your finances.

Key Questions to Ask

• Who owns the property?
  Request documentation proving ownership.
• Can I see the lease agreement?
  Real landlords should provide a formal lease.
• Why are you renting it out?
  Unusual reasons can signal a scam.
• Have you ever rented before?
  Experience can indicate credibility.
• What payment methods do you accept?
  Avoid landlords requesting cash only.

Signs of a Fake Landlord

• High-pressure tactics to rush you into signing.
• Requests for unusually high deposits.
• Lack of response to reasonable inquiries.
• Inconsistencies in communication habits.
• No verifiable information about the property.

Documentation to Verify

• Property Ownership Records
• Previous Lease Agreements
• Correspondence Records
• Rental History Reports

Useful Online Resources

• Zillow – A platform to verify property details.
• Yelp – Check reviews on landlords and property management.
• Local Government Website – Access public property records.

Survey Data: Recognizing Fake Landlords (Sample Size: 1000 Respondents)

Mind Map: Spotting Fake Landlords

• Research Property
• Check Ownership
• Look for Reviews
• Ask Questions
• Verify Information
• Inquire about Rental History
• Inspect Lease Agreement
• Check for Normal Clauses
• Look for Red Flags
• Evaluate Communication
• Assess Response Time
• Check for Professional Language