Tenants Beware – How to Spot a Rental Scam

Ascent Property Management • May 10, 2022

The worldwide web has made much of our lives easier. It has also made it easier for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting folks, especially in the housing realm. If you are browsing online for a rental property, here are some red flags.


Money is Requested Up Front

The goal of a scammer is to swindle as much money as fast as possible. If someone says they need money to secure the appointment, start looking elsewhere. Never give money to someone you do not know or have not personally met. 



handing over money

Monthly Rent is Too Good to be True

Scammers will post advertisements with low rents to attract attention. If something seems too good to be true – it probably is. Be vigilant and trust your gut if something feels off.


Beware of Legitimate-looking broker Ads

How much safer can you get than by going through a broker? But who are you dealing with? Before responding to a broker ad, look up the brokerage’s phone number yourself and call them. 

phone call

Ascent Property Management

Ascent Property Management will never ask you to send money if we’ve never met you. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have doubts or suspicions about a fraudulent ad. You can reach us at 760-994-5037.


By Ascent Property Management September 17, 2025
San Diego may be known for its sunshine year-round, but fall still brings one of the season’s best traditions: pumpkin patches. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings or just the perfect pumpkin, San Diego has plenty of options. At Ascent Property Management, we pride ourselves on being more than rental experts—we’re also local experts, keeping up with everything from community happenings to housing market data. Here are some of the top spots to visit this pumpkin season. Bates Nut Farm – Valley Center Bates Nut Farm is a San Diego institution. Families travel from all over the county to enjoy hayrides, a straw maze, live music, and of course, an impressive selection of pumpkins. It’s one of the best places to experience fall traditions in Southern California. Pumpkin Station – Multiple Locations With convenient locations in Del Mar, Mission Valley, Bonita, and Rancho Bernardo, Pumpkin Station makes celebrating fall easy no matter where you live in San Diego. Each spot features rides, games, and plenty of pumpkins to choose from. Oma’s Pumpkin Patch – Lakeside Oma’s has been bringing fall fun to San Diego families for years. Kids love the cottonseed mountain, tractor rides, and themed play areas, while adults appreciate the variety of pumpkins and gourds available. Mountain Valley Ranch – Ramona For those up for a scenic drive, Mountain Valley Ranch delivers a true country pumpkin patch experience. Along with rows of pumpkins, visitors will find a corn maze, sunflower fields, and even a petting zoo. Why We Share Local Insights At Ascent Property Management, we know that being successful in San Diego real estate means more than understanding contracts and rental laws—it’s about understanding the community. From seasonal events like pumpkin patches to important housing data, we make it our job to stay connected to what’s happening locally. This knowledge helps us guide property owners with confidence, ensuring their investments thrive in the unique San Diego market. 
By Ascent Property Management August 20, 2025
Owning rental property in San Diego has its perks. Sunshine year-round, mild weather, and steady rental demand. But while we may not face snowstorms or freezing pipes, landlords still need to prepare their properties for the shift into winter. Those rare seasonal rains, shorter days, and cooler nights can expose small issues that lead to big repairs if they’re ignored. Here are the top maintenance tasks San Diego landlords should tackle before winter hits. Clear Gutters and Check Drainage Even though rain is infrequent in San Diego, when it comes, it can be heavy. Clogged gutters or poor drainage around the property can lead to water pooling near the foundation, roof leaks, or flooding. A quick clean-out and inspection can save you thousands in repairs down the road. Inspect the Roof Summer heat can take a toll on shingles and tiles. Before the rainy season arrives, it’s smart to check for cracks, loose materials, or signs of wear. Even a small leak can cause major damage if a storm rolls through. Service Heating Systems San Diego winters may be mild, but tenants still rely on their heaters when the nights get chilly. Schedule a routine HVAC inspection to make sure the system is clean, efficient, and safe. A well-maintained system reduces tenant complaints and helps avoid emergency repair calls during a cold snap. Test Weatherstripping and Windows Drafty windows or worn-out weatherstripping can make a rental feel less comfortable and drive up utility bills. Replacing seals and caulking around windows and doors is a low-cost way to improve energy efficiency and keep tenants happy. Trim Trees and Landscaping Fall is a great time to prune back overgrown trees and shrubs. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but it also reduces the risk of branches breaking during a storm and causing damage to roofs, fences, or vehicles. Final Thoughts Proactive seasonal maintenance protects your investment and keeps tenants satisfied. In San Diego, that means getting ahead of rain, cooler weather, and shorter days. By tackling these tasks before winter, landlords can avoid costly repairs, reduce turnover, and ensure their rental properties are safe and comfortable year-round. 
By Ascent Property Management June 18, 2025
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management  At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.
By Ascent Property Management May 27, 2025
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By Ascent Property Management September 17, 2025
San Diego may be known for its sunshine year-round, but fall still brings one of the season’s best traditions: pumpkin patches. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings or just the perfect pumpkin, San Diego has plenty of options. At Ascent Property Management, we pride ourselves on being more than rental experts—we’re also local experts, keeping up with everything from community happenings to housing market data. Here are some of the top spots to visit this pumpkin season. Bates Nut Farm – Valley Center Bates Nut Farm is a San Diego institution. Families travel from all over the county to enjoy hayrides, a straw maze, live music, and of course, an impressive selection of pumpkins. It’s one of the best places to experience fall traditions in Southern California. Pumpkin Station – Multiple Locations With convenient locations in Del Mar, Mission Valley, Bonita, and Rancho Bernardo, Pumpkin Station makes celebrating fall easy no matter where you live in San Diego. Each spot features rides, games, and plenty of pumpkins to choose from. Oma’s Pumpkin Patch – Lakeside Oma’s has been bringing fall fun to San Diego families for years. Kids love the cottonseed mountain, tractor rides, and themed play areas, while adults appreciate the variety of pumpkins and gourds available. Mountain Valley Ranch – Ramona For those up for a scenic drive, Mountain Valley Ranch delivers a true country pumpkin patch experience. Along with rows of pumpkins, visitors will find a corn maze, sunflower fields, and even a petting zoo. Why We Share Local Insights At Ascent Property Management, we know that being successful in San Diego real estate means more than understanding contracts and rental laws—it’s about understanding the community. From seasonal events like pumpkin patches to important housing data, we make it our job to stay connected to what’s happening locally. This knowledge helps us guide property owners with confidence, ensuring their investments thrive in the unique San Diego market. 
By Ascent Property Management August 20, 2025
Owning rental property in San Diego has its perks. Sunshine year-round, mild weather, and steady rental demand. But while we may not face snowstorms or freezing pipes, landlords still need to prepare their properties for the shift into winter. Those rare seasonal rains, shorter days, and cooler nights can expose small issues that lead to big repairs if they’re ignored. Here are the top maintenance tasks San Diego landlords should tackle before winter hits. Clear Gutters and Check Drainage Even though rain is infrequent in San Diego, when it comes, it can be heavy. Clogged gutters or poor drainage around the property can lead to water pooling near the foundation, roof leaks, or flooding. A quick clean-out and inspection can save you thousands in repairs down the road. Inspect the Roof Summer heat can take a toll on shingles and tiles. Before the rainy season arrives, it’s smart to check for cracks, loose materials, or signs of wear. Even a small leak can cause major damage if a storm rolls through. Service Heating Systems San Diego winters may be mild, but tenants still rely on their heaters when the nights get chilly. Schedule a routine HVAC inspection to make sure the system is clean, efficient, and safe. A well-maintained system reduces tenant complaints and helps avoid emergency repair calls during a cold snap. Test Weatherstripping and Windows Drafty windows or worn-out weatherstripping can make a rental feel less comfortable and drive up utility bills. Replacing seals and caulking around windows and doors is a low-cost way to improve energy efficiency and keep tenants happy. Trim Trees and Landscaping Fall is a great time to prune back overgrown trees and shrubs. Not only does this boost curb appeal, but it also reduces the risk of branches breaking during a storm and causing damage to roofs, fences, or vehicles. Final Thoughts Proactive seasonal maintenance protects your investment and keeps tenants satisfied. In San Diego, that means getting ahead of rain, cooler weather, and shorter days. By tackling these tasks before winter, landlords can avoid costly repairs, reduce turnover, and ensure their rental properties are safe and comfortable year-round. 
By Ascent Property Management June 18, 2025
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management  At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.
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