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.


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By Ascent Property Management 17 Apr, 2024
As Earth Day approaches, it's the perfect time to consider making eco-friendly updates to your rental property. Not only do these updates contribute to a healthier planet, but they can also save you some money in the long run! Energy-Efficient Lighting One of the simplest yet most impactful eco-friendly updates you can make is replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, consider installing motion sensors or timers to automatically turn off lights when not in use, further conserving energy.
By Ascent Property Management 20 Mar, 2024
In the competitive rental market, tenants often come across listings advertised as "For Rent by Owner." While these listings may seem appealing, renting directly from an individual landlord rather than through a professional property management company can pose some risks.
By Ascent Property Management 12 Feb, 2024
Owning rental property can be a lucrative investment, but brings with it a fair share of challenges and responsibilities. There comes a point for many property owners when the demands of property management become overwhelming or too time-consuming.
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