Renting safely

We read each new listing, but we cannot visit every home or confirm who owns it. These habits protect you on any rental site.

Before you pay anything

• See the inside of the home in person, or have someone you trust do it.
• Look up the owner in the county auditor or recorder’s records. In most counties this is free and online.
• Read the whole lease before you sign. Get a copy.
• Pay by a method that leaves a record, and get a receipt.

Signs to walk away

• The owner is out of the country and will mail you the keys.
• You are asked to wire money, or to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• You are asked for a deposit before you have seen the home.
• The rent is far below others nearby and the owner is in a hurry.
• You are pushed off this site right away, before any real answers.

If something looks wrong

Use the Report this listing link on the listing, or write to us on the contact page. If you lost money, also report it to your local police and to the Federal Trade Commission.