Southwestern Management And Realty Team

Caution! Be Aware of These Rental Scams in Las Vegas

Families and individuals looking to relocate to the Las Vegas area and wanting to lease or rent single family homes need to thoroughly research properties they’re interested in as well as who is managing them. It appears that rental scams in southern Nevada are once again on the rise. Even worse is the fact that there are a number of different scams to watch out for such as:

  • Legitimate online ads that have been hijacked by scam artists who change the contact information and create a fake advertisement in its place.
  • Properties that are advertised online but don’t exist (a.k.a. “phantom” properties).
  • Vacant properties that scammers have changed the locks on.

These are just a few of the more common ones that property management companies are aware of. Fortunately, there are certain “red flags” or warning signs that you should watch out for when searching for rental properties in the Las Vegas area, specifically those where the property is priced considerably lower than similar properties in the same area or neighborhood.

What to Watch Out For

Remember the old rule of thumb: “If the price is too good to be true, then it probably is.”  

Other warning signs include:

  • Individuals who are unable to meet in person, claim to be outside the US, or are never available and want to conduct business without ever meeting face to face.
  • Individuals who only want payments in cash or reloadable credit cards that are very difficult to trace.
  • Individuals who require unusually large fees up front prior to signing any lease or rental agreement.
  • Individuals who want cash payments and don’t require applicants to undergo a screening process.

Knowing these warning signs could save you a lot of money and grief. Just be sure that you’ve done your homework before committing to any lease or rental agreement.

What You Can do

There are a number of steps you can take in order to avoid being a victim of a rental scam. First and foremost, research the landlord or property management company as thoroughly as possible. Google is a great tool to have at your disposal where this type of issue is concerned. If you’re leasing or renting from an individual and not a property management company, be sure to verify that they are who they say they are and that they actually own the property. You can usually find public records online.

These are just some of the reasons why it’s always a good idea to work with a property manager or management company when searching for a home to lease or rent. They have access to or can find information on most rental properties. Most important of all, NEVER lease or rent any property without seeing it first. If you are unable to do so, ask a friend or relative to check it out.

Make the “SMART” Choice with Southwestern Management And Realty Team

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SMART Rental Qualifications

The following are Southwestern Management And Realty Team’s (SMART) guidelines for renting a property through SMART. Each and every application will be reviewed by a member of SMART and could be adjusted depending on credit/income and the application itself. Please be truthful!

Rental Qualifications

  • Applicant MUST be 18 years or older and application fee is $65.00 per person and is non-refundable.

Credit

  • Minimum score of 650
  • No EVICTIONS in the past 5 years
  • No utility collections (gas, power, water)

Income Verification

  • Income MUST be 3 times the monthly rent for good credit 650+ and 4 times if applicant has poor credit but good income.
  • MUST be verifiable
  • MUST be with current employer for at least 6 months.
    **If self-employed—CPA financial statements and/or tax returns are acceptable.

Employment History

(you could be required to show proof if requested, paycheck stubs, etc.)

  • Verifiable employment history for the past 3 years
    **If self-employed/retired/not employed—can verify income with signed tax returns and/or bank statements.

Rental History Verification

  • Verify for the past 3 years
  • Must provide: Landlord Names, and phone number, email (if available) on the online application.

Criminal Background Check

SMART does check—Criminal, Sex Offender and Terrorist database

  • NO sex offenders
  • NO crimes—violent crimes, prostitution, domestic violence, possession of weapons or illegal drugs

Pets

MUST be 30 pounds & under & absolutely no violent breeds—ask SMART for the Pet Policy

  • 2 pets max
  • NO ferrets or snakes
  • NO Dangerous, poisonous or illegal pets
  • NO aquariums larger than 10 gallons

Emotional Support pets are NOT considered a Service Animal and not under ADA laws.

SERVICE ANIMALS ARE OF COURSE ACCEPTED AND WILL REQUIRE THE PROPER GOVERNMENT ISSUED DOCUMENTATION.