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Old 09-01-2010, 03:37 PM
 
1 posts, read 1,310 times
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So I am moving to L.A. for work in the Valley. I would like to live in Sherman Oaks or Studio City as I am a mid 20s male young professional. I would like to spend up to $1100. It seems Studio City is a little higher than that and Sherman Oaks is a little lower. I found a few nice places on craigslist just south and just north of Ventura. Should I be wary of craigslist, especially with 1 bedrooms in Sherman Oaks just off of Ventura going for $995?
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Old 09-01-2010, 04:00 PM
 
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Try using Apartments for Rent - PadMapper Apartment Search for Oodle, Apartments.com, Move.com, ForRent.com, and Craigslist Apartments Along with rent.com etc, you will only get Craigslist ads that have actual addresses. That eliminates a lot of the scams.

Don't give anybody money until you view the actual unit you will be renting.

If you are renting from a private landlord, make sure he has not received a Notice of Default on the property
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Old 09-01-2010, 09:20 PM
 
23 posts, read 28,179 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DowntownVentura View Post

If you are renting from a private landlord, make sure he has not received a Notice of Default on the property
How would you make sure the landlord hasn't received a Notice of Default on property?

Also, is there a difference in renting from a private landlord vs. a real estate company?
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Old 09-02-2010, 12:11 PM
 
1,465 posts, read 5,148,792 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StartingOver! View Post
How would you make sure the landlord hasn't received a Notice of Default on property?

Also, is there a difference in renting from a private landlord vs. a real estate company?
In California (and I assume every other state) a Notice of Default is filed with the county recorder's office. These are public records accessible to all. As an individual, you may have to go to the recorder's office in person or it may be available online. Title companies typically have access to it all online.

Real Estate or Property Management companies can act as agents for private landlords. It is unusual that they would be involved in a scam.

By and large, private landlords acting as their own property manager are legitimate too. However, it is also this segment from which most scams originate.

The scammers ads on Craigslist frequently don't have an address, just an area. The price is below market so they get as many calls as possible. They typically tell you that you have to go through their credit check process before viewing the home. Just send in $25 (or whatever) and they will start the process. You will never hear from them again. Or with the sensitive data you provided, they will steal your identity. The last common one is they will rent you the unit if you send them the deposit and first month's rent. Problem, it isn't their unit to rent.

The part of the Notice of Default is it is pretty certain another owner is going to come along. They are still bound by the lease but when that expires, you don't know what your fate will be. Everybody hates moving, you are better off finding a property you like and plan to be there for a while. Having a stable landlord helps that goal.

Last edited by DowntownVentura; 09-02-2010 at 01:06 PM..
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