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I am interested the signs that a scam is underway. What documentation should one ask for when conducting a lease transaction? Due to safety concerns my son is now looking in Brooklyn for an apt. the man who identified himself as the "building manager" has asked for $75.00 and first month's rent (as an application fee) for a Brooklyn apt. Refundable if he is rejected as a tenant. Red flag? We've all heard stories of people who are shown apts. and given keys only to find out it is already owned by someone else when they try to move in. Anyone hear of Nathan at Octan Realty?
Only been registered as a business for about 2 months so your not likely to get feedback.
The good new is that it is a registered business,the bad news is the very short history.Either proceed with caution and document everything or don't proceed at all.
I am interested the signs that a scam is underway. What documentation should one ask for when conducting a lease transaction? Due to safety concerns my son is now looking in Brooklyn for an apt. the man who identified himself as the "building manager" has asked for $75.00 and first month's rent (as an application fee) for a Brooklyn apt. Refundable if he is rejected as a tenant. Red flag? We've all heard stories of people who are shown apts. and given keys only to find out it is already owned by someone else when they try to move in. Anyone hear of Nathan at Octan Realty?
Something sounds off here. I've heard of an application fee, (I paid $150 for my building, others were around $75-150) but never, ever heard of giving first month's rent. That is not typically given until the lease is signed. I would say major red flag.
Thanks. Is it usual to ask for a full month's rent as an application fee for an apt.? And Nathan has stopped answering our texts requesting his last name and Reg. number.?
Thanks. Is it usual to ask for a full month's rent as an application fee for an apt.? And Nathan has stopped answering our texts requesting his last name and Reg. number.?
No not at all. And I looked at numerous apartments and spoke to at least 4 legit brokers a year ago. So my experience is relatively recent. Definite scam.
When looking for apartments this summer all apartments expected first months rent as a deposit once the application was approved (minus the application fee, which is normal- you pay for the credit checks they run). A friend did have to submit first months rent with her application, but she was going through a well respected firm. The money exchanging hands worried me when I was looking for apartments so I ran this by friend of the family who is a real estate broker in the city and was told this was normal procedure. On the NYS website you can look up real estate licenses and what company they work with- I would suggest doing this before handing over any money.
Run away while you still can. If they insist on cash they can't be legitimate.
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