How do I Protect Myself from Potential Scamming Before Signing A Lease Today? (apartment complex, tenants) - Renting -Apartments, houses, lease, tenant, landlord, agreements, termination - City-Data Forum

poloi3eai2 · 08-13-2012, 05:37 AM

I'm meeting with a condo owner to sign a lease today and this is my first time renting from owner. I usually rent from corporate owned apartment complexes so I never really worried about getting scammed. I found the place on Craigslist.

How do I legally ensure that he is legit and will not run off with my security deposit or commit identity theft? Is there anything in the contract that I should make sure of to legally uphold him as the owner? He has all my personal info including social sec #, place of work, along with my girlfriends.

The guy and his wife were really nice people when I met them but I really don't know them apart from a can of paint. All I have is his phone number. He lists his address on the lease as a PO Box, which is understandable to protect his family and personal residence from potential angry tenants.

I don't want to offend him by asking for a copy of his ID or any personal info, I just want to make sure he is legally upheld on the lease to be the landlord.

ShaneSA · 08-13-2012, 07:04 AM

Look up the local property tax records to see the owner's name. If the owner's name is the same as the person your talking with, prably a good deal. The only real assurance you get is his ID to be sure he is the person. Ask the neighbors to be sure he is who he says he is.

SouthernBelleInUtah · 08-13-2012, 08:04 AM

I assume he actually let you in to view the place. That is one clue, when you have to rent sight unseen.

poloi3eai2 · 08-13-2012, 11:35 AM

I looked up the property tax records and the records do say that it is him. He did let me inside the unit last week.

He seems legit but I just want to make sure my ass is covered before I hand him the check and sign the lease

MrRational · 08-13-2012, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poloi3eai2

...I just want to make sure my ass is covered before I hand him the check and sign the lease

Have your attorney review the lease.
The biggest concerns are "amateurism" on their part and condo rules.
The rest (98% of any lease) is about restating what the law allows or provides for.