Quote:
Originally Posted by Flavia84
I'm looking at renting a room in the Bay Area, around 1500$ range (so not cheap).
How can I make sure that I don't get scammed? Like, putting a deposit down, getting the key and then not being able to get in because it's a fake key?
Any tips on how not to lose my hard earned cash?
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Make sure that 'all' transactions and agreements are in writing and signed by both parties, no exceptions. Don't put any money down such as a holding deposit or pay a sec dep until you know exactly what it is for and if it is refundable and get it all in writing and signed. Don't let them convince you verbally to take their word on anything. If you don't understand something or something is not clear enough or doesn't make sense, make sure to ask questions until you have answers to everything to your satisfaction and again, get it all in writing.
Not clear if you are renting a room from/with someone else or from an owner who is also occupying the apt or if you are subletting from someone else and taking over their lease, etc. No matter what, you need to do your due diligence and check/verify everything, ask questions and get it all in writing and signed by both parties. If you are renting from a leaseholder (tenant) as a roommate situation or you are subletting and taking over a lease from someone else, make sure to verify whether they have permission to do so or are allowed to.
And make sure to take a lot of clear dated photos when you move in and when you move out in case they try to deduct things from your sec dep.
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