Moving to New York City is exciting, but finding an apartment? That’s a whole other adventure — sometimes a frustrating one. Scammers may target newcomers, especially immigrants, because they assume that these people are not familiar with how renting works in NYC. If you know what to look for, you can avoid the traps and find a legit place to call home.
Common rental scams and how they work
Fake listings: The too-good-to-be-true trap
Ever see an apartment that looks perfect but is somehow way cheaper than anything else around? Gorgeous photos, fancy amenities, and a rent price that feels like a steal? That’s because it is — but not in a good way. Scammers love to copy real listings, post them as their own, and lure in hopeful renters with unbeatable deals. If the rent seems way below market rate or the person listing it refuses to meet you in person, that’s a sign something’s off.
- To find the average monthly rent in a specific area, you can use online rental platforms like Zillow or Redfin by simply entering the ZIP code to see the average rent in that neighborhood.
Upfront payment scams: The disappearing deposit
A significant red flag in the NYC rental market are prospective tenants being asked to pay upfront before signing a lease. Scammers often collect security deposits, first month’s rent, and additional fees from multiple prospective tenants, only to vanish without a trace. They create a false sense of urgency, claiming high demand for the unit and pressuring you to pay before viewing the apartment or finalizing a lease. These fraudsters typically request payment through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods. In contrast, legitimate landlords generally accept checks or direct deposits.
To protect yourself, never hand over cash or use untraceable payment methods before signing a legal lease. A legitimate rental should have a written lease agreement outlining the terms and conditions. Always make sure the lease is official and includes clear details about rent, duration, and responsibilities before making any payments. If a landlord refuses to provide documentation but still demands money, that’s a clear sign to walk away.
- In NYC, landlords are allowed to request a security deposit (up to one month’s rent) and the first month’s rent upfront. However, they cannot require last month’s rent or charge any additional fees beyond those two payments. Landlords can charge up to $20 for background and credit checks, but they must provide the tenant with a copy of the check and a receipt.
Out of town landlord: Paying for a place that is non-existent
Some scammers post listings for apartments that aren’t actually available or don’t exist at all. They’ll claim they’re out of town but insist they can mail you the keys as soon as you send a deposit. That’s the biggest red flag. No legitimate landlord will ask for money upfront before you even see the place. If the person renting the apartment keeps making excuses about why they can’t meet you or show the unit, especially if they pressure you to send money in advance, it’s likely a scam.
- You can check if the apartment is real by looking up public property records in NYC.
Bait-and-switch: The swap trick
Imagine showing up for a viewing, excited to see the place from the listing, only to be told that the apartment is “just rented” or “no longer available.” Then, suddenly, the landlord or broker tries to push you into taking another unit, usually in worse condition or more expensive. This is a classic bait-and-switch scam. It’s a way to lure renters in with great deals and then pressure them into settling for something less desirable. If the apartment looks nothing like the listing or you feel rushed into taking a different place, walk away.
Fake landlords: Do they even own the place?
Not everyone claiming to be a landlord actually owns the property they’re renting out. Some scammers pretend to be the owner, collect rent or deposits from multiple people, and then vanish. Some scammers break into vacant homes, change locks, and pose as landlords. They collect rent from unsuspecting tenants before getting caught by the actual owner. To avoid falling for this, ask for proof of ownership, such as property tax documents or management company details.
- You can look up the landlord’s name in NYC property records. If they dodge questions about ownership, it’s best to move on.
How to protect yourself
The best defense against rental scams is doing your homework. Before getting too excited about a listing, take a few minutes to research the property. A quick Google search of the address can reveal if the same photos are being used in different listings or if there are reports of scams linked to it.
- Running a reverse image search on listing photos can also help determine if they were stolen from another ad.
Always see the apartment in person before committing. If you’re not in NYC yet, try to have a trusted friend check it out for you. No legitimate landlord should have a problem showing the place before asking for a deposit. If they refuse, it’s a significant warning sign.
It’s also important to verify who you’re dealing with. If you’re working with a broker, make sure they’re licensed by checking their registration with the New York Department of State. If you’re renting directly from a landlord, ask for proof of ownership. If they hesitate or get defensive, that’s another red flag.
When it comes to payments, always use methods that leave a clear paper trail. Checks or official bank transfers are safest as they can be traced if something goes wrong. Do not pay with cash, Venmo, Zelle, or wire transfers, especially to a personal account. If a landlord insists on these methods, think twice before proceeding.
Reading the lease carefully is also key. Never rely on verbal promises — everything, from rent amount to maintenance responsibilities, should be written in the lease. If anything seems unclear or different from what was discussed, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification before signing.
What to do if you get scammed
If you realize you’ve been scammed, report the fraud to NYC’s Department of Consumer Affairs or call 311 to file a complaint. You can also report rental scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which tracks fraudulent activities across the country.
Local tenant organizations, such as the Metropolitan Council on Housing, can offer guidance and help. If you’ve lost money, consider filing a police report. While it may not always lead to getting your money back, it can prevent the scammer from targeting more people.
Where to find legitimate rentals
To stay on the safe side, stick to trusted rental sources. NYC Housing Connect is a great option for those looking for affordable housing opportunities. Well-known platforms like StreetEasy, Zillow, and Apartments.com tend to have more reliable listings, but it’s still important to be cautious and verify everything. If you’re working with a real estate agent, ensure they’re licensed and registered with the state to avoid shady brokers.
Apartment hunting in NYC can be tough, but you don’t have to fall for scams to land a great place. If something feels off, trust your instincts and double-check everything before committing. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t be pressured into making a rushed decision. With a bit of patience and some wise precautions, you can find a safe and legitimate place to call home.
