How to Avoid Rental Scams in Boston and Protect Your Hard-Earned Money

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  How to Avoid Rental Scams in Boston and Protect Your Hard-Earned Money

Renting an apartment in Boston can be competitive and high-stakes, but staying sharp and protecting yourself from scammers is crucial. Rental scams are getting more sophisticated, and if you’re not careful, you could lose thousands of dollars to fraudsters. Here’s how to make sure you don’t get played.

1. Don’t Send Money Until You Know Who You’re Dealing With

Scammers love to pretend they’re landlords, property managers, or even real estate agents. Do your homework before sending a dime for deposits, application fees, or first and last month’s rent.

• Ask for their ID and proof they’re legitimate.
• Look them up online—do they have a business presence?
• Check their LinkedIn profile to see if they’re tied to a real estate office.
• Check that the office has a lot of great reviews over many years.

2. Always See the Apartment (or Get a Verified Virtual Tour)

One of the biggest red flags? If someone won’t let you see the place in person before paying. If you can’t be there, don’t worry—you can still verify it’s real.

• Either visit the unit yourself or hire a licensed real estate agent for a live virtual tour.
• Ensure they clearly show the entrance, exterior, and unit number so you know it’s the right place.

3. Work With a Licensed Real Estate Agent

There are many great real estate agents in Boston, but make sure you work with a licensed one.

• Verify their license on the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Licensing website, also known as the MA Division of Professional Licensure.
• Check if they actually work at a legitimate brokerage. You can also search the brokerage on the Real Estate Licensing website.
• Call the office to confirm that the agent works there.

4. If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

Boston’s rental market is competitive. If you see a deal that is way cheaper than similar listings, be careful—it could be a scam.

• Research rental prices in the area and be wary of landlords who rush you to send money immediately.

5. Be Smart About How You Pay Deposits

Never send cash or wire transfers to someone you don’t know. Stick to secure and traceable payment methods.

• Avoid Venmo, PayPal, or wire transfers to individuals.
• Zelle is okay, but only after you verify that the account belongs to the landlord or a real estate/ property management company. Always request a receipt for any payments.
• Make sure you’re paying the property owner, a verified representative, a real estate office, or the official property manager.

6. Check to Verify Listings

Many scammers imitate accurate listings, change the contact info, and repost them. Before you engage, confirm the listing is legit.

• Check if the same apartment is listed on multiple real estate rental sites.
• Google the address to see if the name of the landlord/agent/property manager matches past listings.

7. Read the Lease Carefully Before Signing

Scammers love vague or fake lease agreements. Make sure yours is legit before signing.

• Confirm the lease has accurate landlord details and look for terms that protect both you and the landlord.
• If something looks sketchy, ask an attorney to review it.

8. Watch Out for Shady Subleases and Short-Term Rentals

Subleasing can be a grey area, and scammers love to take advantage of it.

• Check with the original landlord or property manager to ensure subleasing is allowed.
• Ask for proof that the current tenant has permission to sublet.

9. Trust Your Gut—If It Feels Off, Walk Away

Rental scams rely on pressure tactics and urgency. If something feels weird, don’t ignore it.

• If a landlord or agent dodges your questions, that’s a red flag.
• If they won’t meet you or show you the place, walk away.
• If they demand money before a walkthrough or application, move on.

Final Thoughts

Apartment hunting in Boston can be stressful, but getting scammed doesn’t have to be part of the process. Take the proper precautions—verify identities, confirm property ownership, work with licensed professionals, and pay smart—so you don’t lose your hard-earned cash.

At Boston Pads, we ensure renters have access to safe and legitimate listings. Need help? Contact us for expert guidance and high-quality apartments from verified landlords and property managers.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or real estate advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, policies and regulations may change, and individual circumstances may vary. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with legal advisors and/or local authorities before making any housing or investment decisions. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations or entities.