Avoid Rental Scams in Texas

Lea Simpkins
Nov 1
2 min read

How to Spot Fake Listings and Avoid Getting Scammed

Rental scams are becoming more common across metro areas like Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, scammers are taking advantage of renters looking for affordable options or that might have second chance leasing obstacles.

Fake listings are showing up on Apartments.com, Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other popular sites. If a deal looks too good to be true—it probably is.

Common Rental Scams in Texas

1. The Fake Landlord Scam

This is the most common—and costly—rental scam. Scammers post a “For Rent by Owner” ad with photos or videos of a real property they don’t own. They claim the home can’t be shown inside, but you can drive by. Once you show interest, they collect application fees, deposits, or rent through Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App—then disappear.

How to Avoid It:

Never send money without meeting in person.
Ask to see a photo ID and verify ownership through County Property Tax Records.
Be cautious if the price seems too low or communication feels rushed.

2. Application Fee Scams

Some scammers post fake listings just to collect non-refundable application fees. They often copy real listings, lower the price, and pressure you to “apply first.”

Red Flags:

Rent that’s much lower than similar properties.
Urgent language like “first come, first served.”
Payment requests through mobile apps or wire transfers.

How to Avoid It: Compare prices for similar listings and verify that the property is actively for rent on multiple trusted sites.

3. Second-Chance Rental Scams

Scammers often target renters with broken leases, evictions, criminal background, or bad credit, offering “guaranteed approval” or charging for a “second-chance apartment list.” They may pose as locators, landlords, or co-signing companies.

How to Avoid It:

Don’t pay anyone upfront for apartment lists or “approval guarantees.”
Licensed Real Estate Agents/Locators do not charge renters—they are paid by the property once you sign a qualifying lease.
Always verify that your agent is licensed with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

Work with a licensed real estate agent/locator—they have access to verified listings that scammers can’t post on.
If interested in a private rental (aka for rent by owner) Verify property ownership through county records.
Check reviews, websites, and contact info. Scammers often use free email accounts (like Gmail or Yahoo) instead of business emails.
Trust your instincts—if it feels off, it probably is.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a rental scam:

Contact your local police department and provide all evidence (texts, emails, listings).
Report the fraudulent listing to the website where you found it.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-382-4357.

Reporting scams helps prevent others from being scammed.

Find Verified Apartments in Texas

Avoid the stress and risk of scams by working with a licensed real estate agent/apartment locator. We specialize in helping renters across Texas—including second-chance applicants—find legitimate apartments that match their needs and budget.

Start your search today and rent with confidence!