WatchWe have been renting a SFR for the past two years and of course our landlords sent us a sob story about how they need to increase our rent (even though we are terrific tenants and take care of their property, etc etc) because they need to cover their mortgages and related costs. I want you to know that I immediately stopped and shed a tear for them, because they live in the most affluent area in the SF Peninsula and need to finalize a new lease agreement before they go off on vacation. I mean, how do they manage?
Be that as it may, we have been looking on CL for a new rental (since now that we will be paying several hundred dollars more per month we might as well see if we can live in a nicer part of the Peninsula). However, I've been amazed at the dramatic uptick in fraudulent postings (not the ones with the ridiculously low price -- the other ones that look reasonable and you can map it). Five out of the last eight properties I investigated were frauds.
Not to mention that of the listings that weren't fraudulent, people apparently now think that renting out their dixie-cup sized, run-down property that won't be cleaned before we move in for upwards of $4000-5000/month is an ok thing to do.
So excited at the prospect of staying where we are so that I can continue to fund my landlord's exorbitant lifestyle that apparently he cannot afford. /sarcasm
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Oakland, CA
Dont feel bad you're not alone. I just raised my tenant's rent by 10% yes they were pissed but that's the market.
They are welcome to walk and I'll find someone who realizes the bargain they are getting.
it's the market, you can go find a new place but sometimes it's better to stay where you know what you're gonna get. Especially with SFHs. Nicer homes simply do not get rented. If it's a nicer home renting for a low price most likely either a fraud, someone not paying the mortgage, or a temporary situation until they decide to kick you out and sell the house.
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There are a new rash of rental scams on craigslist. They generally post rental rates that are around 5 - 10% below market. Here is the text of one recent scam email:
START
Hello,
I apologize for not responding to you earlier, I have been extremely busy the last few days!
The good news is that the rental is still available! We had a tentative agreement from the first person we showed it to, but now it seems that they changed their mind, so we need to lease it as soon as possible. You were the second one to email me about it, so its only fair to give you the first shot.
We know you will want to do a walk through of the property, but my husband doesn't want me to advertise the address as a measure of safety. Last time we did that without verifying people, the empty property was broken into and vandalized. We don't want that to happen again! You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone, if you decide to have these services. Just to confirm, we DO allow pets at this property.
The rental term is 12-month lease, but can be switched into a 6-month lease if preferred. We just ask that you give us fair notice if you are moving out.
If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental report. We use this site for all the properties we manage. Just fill out the form and indicate that you want the free report. The actual scores aren't important to us, it's more of a formality to have it on file, to make sure there are no previous proerty related issues.
Get your report here: FULL REPORT
Remember, we only need to see the page about the rental history. That will be all you will need to bring with you to the showing.
As far as getting together to see the property goes, I am available to show it any time from 10:00 am on, for the next few days. Let me know once you have it printed out, and we will set up a time to do your walk-through.
Thank you once again for your interest!
Stacy
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The email comes from staceylow20@hotmail.com
They provide a link which aks you to fill out a rental application which asks for your social security number, etc.
I don't think craigslist does a good job of policing this stuff.
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San Jose, CA
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Hi Mrs. Whatsit,
If your landlord is raising the rent more than 10%, they must give you a 60 days notice. 30 days notice for 10% or less increase. Good luck with finding a new rental.
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Los Angeles, CA
pretty soon gonna need to use escrow company to rent
(not a fake one either run from nigeria!)