PHOENIX – As rising home prices continue to push more Arizonans into the rental market, Attorney General Kris Mayes is urging renters to be on alert for scams. Fraudsters are creating fake rental listings or copying real ones to trick potential tenants into sending money or sharing personal information before seeing a property.
“Housing is a basic human need and, unfortunately, some fraudsters prey upon that need to take advantage of hardworking Arizonans simply trying to find a place to live,” Mayes said. “I urge you to be cautious about who you provide your financial and other personally identifying information to when looking for a home.”
Tips to avoid rental scams
Attorney General Mayes offered the following guidance to help renters avoid becoming victims:
Before viewing a rental property:
Be skeptical of listings priced well below market value.
Search the property address online to ensure it’s not listed for sale elsewhere.
Drive by the property to confirm it exists and matches the listing.
Avoid individuals who:
Only communicate via text,
Claim to be out of state or country,
Request wired funds, gift cards, or peer-to-peer app payments.
Be cautious of upfront fees outside of standard application and credit check charges.
Don’t provide personal details like Social Security numbers or banking info before verifying the rental is legitimate.
After viewing the property:
Ensure the rental matches what was advertised.
Review all fees and terms in the lease agreement.
Never sign a lease with blank sections.
Don’t pay a deposit until the lease is signed.
Always keep a copy of the signed agreement.
What to do if you’re a victim
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a rental scam, you can file a consumer complaint at azag.gov. Residents may also request a complaint form by calling the Attorney General’s Office at:
Phoenix: (602) 542-5763
Tucson: (520) 628-6648
Statewide (outside metro areas): (800) 352-8431
