Professional problem tenants and rental scammers have become increasingly sophisticated. They specifically target self-managing property owners because they know amateur landlords are easier to exploit. Understanding their tactics is your first line of defense.
Why Self-Managers Are Vulnerable
Self-Managing Owners
- • Inconsistent screening processes
- • Emotional decision-making
- • Limited legal knowledge
- • Slow to act on violations
- • Personal relationships blur boundaries
Professional Managers
- • Standardized, thorough screening
- • Data-driven decisions
- • Up-to-date on rental laws
- • Immediate enforcement of lease terms
- • Professional boundaries maintained
Common Scams and Red Flags
1. The Sob Story Application
How it works: Applicants share elaborate personal hardships (divorce, job loss, medical issues) to explain credit problems or gaps in rental history, pressuring you to make exceptions to your criteria.
Protection: Apply the same standards to everyone. A professional property manager removes emotional decision-making from the equation.
2. The Fake Pay Stubs
How it works: With online tools, creating fake employment documents is easy. Scammers present doctored pay stubs, fake employer phone numbers (actually their accomplices), and fabricated bank statements.
Protection: Verify employment directly through company HR departments (find the number independently, don't use what's on the application). Cross-reference with tax returns.
3. The Professional Reference Ring
How it works: Scammers provide friends as "previous landlords" who give glowing references. Some even operate networks where they serve as references for each other.
Protection: Verify landlord ownership through property records. Ask detailed questions only a real landlord would know about the property.
4. The Rush Move-In
How it works: "I need to move in this weekend!" High pressure to skip normal screening processes. Often accompanied by offering to pay several months upfront in cash.
Protection: Never skip screening, regardless of circumstances. Legitimate tenants understand proper procedures take time.
Warning Signs During Showings
- • Reluctance to provide identification
- • Wanting to pay only in cash
- • Vague answers about employment or rental history
- • Pressure to skip application process
- • Refusing to allow all adults to be screened
The Professional Tenant Problem
"Professional tenants" are individuals who know rental laws better than most landlords and exploit every loophole. They may pay the first month's rent to establish tenancy, then stop paying—knowing the California eviction process takes months and they'll have free housing during that time.
These individuals often have been through multiple evictions and know exactly how to delay proceedings. They specifically target properties listed "by owner" on Craigslist, Zillow, and similar platforms.
Don't Be an Easy Target
Professional property management acts as a shield between you and problematic tenants. Our screening processes, legal expertise, and consistent enforcement make your property a less attractive target for scammers.
Get Protected Today