Navigating Perth’s Rental Market? Make Sure You’re Dealing with a Licensed Agent
As seen in The West Real Estate
Over the past few years, unscrupulous scammers have been increasingly taking advantage of vulnerable people seeking a property in WA’s tight rental market.
They lure desperate tenants in by advertising properties for rent on platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace or they respond to tenants’ own pleas on these sites to find a home. They claim to have a property available, send pictures, and ask the tenant to pay a deposit, bond, or rent in advance to secure the lease.
Rental scams can have devastating consequences, including financial loss, being left without a place to live, and emotional distress. According to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS), a total of $51,875 was stolen from 20 victims last year, surpassing the 16 victims and $39,935 in losses reported for 2024.
REIWA has warned that the current rental market is challenging and people looking for a property will try every avenue to find one. We don’t want people to fall victim to scammers and offer the following advice to help avoid a rental scam.
1. Most properties in WA are managed by property managers, they will not contact you through, or advertise on, platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or WhatsApp. Be very wary of responding to ads on these platforms or people who contact you via these platforms.
However, some legitimate landlords might use these platforms, so do some more digging. Is the email address linked to multiple ads? That’s a potential red flag. Google the property’s address. If it is being legitimately advertised by a property manager, contact them directly. If it’s not, it may be a scam.
2. Similarly, do a reverse google search of the photos. Scammers often steal photos from old internet ads. Contact the former selling agent or property manager to see if the property is genuinely available as a rental.
3. Be cautious of rental listings that have extremely low prices. Do some research on www.reiwa.com so you know what a realistic rental price for that suburb is.
4. Make sure you inspect the property in person or have someone you trust inspect it for you. If the ‘landlord’ says they can’t show you the property because they are away, interstate or overseas, it is probably a scam. Suggesting you do a drive-by of the property is another common trick.
5. Be wary of someone trying to push or rush you to make a decision and telling you to send funds to “make sure you don’t miss out on the property”. And do not send bond or rent until you have a copy of a legitimate residential tenancy agreement, such as LGIRS Form 1AA.
6. Finally, only deal with landlords you meet face to face, or use a property manager.
Contact AZ Property’s licensed agents to ensure every listing is legitimate and verified.
Website: www.az-property.com.au
Phone: 08 9355 2757
Enquiry send to [email protected]
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