How to Verify a Landlord Is Real Before Paying (Step-by-Step)

Most rental scams would be stopped cold if every renter verified property ownership before paying. The problem is that most people do not know how to do this, and scammers count on that. This guide walks you through every free tool available.

Step 1: Get the Property Address

This sounds obvious, but many scam listings deliberately omit or obscure the address. They might say "Near downtown Chicago" or "Address provided after application." If a listing does not give you a specific street address, that is your first red flag.

What to do: Ask for the exact address before going any further. If the "landlord" refuses or makes excuses, stop communicating immediately.

Step 2: Search County Property Records

Every county in the United States maintains public records of property ownership. These records are free to access online in most counties.

How to find your county assessor:

1. Google "[County Name] property assessor" or "[County Name] property records"
2. Find the official county website (usually ends in .gov or .us)
3. Search by the property address
4. Note the owner name on record

What to look for: The owner name on the county record should match the person you are communicating with. If the property is owned by "ABC Property Management LLC" but you are talking to "John Smith" who claims to be the owner, that is a mismatch worth investigating.

Common exceptions: Properties may be owned by an LLC, trust, or holding company. If the "landlord" claims to represent a management company, verify that company exists and is licensed.

Step 3: Verify the Management Company

If the landlord claims to be from a property management company:

• Search the company name on Google. Does it have a real website, Google Business listing, and reviews?
• Check your state's business registry (usually Secretary of State website) to confirm the company is registered.
• Call the company at the phone number listed on their official website (not a number the "landlord" gives you) and ask if they manage the property.
• Verify the person you are communicating with is actually an employee of that company.

Step 4: Cross-Reference the Listing

Search for the same property on multiple platforms:

• Look up the address on Zillow, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com
• Check if the property is listed on the management company's own website
• Compare photos, descriptions, and prices across listings
• If the same property appears at different prices on different platforms, the lower-priced listing is likely a scam copy

Step 5: Use Google Street View

Drop the address into Google Maps and use Street View to virtually visit the property. Compare what you see to the listing photos. Does the building exterior match? Is the neighborhood consistent with the listing description?

Scammers sometimes list addresses of vacant lots, commercial buildings, or homes that look nothing like the photos they stole from another listing.

Step 6: Request a Video Call

Before meeting in person, request a quick video call with the landlord. Most scammers refuse video calls because they cannot match the persona they have created. A legitimate landlord or property manager will have no problem hopping on a FaceTime or Zoom call.

During the call: Ask them to show a form of ID and something linking them to the property (management agreement, deed, or at minimum their business card).

Step 7: Meet at the Property

This is the most important step. A legitimate landlord will arrange to meet you at the actual property for a tour. During the meeting:

• Verify the address matches the listing
• Check that the landlord can open doors with a key (not a lockbox code anyone could find)
• Look for signs of actual ownership (mail, property management signs, maintenance equipment)
• Ask neighbors or the building manager if they recognize this person as the owner or manager
• Never meet at a coffee shop, office, or other location instead of the property itself

Step 8: Verify the Lease Before Signing

Before you sign anything or pay any money, the lease agreement should include:

• The landlord's full legal name (matching county records or the management company)
• The exact property address
• Lease term (start date, end date)
• Monthly rent amount
• Security deposit amount and conditions for return
• Landlord's contact information (physical address, not just email)

If the "landlord" does not provide a proper lease or rushes you to pay before signing one, walk away.

Red Flags That Should Stop You Immediately