Bait and Switch Rental Scams
When the listing you applied for is not the unit you get
How This Scam Works
The showcase listing
An attractive listing is posted featuring a beautifully renovated, well-lit unit at a competitive price. The photos and description present the best possible version of the property.
The tour redirect
When the renter arrives for a viewing, they are told the advertised unit is 'no longer available' or 'just rented' — but the landlord has another unit in the same building they can show instead.
The lesser offer
The alternative unit is smaller, in worse condition, on a less desirable floor, or lacks amenities shown in the original listing. However, having already made the trip, the renter feels invested and is more likely to accept.
The pressure close
The landlord uses the sunk cost of the renter's time and effort to push for a quick commitment, often at the same price as the original (better) unit. 'Take it now or it will be gone too.'
Red Flags to Watch For
- ⚠The unit you are shown is different from the one in the listing — different floor plan, condition, or floor
- ⚠Landlord says the advertised unit 'just rented' but has another available at the same price
- ⚠Photos in the listing do not match what you see during the viewing
- ⚠Pressure to commit to the alternative unit immediately
- ⚠The landlord has multiple units and always seems to redirect to a specific one
Suspect a Scam? Check the Listing
Paste any rental listing and get an instant analysis that checks for 40+ scam patterns — completely free.
Check a Listing NowWhat to Do If This Happens to You
- ✓Walk away — do not let sunk cost (the time you spent traveling to view) push you into accepting a lesser unit at the same price
- ✓Report the misleading listing to the platform, as bait-and-switch tactics violate most platforms' terms of service
- ✓Leave a detailed review on the property or landlord on Google, Yelp, or apartment review sites
- ✓File a complaint with your local housing authority or tenant advocacy organization
- ✓Document everything: take photos of the actual unit shown and screenshot the original listing for comparison