Imagine signing a three-month sublease for a dreamy apartment—only to get evicted two weeks later because subletting isn’t allowed in the building. Or worse, paying a deposit for a place that turns out to be a total fake, with your only point of contact suddenly vanishing into thin air.
When the rental market heats up, so do the scams. Fraudsters know exactly when to strike—usually when renters are desperate, overwhelmed, and just trying to secure a roof over their heads. It’s during these frenzied seasons that some people let their guard down, and that’s when the scammers swoop in.
“They know how the market works,” says Philip Horigan, founder of a short-term rental listings site. “When it’s quiet, they’re quiet. But when competition is fierce, they ramp up their efforts. Unfortunately, that’s also when renters are stretched thin and more vulnerable.”
Horigan, who frequently vets listings, has seen firsthand how convincing these scams can be—right down to fake email addresses, copied leases, and even the involvement of so-called “licensed brokers.” One renter reported exchanging over 20 emails before the scammer suddenly claimed they couldn’t show the apartment in person—because the current tenant was supposedly being uncooperative. Their pitch? Pay a deposit now to reserve the place, or lose it to someone else. Classic red flag.
Understanding how short-term rentals actually work is crucial to avoiding these kinds of traps. For example, many buildings have strict rules about lease terms. While long-term rentals are generally permitted, some buildings forbid short stays or vacation-style arrangements, particularly when the owner isn’t present. In some places, renting out an entire unit for less than 30 days without the owner can even be illegal.
That means the responsibility falls on you to verify that any short-term rental doesn’t violate building or ownership rules. Before signing anything—or handing over a dime—take time to review these red flags, straight from industry professionals who’ve seen it all.
9 Signs Your Short-Term Rental Might Be a Scam
1. The listing doesn’t include a full street address.
Scammers often avoid including real addresses so you can’t verify the legitimacy. If it’s a doorman building, you can even try calling the front desk to confirm the apartment’s availability. It’s a trick that’s uncovered many a fake listing.
2. The rent seems way too good to be true.
If the price is significantly lower than similar units in the same area or building, take a step back. Do some comparison shopping. Scammers love to bait you with a great deal.
3. The email or brokerage info looks suspicious.
If the person claims to be an agent, make sure their email comes from a professional domain—not a personal Gmail account. Also verify their employment on the brokerage’s website and confirm they’re licensed. Be wary if your email thread suddenly changes subject lines or comes from a new address—that’s a trick to dodge detection.
4. They build false trust.
Just because someone replies quickly or chats with you over text, phone, or WhatsApp doesn’t mean they’re real. Scammers can be charming and persistent—they know how to earn your confidence.
5. You can’t see the apartment in person.
A legitimate rental should allow you—or someone you trust—to physically view the place. If they come up with reasons why it’s not possible, walk away. It’s not worth the risk.
6. High-pressure tactics are involved.
If you’re told to act fast because “others are interested,” be cautious. Creating a sense of urgency is a classic scam strategy to get you to pay before you think.
7. No lease—or refusal to show the lease.
Always ask to see the lease. If they dodge this request, it’s a major warning sign. And remember, leases can be faked—so go a step further and verify with the building or property owner that subleasing is permitted and approved in writing.
8. The lease itself looks sketchy.
Seasoned agents can usually spot a phony lease. Most property owners use standard documents. If the lease looks unfamiliar or oddly formatted, it could be a fake. And even if the person isn’t a scammer, they might unknowingly be renting out a place in a way that violates building rules—which could land you in hot water.
9. A mysterious “agent” suddenly appears.
Sometimes you’ll start dealing with an “owner” who then passes you off to a broker—often with a super common name like “John Smith.” Ask yourself: If a broker is now involved, why wasn’t the apartment listed by them from the start? Be skeptical of sudden shifts in who you’re dealing with.
Also, keep in mind your rights: you can’t legally be charged more than a set amount for application or credit check fees, and your deposit should never exceed one month’s rent in most standard rentals. If you’re being asked for more, that’s a red flag too.
Where to Find Legal Short-Term Rentals
Your best bet? Work with a licensed real estate agent who specializes in short-term leases or use reputable rental platforms that thoroughly vet landlords and listings. Some companies even verify that units are officially registered for short-term rental—ensuring legality and peace of mind.
If you’re after flexibility and a fully furnished setup, try professionally managed housing services or extended-stay options, or explore co-living spaces that allow 30-day minimums. These alternatives often provide security, community, and streamlined processes without the risk of being scammed.
Why Landlords Get Wary About Short-Term Rentals
From a landlord’s perspective, short-term leases can be tricky. In some cases, renting out a unit for less than 90 days classifies them as a hotel operator, bringing additional taxes and regulations into play.
And once someone stays more than a month, they may gain tenant rights—even if they’re not there legally. Evicting someone who overstays or stops paying rent can be a costly and time-consuming process, which is why many property owners screen short-term tenants just as rigorously as long-term ones.
Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to provide proof of income, employment, tax returns, and references. If that step is skipped, ask yourself: Would you hand over your home without vetting someone first?