RENT Magazine Q3'25

TOP 3

MOVE-IN SCAMS TARGETING LANDLORDS AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Renter fraud is an increasingly common challenge in property management. In NMHC’s recent Pulse Survey on Fraud, nearly 94% of landlords reported encountering fraudulent activity within the past year. More than 70% of respondents said they noticed an increase in fake rental applications and payments. This uptick is likely exacerbated by the economic stress being experienced broadly. Household debt in the U.S. has reached record highs, and serious credit card delinquencies have doubled since 2021. Meanwhile, 44% of consumers now believe unemployment will rise in the next year, the highest level since April 2020. As financial pressures increase, so does the temptation to game the rental system. For landlords, this environment brings a growing risk of unpaid rent, property damage, and unexpected vacancies. On the following pages, we break down the top three move-in scams and tools that can help you stay protected.

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