Evolving technology has made it easy for people to advertise their properties online and find potential tenants through websites, social media and email. In most cases, this is a great benefit. However, it has also given dishonest people a new way to scam both landlords and tenants out of their money and time.
It’s important to protect yourself. Don’t share any personal information or make any promises to people you have never met. If someone expresses an interest in the property you have advertised on a rental site, but they’re not able to meet you in person to see the house and they can’t give you verifiable information on a rental application, you don’t want to waste any more time talking to them.
You also need to be careful with your own advertising. There are lots of fraudulent advertisements on otherwise reputable rental sites. For example, a popular scam involves someone stealing your online ad. They will take your photos and your description and then change the contact information and dramatically lower the price. Then, a tenant who thinks they’ve found an outstanding deal will send that person a deposit and never hear from them again. You need to check the online ads regularly to make sure no one has stolen yours.
If you get a potential tenant who wants to pay for a full year’s rent up front, that’s great and it does happen, however make sure they pass the same screening you have the same as others, maybe with the exception of the 3 times income rule . A full years rent up front doesn’t guarantee you’re getting a good tenant. It can be a way for that person to convince you that a background check isn’t necessary. Check and document everything in writing.
The best way to avoid online scams is to list your property with a professional Grand Rapids management company. They will have relationships with pools of potential tenants and secure websites. This can cut down on your risk and liability.
If you have any questions about rental scams, or you’d like additional information on how to avoid them, please contact us at United Properties of West Michigan.
Sergio joined United Properties in 2020. He is a graduate from Pickens Technical College as a Nurse Assistant and as a Small Animal Care Provider in 2010. In the past nine years, Sergio has had various jobs, all focused around customer service.
Eden joined United Properties in 2016. Eden graduated from Davenport University in 2015 with an Associate’s in Business Administration. She’s the Executive Assistant to the Owner of United Properties, with a focus on procedural documentation. She enjoys playing guitar, reading, and doing outdoor activities. Eden is trilingual and able to communicate in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. 
David joined the United Properties team in 2019 as the Director of Client Relations and Business Development. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading all leasing, application underwriting, tenant relations, accounts receivable, process improvement, remote workers, and general office functionality (essentially anything outside of maintenance and service). David comes from a longstanding career at a Fortune 15 company primarily in a sales and customer service leadership role.
Tim VandenToorn serves as Managing Partner of United Properties of West Michigan, working closely with our owners and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company. Tim also started United Realty, which serves as a brokerage for United Properties and assists investors with the acquisition of investment properties.
Matthew joined the United Properties in early 2020. He is a graduate of Lee University with a bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies and also a master’s in Discipleship and Christian Formation. Matthew serves as a project manager over the Rent Ready process. He has 20 years of construction experience and over 10 years of experience in leadership positions. He oversees a team of technicians and schedules outside vendors getting properties back to the United rent-ready standard so that they can be leased again.
Carla joined United Properties in late 2019 as a billing specialist. Carla ensures invoices are received from contractors and bills them out in a timely fashion.
Cristina joined United Properties as the billing assistant in October of 2020. She has experience as a technology professional, an English-Spanish translator, and has worked the past several years as the treasurer of her condominium.
Rick is one of the newest members of our team. He has an extensive background in customer service. He and his wife are raising their 4-year-old son. Rick loves beef jerky so much he makes his own.
Harriet joined United Properties as a billing assistant in February of 2021. She has experience as a bookkeeper and a Property Manager for a Real Estate account. She was a working student during her college days. Harriet loves cleaning because she thinks it is therapeutic. She also loves watching series during her free time, and she’s a fur mom of one dog. Her inspiration to work every day is her family.
Diego has an extensive background in customer service and, most recently in Maintenance and
My name is Paulina Gonzalez. I have been working for the company since early 2021. I studied social work and have 7 years of experience in customer service. I speak English and Spanish. I am very patient, and I like to ask a lot of questions to learn a lot. I enjoy small road trips and cold rainy weather. I have a 3-month-old puppy, and he is my favorite thing in the world.
Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial strategies and public accounting and is studying a masters in Blockchain and Fintech regulation. She has previous experience as a customer service representative. She speaks English and Spanish. She loves taking long walks with her three dogs, hiking and road tripping during the weekends.
Chris Good is new to the United Properties Team since June 2022 as a Business Development Manager. With years of experience in both the construction industry (Master Electrician) and the Real Estate industry (Broker), he will closely work with new and experienced investors to facilitate their real estate goals.
Melba Alvarez
Enrique Vergara (Henry)
Alyssa Lawrence
Mike Cleveland