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How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

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Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#51

Post by bdowling »

win_ini wrote: post #36
felipemnoa wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Anecdote here: Once when I wanted to rent an apartment in a nice apartment complex they wouldn't even show me the apartment without me showing them my ID. I ended up renting the place and never had a problem.

In California - it's the Law. You need to provide picture ID before the property management company can you show you around the property. At least that's what the little sign in each leasing office I've visited said.... (????)

An owner can allow whomever they choose onto a property. The practice you are describing is probably the result of caution on behalf of either the owner or the management company, almost certainly due to potential liability for harms that might occur.

Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#52

Post by rbcgerard »

hprotagonist wrote: post #3

This is why I vastly prefer to rent on handshake deals and standard lease agreements with homeowners. It's waaaay more human.

That, and not having to deal with the BS corporate yield management system trying to increase your rent, and some leasing office agent saying the "system says..."

Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#53

Post by erik998 »

I think the building might not be ready for occupancy. Maybe there is some holdup from a municipality, investor, contractor, fire inspection that is the cause of the real holdup. They really should just return your money but please remember, the person you dealt with also must deal with a large bureaucracy. Maybe the company she works for thinks everything is OK and they just had a series of bad tenants. When dealing with the company you need to remember that person has no incentive in telling you no. At the end of the day they just want a paycheck and will do whatever their bosses tell them to do, right or wrong.

I believe CoreLogic was spun off from First American.

https://www.corelogic.com/about-us/news/asset_upload_file346...

You may want to see if you are eligible to file a claim with your renter's insurance policy.

As for CoreLogic, you will want to use all the debtor's rights laws at your disposal. All those credit reporting laws apply to them, maybe small claims court would be a good avenue. Small claims courts will usually squash any unruly practices of a landlord.

The large rental management companies can be difficult to worth with as a tenant. At the same time its easier for tenants because they have more tools at their disposal especially in collecting minimal amounts of security deposits and timely repairs. They can be difficult when trying to break a lease, return deposits, or charging misc/extra fees. Sometimes there is no way around it. You need to go into the situation understanding you will lose money.

A good rule of thumb is more amenities => more fees => more problems!

Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#54

Post by phonon »

Why don't they get a copy of the Corelogic report?

http://www.corelogic.com/solutions/rental-property-solutions...

How do I obtain a copy of my CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions Consumer File?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to receive one free copy of your consumer file in any twelve month period from a credit reporting agency (CRA). You are also entitled to a free copy of your consumer file if you meet the following criteria:

You have been notified of an adverse action or been denied housing or employment based on information in your consumer file within the past 60 days

You reside in a state where you are entitled to more than one free copy in any twelve month period

You suspect that your file may contain fraudulent information, or you are a victim of identity theft

You are unemployed or you currently receive public assistance

You may obtain a copy of your CoreLogic® Rental Property Solutions consumer file in one of two ways:

1) Call our toll-free number 1-888-333-2413 OR 2) Complete this form. http://www.corelogic.com/downloadable-docs/saferent-consumer...

Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#55

Post by erik998 »

The whole situation sucks. The last thing anyone wants to do is consistently use an attorney to handle matters like these. Each and every day it seems like a necessity. I guess when leasing a place, add up all the months. It might be a good rule of thumb to always consult an attorney for any contracts with goods or services worth more $2000.00.

What sucks is finding an attorney that can advise you on such matters, deal with them, and litigate them for your refund + attorney costs.

Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#56

Post by eeeeeeeeeeeee »

wyldfire wrote: post #6

If this happens to you, you should consider talking to: 1. Your state's AG [1] 2. The local TV news 3. Local police I don't think I would call it a "legal scam," it sounds remarkably like fraud. Lots of modern fraud takes place over international VoIP calls, so the fact that there's a brick and mortar business with assets that can be seized means you shouldn't give up quickly. > Even disputing a charge on the credit…

Definitely sounds like fraud and I doubt it would be hard to prove. The employee who hangs up immediately likely knows what's going on or was instructed by someone higher up. These people are rarely criminal masterminds.

Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#57

Post by yohoho22 »

For what it's worth, landlords in Texas have to "maintain written [tenant] selection criteria"[1] and inform you of them when asked. This is supposed to be noted and underlined on rental applications.

1 (PDF): https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/pmcdocs/TenantSelectionCriteri...

Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#58

Post by erik998 »

felipemnoa wrote: post #34
fwefwwfe wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Then they made a photocopy of our ID for a file. Which again raised my suspicion, I’ve rented many apartment before and none of properties ever asked for that before signing the lease That sounds like a red flag with the article/author. What apartment place wouldn't do a background check and want ID to make sure they go the right person?

Anecdote here: Once when I wanted to rent an apartment in a nice apartment complex they wouldn't even show me the apartment without me showing them my ID. I ended up renting the place and never had a problem.

I think this is the common practice in FL and part of the rules of being a realtor.

Re: How I legally got scammed for $250 by an upscale apartment complex

#60

Post by aub3bhat »

Honestly the author should try applying for renting an apartment/room in NYC. I had to give, ID, Letter from employer/university, payslips, SSN etc. Weeks before signing the lease, which actually ended up happening literally the day of move-in. The 250$ charge seems exorbitant, but ~50 to 100$ credit check fee is common, most agents will provide a realistic assessment of your chances.
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