Confirming legitimacy of a rental listing

[TJLAMPHERE]

We are assisting a relative to rent a property. We are using Rentfromavillager.com. How can we confirm that the listing is legit and not a scam? It all sounds good, the owner seems real nice, but before any $$$ is sent, we would like to verify ownership of the property.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks....

[gatorbill1]

We are assisting a relative to rent a property. We are using Rentfromavillager.com. How can we confirm that the listing is legit and not a scam? It all sounds good, the owner seems real nice, but before any $$$ is sent, we would like to verify ownership of the property.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks....

You can check county real estate tax records to see who owns the property

[Toymeister]

We are assisting a relative to rent a property. We are using Rentfromavillager.com. How can we confirm that the listing is legit and not a scam? It all sounds good, the owner seems real nice, but before any $$$ is sent, we would like to verify ownership of the property.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks....
Rent from a villager checks the ownership before they turn on the ad. I can verify this first hand.

They do this via tax records, or if it is a recent purchase the purchase closing documents.

It's a felony in Florida to rip off a senior with a false rental. And yes these are prosecuted.

[Rainger99]

We are assisting a relative to rent a property. We are using Rentfromavillager.com. How can we confirm that the listing is legit and not a scam? It all sounds good, the owner seems real nice, but before any $$$ is sent, we would like to verify ownership of the property.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks....

When I rented, I wanted to make sure that it was legitimate. I called the Sumter County Appraiser's office and they confirmed that the person I was writing the check to was the owner of the property.

You can also check it out yourself.

Appraiser website.

Just a moment... (https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=SumterCountyFL&PageType=Search)

Tax website.

Just a moment... (https://sumter.county-taxes.com/public/search/property_tax)

If there is a discrepancy, I would do some more research.

[dewilson58]

Ownership???...................County Assessor Site.

If you are in town...............go knock on the door.

(probably has cameras)

[Dusty_Star]

We are assisting a relative to rent a property. We are using Rentfromavillager.com. How can we confirm that the listing is legit and not a scam? It all sounds good, the owner seems real nice, but before any $$$ is sent, we would like to verify ownership of the property.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks....

While looking at the property appraiser website, you can also check where the owner is getting their mail. If the mailing address is out of state you might have questions about getting repairs done. Some may not have problems with a long distance landlord, but others might prefer a local landlord.

[La lamy]

As well as what was suggested above, I would pay by credit card (they'll investigate if there's foul play), insist on getting guest passes sent to me prior to my visit (you need those to use rec facilities).

[rabranca@aol.com]

As well as what was suggested above, I would pay by credit card (they'll investigate if there's foul play), insist on getting guest passes sent to me prior to my visit (you need those to use rec facilities).

Temperary Resident IDs have to be picked up by the renters at the Sales Office. They have to show their ID and pay $50.00. So there is no way to send these prior. If you golf you want the Resident ID and not a guest pass.

The best way is to verify with the county tax office. I also do zoom calls and meet them in person over zoom. I ask for their current address and you can also check that address and that they own that property by checking the state they live in. Multiple ways to confirm.

[bjswist]

If they are renting a furnished place, be sure to check out the beds that they’re not all worn out make sure the pillows and the towels are brand new and the furniture is not ready to be put out at the curb for pick up. If it comes with a golf cart, be sure it is put in the lease or they will come and pick it up whenever they want to.

[Marsha11]

Your relative, looks really nice?? Ha

[karenzeee]

We are assisting a relative to rent a property. We are using Rentfromavillager.com. How can we confirm that the listing is legit and not a scam? It all sounds good, the owner seems real nice, but before any $$$ is sent, we would like to verify ownership of the property.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks....

If you can't verify it on the county websites, ask the home owner directly for home verification. The owners of a new home will understand you want to verify ownership since it is a book direct site. Ask for a copy of their homeowners insurance, Deed, or sales tax license. All Short term rentals need a sales tax license and the owners can print that out on the Florida Dept of Rev site.

RFAV does verify ownership to the best of their knowledge before the Ad goes live. Verification is checked by county record searches, deeds, AOS, and/or LLC documentation. However, they do ask that all information on their site be verified independently by all parties for any offsite transactions.

Per RFAV's Site

Visit the county websites below to verify ownership.

Records Search Terms of Use : Lake County Property Appraiser (https://lakecopropappr.com/property-search.aspx) Lake County

MCPA Search Agree (http://www.pa.marion.fl.us/searchagree.aspx) Marion County

Just a moment... (http://www.sumterpa.com/GIS/) Sumter County

Speak to the owner by phone, ask questions, ask for referrals from previous renters and you can always ask for proof of ownership. Search Google for the property address and see if other information comes up regarding the property.

You can always ask the owner for a copy of their Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax (sales tax license).