Rent safely: warning signs to watch for
Most rental scams follow the same pattern: a great price, a story about why you can’t view the unit, and pressure to pay before you’ve seen it. Here’s how to catch one before you wire anything.
GoHome.ph rental guides. General guidance, not legal advice.
Beware of urgent payment demands and unrealistic rates
If a unit in a popular area is priced well below everything else nearby, be skeptical. Scammers often lift photos from real listings, then push you to act fast, claiming other people are already interested, and ask for a GCash or bank transfer 'reservation fee' before you’ve even seen the place.
Always complete an in-person physical ocular inspection
Don’t send money for a place you or someone you trust hasn’t walked through in person. A common story from scammers is that they’re working overseas as an OFW, or traveling, or caring for a sick relative, and will courier the keys once you pay. A real lister will always make time for a viewing and building lobby registration.
Verify titleholder identity and agent credentials
Ask for a government ID that matches the name on the Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) or a recent tax declaration. If you’re dealing with a representative instead of the titleholder, ask for a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA). If an agent is involved, you can check their PRC license under RA 9646 on the PRC’s online verification portal.
Demand written lease contracts and formal payment receipts
Skip verbal agreements and chat-message promises. Get a written, notarized Contract of Lease that spells out the rent, what the association dues cover, the security deposit terms, and how long a refund takes. If you’re issuing post-dated checks (PDCs), cross them and make them payable to the registered titleholder, not an individual’s personal account, and get a signed receipt for every deposit and advance payment.