How to Spot a Housing Scam
Moving to a new city for an internship is exciting, but it also makes you a target for housing scams. Scammers know interns are often searching remotely and under time pressure. Here's how to protect yourself.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Price too good to be true — If a listing is significantly below market rate for the area, be skeptical. Compare with other listings in the same neighborhood.
- Wire transfers or gift cards — Never pay via wire transfer, Zelle to a stranger, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Use traceable payment methods.
How to Verify a Landlord
- Search the property address in your county's property records to confirm ownership.
- Ask for a government-issued ID and verify the name matches the property records.
- Check reviews on Google, Yelp, or apartment review sites.
- Request references from current or former tenants.
Protecting Your Deposit
- Never send money without a signed lease agreement.
- Read the entire lease before signing — pay attention to move-out fees, security deposit return terms, and subletting clauses.
- Take timestamped photos of the unit on move-in day.
- Keep all receipts and written communication.
Why InternStays Is Different
With InternStays by ReloStays, you skip the risk entirely. All our properties are pre-vetted university and corporate housing partners. Your lease, payments, and move-in are handled by our team — no Craigslist, no strangers, no scams.