Is This Company Legit?

Question

There is a For Rent sign posted for a home in the neighborhood in which I live. A friend decided he was interested and met with the owners who say they actually flip houses for a living. They provided my friend with their business card and told my friend he would be contacted if his application was chosen. They called him on a Saturday and stated he had been chosen to rent the home. There was talk back and forth and basically it comes down to the friend needs to provide a downpayment to hold the house and will not be responsible for 1st month's rent until September. Then he will also receive a key to the house. I have tried to do research on this company but haven't come up with anything. My friend thinks it's a wonderful idea but I have my doubts. I've searched for info. on BBB and came up with nothing. I reside in North Carolina if this helps.

Answer 1

1. He needs to ensure that these people are really the owners which is easy enough. You can find out at the registry of deeds if they hold the note for the home.

2. He should have a signed lease/contract showing the deposit.

3. Tell him to pay by personal check because there will be a paper trail if they stiff him.

I am currently renting and had to put one months rent as deposit in December even though I didn't move in until January. This shows the home owners that you are serious about renting. So it could definitely be on the up and up.

Answer 2

be careful it may not be

Answer 3

If they are not asking your friend to sign a lease, then yes, of course it's dangerous.  You can also contact your states or counties department of housing, or housing authority and give them the name of the company. Verbal contracts have basically no value whatsoever in housing.