Security

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The Internet is awesome. But with anything else in life, there are bad people around who can just mess stuff up. We try our best to keep these bad people off our site. But because most of the content on UnRents.com is user-generated, we have little control over it.

UnRents.com doesn’t individually inspect the properties on our website. The vast majority of the users on our site are legitimate property owners or managers looking for renters. But it is just a tiny bit possible that fraud can happen on the site.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using the site. Please read them and let’s help keep the bad people at bay.

 

 

  • As much as you can, use a credit card or payment service like PayPal or Braintree when paying rental fees. These methods typically offer protection in the event that something goes wrong.
  • If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Pick up the phone and talk to the person you are doing business with. Don’t rely solely on electronic communications. There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned phone conversation to help get to know someone!
  • Watch for suspicious behavior. If communications have very bad grammar or odd punctuation, it should be a red flag. Follow your gut. If something seems wrong, stay away.
  • This should be common sense, but we’re gonna say it anyway… never, ever, EVER give out your personal information such as your social security number!
  • Ask for references –specifically past renters (or other homeowners if you are a concerned property owner) and call them.
  • Research the property you are renting. Most municipalities have free online access to assessment information like Vision Appraisal. Google the city and state and the word “assessment database.” You’ll be able to see pictures of the property and the owner’s name. If the municipality doesn’t have an online database, try calling the town hall. Information on properties is all public information.
  • Try to avoid wire transfers.  And stay away from cash deals or those that use money transfer services like Western Union.
  • UnRents.com isn’t a site for year-round listings. We specialize in last-minute deals only. Therefore many homeowners will be using other websites to advertise their homes year-round. Ask for links to these sites or other places where the home is being advertised.
  • For Renters – If you enter into a lease/rental agreement, make sure you read it carefully and understand what you are agreeing to.
  • For Owners/Managers – WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE YOUR OWN LEASE/RENTAL AGREEMENT WITH RENTERS YOU MEET ON UNRENTS.COM. Be sure to include the names of all parties, check-in / checkout dates, rental amounts, payment schedules, and of course, your cancellation and refund policies.