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![\"rommmate](\"https:\/\/oaklandmofo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/craigslist-roommate-scam.png\")
<\/p>\nRenting a room from a stranger can be a scary decision to make, and it puts you in a very vulnerable position, one where you can be scammed and end up homeless.
\nIt’s a choice most of us would rather not make. However, in today’s housing market and job economy, it’s almost a necessity for most residents in the San Francisco Bay Area.<\/p>\n
But the risk of Craigslist scams is real. For instance, one could offer you a room, collect your deposit, and then run into problems with their landlord and them not being able to sublet or rent to you. By the time that’s all happened, good luck getting your money back.<\/p>\n
One thing you should be aware of is when it comes to finding a roommate on Craigslist. A scam could be your least problem. So we will also give you a list of essential questions to screen your potential housemate.
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Do they have permission to rent a room or sublease to you?<\/strong> Ask to see their lease.<\/strong> Have they had roommates before?<\/strong> Can they charge you for a credit check\/background check\/application fee?<\/strong>
\nThis one is really important. As a tenant, they signed an agreement with their landlord, and they may or may not allow for them to rent a room out. You’re going to want to see a lease of theirs to be sure they are allowed to rent to you. In some cases, they may have just hit financial hardship and need you in there for a month or two to keep them afloat and think they can get away with it in hopes that the landlord does not find out. But when they do, it could be a mess. For you.<\/p>\n
\nIf they are sketchy about showing you their lease, chances are they are not allowed to rent to you or are going to be charging you a ridiculous amount of rent to cover their own half. Which may be illegal depending on the city(such as Berkeley). You’ll want to look that up for the city you’re renting in. Generally, you should only pay half if you are allowed half the space. If you have an agreement that bars you from the living room or kitchen, then you would pay even less.
\nThe bottom line is if they are a good person looking for an equal roommate in the long run, then they will happily show you their lease.<\/p>\n
\nThis is an important question. Maybe they themselves don’t know how to act in a roommate situation or even know the local laws.
\nYou’re going to want to ask them how long they have been doing it, why did the last roommate move out, and maybe even for “references.”
\nThey themselves are usually asking you for references. It’s a 2-way street. Maybe the last roommate will say they were crazy or never cleaned up or, even worse, scammed them.
\nIf it is the first time they’ve ever rented out a room, be prepared to be the test subject and hope for the best. They may regret giving up their private home soon after.
\nAlso, work up a roommate contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nMaybe. But this is where a lot of scams do come into play. A landlord is allowed to collect up to $30 in California for a credit fee. However, to be sure they are not scamming you, you have the right to proof of receipt that they actually used that money to do the check and for a free copy of the credit report when they run it. If you demand these things up front, the chances of them moving forward, taking your $30, and not doing it are much smaller.
\nBut it is a scam. People offer rooms they do not have simply to bank on application fees. And that is how they pay their own rent. 5 applicants a day could be very profitable.<\/p>\n