How to Spot a Rental Scam in Washington

Common warning signs

• The person cannot show you the home, or says they are out of the area.
• You are asked for a deposit or fee before you see the home or sign anything.
• You are asked to pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency or a payment app sent to a person.
• The rent is far lower than similar homes nearby.
• You are pushed to decide right away.
• The email address or website does not match the company named in the ad.

One sign alone does not prove a scam. Two or three together are a reason to stop and check.

How to check a Jevons Property Management listing

Apply only at jevonsproperties.com. Our homes for rent are listed at jevonsproperties.com/availability. If you see one of our homes somewhere else, find the same home on our website and use the links there.

Showings are self-guided and booked online: the Schedule Showing button on the listing page sends a short form, and the time is picked from the showing invitation Lisa then emails. Every listing carries our written screening criteria. The application fee is $69 per adult applicant.

If something does not match, call 509-895-7777 before you pay anything. For how applying and showings work, read How to Rent a Home from Jevons Property Management.

What Washington law says about deposits and fees

• A deposit may be collected only with a written rental agreement and a written move-in condition checklist, signed and dated by landlord and tenant, with a copy to the tenant (RCW 59.18.260).
• Deposits are held in a trust account at a financial institution or licensed escrow in Washington, and the tenant is told in writing where (RCW 59.18.270).
• Non-refundable fees must be clearly stated as non-refundable in a written rental agreement (RCW 59.18.285).
• Applicants get written notice of the screening criteria before screening, and screening fees may not exceed the actual cost (RCW 59.18.257).

So a request for a deposit with no written lease and no move-in checklist is a warning sign.

Protect your money and your information

Do not pay for a home you have not been able to tour. Do not send a photo of your ID or your Social Security number to someone you only know from a text or a social media message.

Keep copies of the listing, every message and every receipt. Pay only in a way that gives you a receipt, to the company named in your written lease.

If you think you found a scam

Stop sending money or information. Report the listing to the website where you saw it. If the ad uses one of our homes, call us at 509-895-7777 so we know about it.

If you already paid, contact your bank or payment service right away and ask what they can do.

Frequently asked questions