Real Estate
How to protect yourself from rental scams
Beware of fraudulent checks, identity theft
As the summer rental season ramps up, be aware that scams can affect both tenants and landlords. As a property owner looking to rent out your space, you might encounter various fraudulent schemes when advertising your property online. Understanding these scams and recognizing the red flags can save you stress and even financial loss.
Three of the most common scams that landlords face in the District of Columbia include the following:
1. Fake Payment Scams
Tenants provide fraudulent checks or money orders for rent or security deposits. These payments appear legitimate initially, but eventually bounce or are identified as fake.
Why it works: Scammers take advantage of the delay between the initial deposit and the time it takes for banks to identify fraudulent checks, allowing them to secure access to the property. Once they do, they have possession and in the District of Columbia, that means a court case to remove them.
Prevention Steps:
- Verify Funds: Wait for the check or money order to fully clear before handing over keys or signing the lease. This can take several days.
- Use Electronic Payments: Encourage tenants to use electronic payment methods like bank transfers or verified payment apps, which can be more secure and quicker to verify.
- Bank Verification: Contact the issuing bank to verify the authenticity of the payment instrument.
2. Identity Theft Scams
Prospective tenants use stolen or fake identities to pass background and credit checks. Once they secure the lease, they may engage in illegal activities or fail to pay rent.
Why it works: Scammers exploit the reliance on documentation and credit reports which, if fake, can be difficult to verify without thorough checks.
Prevention Steps:
- Thorough Screening: Conduct comprehensive background checks, including employment and previous rental history.
As a self-managing landlord, this can be both time-consuming and complicated. There are several easy ways to get caught in unlawful methods of screening based on the Districts strict tenant laws. When in doubt to get it legally right, seek out professional help, so you do not inadvertently end up violating regulations in place to protect renters.
- In-Person Meetings: Meet prospective tenants in person and request multiple forms of identification to verify their identity. Again, it’s critical to do this within the boundaries of the law. Make sure if you do it for one, do the same process, have the same questions and take the same actions for all interested parties.
- Cross-Check Information: Contact employers and previous landlords directly using publicly available contact information to confirm details provided by the tenant. Make sure you are indeed speaking to their prior or current landlord by preparing very specific questions about their lease agreement or other items a fake reference will not know or will stumble to answer.
3. Subletting Scams
Tenants illegally sublet the property to others, often at a higher rate, without the landlord’s knowledge or permission. This can lead to over-occupancy and property damage. You may also not know who is living in your unit or if they would have qualified if you had screened them. Lastly, if they have possession of your property, getting them out involves a court case.
Why it works: Scammers take advantage of landlords who do not monitor their properties closely, allowing them to profit from unauthorized subletting.
Prevention Steps:
- Find management: Ensure that preventative steps are taken, to ensure renter compliance with any sub-letting rules you’ve laid down in the original agreement.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular property inspections to ensure that only authorized tenants are residing in the property. Inspections in the District are tricky, a landlord cannot just enter at will or too frequently. Be sure you know the rules, or ask a professional for advice before you enter your renter-occupied property.
- Lease Clauses: Include clear clauses in the lease agreement that prohibit subletting without written permission from the landlord. Is your agreement rock solid? Or do you need professionals on your side who know what to do to ensure both you and your renters are protected fairly?
- Neighborhood Watch: Establish good communication with neighbors who can alert you to any suspicious activity or unauthorized occupants. If you used to live at that location your former neighbors and friends are the best way to keep eyes and ears out on what is going on in your property and to alert you to any unusual behaviors.
By taking these preventive measures, landlords can better protect themselves from common scams and ensure a more secure rental process.
Anatomy of a Common Rental Scam
Another prevalent scam starts when you post an advertisement for your rental property. Scammers may copy your listing, post it at a lower price, and pretend they are the landlords. Unsuspecting tenants may pay a deposit to them or even the first month’s rent to these fraudsters, believing they are securing their new home. Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:
Step 1: Scammers take the details and photos from your legitimate listing and create a fake one, often with lower rent to attract more potential tenants.
Step 2: They claim to be out of town and unable to show the property, urging potential tenants to drive by and view the property from the outside.
Step 3: They ask for a security deposit or the first month’s rent via online payment methods before the tenant has signed a lease or even seen the inside of the property.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from these scams:
Secure Your Listing: Use reputable rental platforms and websites known for their security measures to advertise your property.
Watermark Your Photos: Adding a watermark to the images in your rental listings can prevent scammers from easily stealing your photos.
Educate Potential Tenants: Inform applicants about common scams and encourage them to be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true, ask for money up front, etc.
Meet or Video Call Potential Tenants: If possible, meet tenants in person or through a video call to verify their identity and discuss the rental terms. Requiring a matching photo ID during the application process is an added layer to ensure this is the same person.
Verify Tenant Information: Conduct a comprehensive background check, including credit, employment, rental history, and criminal records.
Red Flags for Landlords
To protect yourself and potential tenants from a scam like this, be aware of the following red flags during the tenant screening process:
- Paying All Cash Upfront: If a prospective tenant offers to pay the rent for the entire lease period in cash without a proper background check, be cautious. This can be a sign that they want to avoid detection due to illegal activities or poor credit history.
- Urgency to Move In: A tenant who is pushing to move in immediately, especially without seeing the property, should raise a red flag. They might be trying to rush the process before you notice any inconsistencies in their story or background.
- Lack of Interest in Viewing the Property: Be wary of tenants who do not ask to see the property or who are satisfied with just external views. Genuine tenants will usually want to inspect where they are going to live.
- Poor or Incomplete Documentation: If a tenant cannot provide proper identification, proof of income, or previous rental history, this is a significant warning sign. Scammers often avoid giving out personal information that can be traced back to them.
- Unusual Payment Methods: Be cautious if a tenant wants to use unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Standard practices include checks, bank transfers, or credit card payments, which offer more security and traceability.
Organizations That Can Help
If you find yourself a victim of a rental scam, there are organizations that can offer assistance and guidance:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): They handle complaints about deceptive and unfair business practices, including rental scams. You can file a complaint at ftc.gov.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB provides information on businesses, including complaints and scam alerts. Visit their website at bbb.org for more resources.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): This is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, and it allows victims to report internet-related criminal complaints. Visit their site at ic3.gov.
Local Law Enforcement: Contact your local police department to report the scam, especially if money has been exchanged.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and potential tenants from falling prey to these sophisticated scams. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, especially in the real estate market.
(Note: For examples of the three scams included, we have produced some of the content of this article using AI.)
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, go to ColumbiaPM.com.
For LGBTQ couples, homeownership represents more than just a financial investment — it is a statement of stability, security, and equality. However, navigating the home-buying process can present unique legal and financial challenges. Whether you are buying your first home together or upgrading to your dream house, understanding your rights, responsibilities, and potential pitfalls is essential.
Here’s what LGBTQ couples need to know when purchasing a home in 2025.
Legal Considerations: How Should You Hold Title?
One of the most crucial decisions LGBTQ+ couples face when buying a home is how to hold title, as this impacts legal rights, inheritance, and financial obligations. Here are the three main options:
- Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship – Both partners own the property equally, and if one passes away, the other automatically inherits full ownership.
- Tenants in Common – Each partner owns a percentage of the property (e.g., 50/50 or 70/30). If one partner dies, their share goes to their estate, instead of automatically transferring to the surviving partner.
- Sole Ownership – If only one person is on the title, they hold full legal ownership. This may be beneficial for credit or financing reasons, but it leaves the non-owner partner vulnerable.
LGBTQ+ couples should have a conversation with their gay real estate agent, and/or consult a real estate attorney to determine the best ownership structure based on their relationship and long-term goals.
Financing: Getting Approved for a Mortgage
While same-sex marriage is legally recognized in the U.S., LGBTQ+ couples still experience higher rates of mortgage denials than their heterosexual counterparts. Here’s how to strengthen your loan application:
- Check Your Credit Scores – Both applicants should review their credit reports and address any discrepancies before applying.
- Compare Lenders – Some mortgage lenders are more LGBTQ+-friendly than others. Ask for a referral from your LGBTQ+ real estate professional.
- Consider a Joint or Individual Application – If one partner has significantly better credit or a higher income, it might be beneficial to apply individually for a more favorable interest rate.
Work with an LGBTQ+-friendly lender who understands your financial needs and ensures fair treatment.
Protecting Your Property and Rights
Even if you are legally married, it may be wise to put additional protections in place to avoid potential legal or financial disputes down the road:
- Co-Ownership Agreement – If you are not married or want to clarify ownership percentages, a co-ownership agreement outlines each person’s rights and responsibilities.
- Estate Planning – LGBTQ+ couples should have a will or trust to specify what happens to the property in the event of death. Even with joint tenancy, a will can clarify intentions and prevent family disputes.
- Power of Attorney – In case of emergency, granting each other power of attorney ensures that one partner can make legal or financial decisions on behalf of the other.
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy – having legal documents in place protects your home and loved ones.
Finding an LGBTQ+-Friendly Real Estate Agent
Working with a real estate professional who understands the needs of LGBTQ+ homebuyers can make the process much smoother. Here’s how to find the right agent:
- Look for Experience – Seek agents who specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients and have knowledge of local housing protections.
- Avoid Discrimination – While the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on sex (interpreted to include sexual orientation and gender identity), biases still exist. Choose an agent who prioritizes inclusivity and fairness.
- Use LGBTQ+ Real Estate Networks – The best way to find a trusted LGBTQ+-friendly real estate agent is through GayRealEstate.com, the Nation’s Oldest and Largest Free Database of LGBTQ+ Real Estate Agents Worldwide. Since its founding, GayRealEstate.com has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers connect with agents who are not only professional and experienced, but also 100% committed to equality and inclusivity.
Using an agent from GayRealEstate.com ensures that you are working with someone who values fairness, understands LGBTQ+ housing concerns, and is dedicated to finding you the perfect home in a welcoming community.
Choosing an LGBTQ+-Friendly Neighborhood
Finding a home is about more than just the property itself – it is about the community. Consider these factors when searching for the perfect neighborhood:
- LGBTQ+ Inclusivity – Look for cities with nondiscrimination laws, pride events, and visible LGBTQ+ communities.
- Safety – Research crime rates and local laws to ensure your new neighborhood is a safe and welcoming environment.
- Community Support – Some cities have LGBTQ+ resource centers, social groups, and advocacy organizations that make settling in easier.
Tools like the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index rank cities based on LGBTQ+ inclusivity and protections.
Homeownership is an Empowering Step
Buying a home as an LGBTQ+ couple is a milestone worth celebrating. While challenges still exist, being informed and proactive can help you avoid pitfalls, protect your rights, and make smart financial decisions. By working with LGBTQ+-friendly professionals, understanding your legal options, and securing financial protections, you will set yourself up for long-term success and stability.
Whether you are buying your first home or upgrading to your forever house, the key is to be prepared, protected, and empowered throughout the process.
Jeff Hammerberg and Scott Helms are with GayRealEstate.com, the nation’s leading online platform connecting LGBTQ homebuyers and sellers with LGBTQ-friendly real estate agents, ensuring a safe and supportive experience. To find an agent or learn more, visit GayRealEstate.com or call 1-888-420-MOVE.
Real Estate
The importance of routine rental inspections
One of the best ways to protect your investment
Do you have a schedule for routine inspections of your rental property? And are you feeling good about your schedule’s frequency? I hope you do. These inspections are one of the best ways to protect your investment property.
Understanding the importance of these inspections isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for the longevity and profitability of your rental property. When you inspect regularly, you reduce the number of maintenance emergencies during the year that you must respond to. Tenant satisfaction is also higher, leading to better retention and less vacancy and turnover. And lastly, keeping track of maintenance needs at the property creates more value and asset appreciation over time.
Why Are Routine Inspections Crucial?
The short answer is simple—protection. By keeping a close eye on your property, you’ll catch small problems before they escalate into expensive nightmares. Let’s take a look at some data that proves what you probably know instictively: regular inspections prevents costly repairs, ensures tenant satisfaction, and improves the overall return on your investment (ROI).
Here’s why landlords and property managers should make inspections a top priority, especially in a market as competitive and expensive as the D.C. metro area:
- Preventive Maintenance helps to reduce repair costs
- Tenant Retention because they see you maintaining a safe and comfortable rental
- Compliance with Regulations will severely reduce liability and can avoid fines or lawsuits
- Preserving Asset Value will help create long-term growth in the value of your property
- Data-Driven Proof That Routine Inspections are Critical
I’ve been managing rental properties for many years, and I feel I understand on a professional and a personal level the value of good inspections. Investors who dive into the data and the details will see why I take these inspections seriously.
Fewer Emergency Repairs
The cost of emergency repairs can quickly erode your rental income. According to a recent study by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), landlords who conducted routine inspections spent 40% less on emergency repairs compared to those who didn’t. Don’t wait for the hot summer or the cold winter to arrive before you check out your HVAC system. Routine inspections will reduce the number of urgent tenant calls due to equipment breakdowns.
Higher Tenant Satisfaction
Inspections don’t just reveal damages—they create trust with your tenants. Surveys by Appfolio show that 82% of satisfied tenants were more likely to praise their landlords or property managers for timely maintenance request action. 77% of satisfied tenants appreciate the communication around how the repairs are progressing. Tenants will renew their lease if they feel their property is well-maintained. Consistent inspections communicate that you’re serious about providing a safe and comfortable home, reducing vacancy rates and saving the property owner big money by avoiding charges to find new tenants, not to mention other turnover costs.
Protecting Your Investment with Inspections
Not all inspections are the same. Staggering different types of inspections throughout the lease term ensures comprehensive oversight. The age and condition of your property will dictate how often you need to inspect. Your tenant relationship will also tell you whether it is important to physically visit a rental more frequently or just once a year during the lease term. Here are the inspection types I always encourage:
Move-In/Move-Out Inspections
These inspections allow you to document the property’s condition at the start and end of a lease using a detailed checklist and photos. This sets clear expectations and minimizes disputes over security deposits.
Routine Inspections
Conduct regular checks (e.g., every six months) to review the overall condition of your property and ensure tenants are complying with the lease. Provide plenty of notice and make sure you include the necessity of these inspections in your lease agreement. And be sure to document through photos and written communications any damage, wear and tear above normal or other issues that need to be corrected.
Drive-By Inspections
Sometimes, a quick external review can tell you a lot about your property’s condition—things like landscaping, visible damage, or unauthorized vehicles. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, why not drive by the property just to be sure everything looks the way it should?
Emergency Inspections
If there’s a reported issue, such as plumbing leaks or electrical problems, an emergency inspection may be necessary to assess the damage and carry out repairs promptly. When a tenant reports a major appliance is no longer working or a door won’t lock properly, you’ll need to see personally what’s going on.
Routine Inspections Protect Investors
A small leak under the sink might seem insignificant now, but over time, it could result in mold growth, water damage, and hefty repair bills. Rental property owners who perform quarterly or semi-annual inspections identify these minor issues early—saving themselves, on average, hundreds of dollars per event, according to Angie’s List averages.
Routine inspections offer a chance to communicate directly with tenants, discussing how the property is functioning for them. Tenants who feel heard are more likely to report minor issues—a win for both parties. You want your tenants reporting problems right away so that there’s less deferred work to worry about.
Inspections also ensure you’re compliant with local laws regarding habitability and safety standards. Skipping this step can lead to fines or disagreements that lower tenant satisfaction.
Professional Property Management Makes a Difference
I like my property managers to prioritize comprehensive, detail-rich inspections when managing a property. I believe our detailed approach and the industry leading methods we employ for conducting inspections at our client’s properties is a step above what an owner could do on their own.
A lot of landlords and self-managing owners have an idea of what they should be monitoring. Many casual landlords and property owners do not think to conduct regular inspections or know what to look for. In fact, a lot of other property management companies don’t, either. The difference is the experience managing many residential dwellings here in D.C. and the knowledge that comes from doing this work every day for over a decade.
In today’s article, I’ve covered only routine and regular evaluations of the property condition both inside and outside, how the tenants are taking care of the rental, and whether they are abiding by the provisions of their rental agreement. An important note to remember: don’t confuse these surveys by the property manager with a home inspection, which can only be conducted by a licensed home inspection professional.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, go to ColumbiaPM.com.
In 2025, tile is emerging as a pivotal element in interior design. No longer just traditional ceramic or porcelain, today’s tiles offer a unique blend of functionality and artistry, making them a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. This year, several tile trends are making significant waves, each bringing a distinct character to modern homes.
1. Textured Tiles. Texture plays a crucial role in adding depth and tactile beauty to spaces. In 2025, there’s a noticeable shift toward tiles that celebrate imperfection and handcrafted beauty. These tiles often feature organic finishes, subtle color variations, and unique patterns that make each piece distinct.
2. Warm Minimalist Colors. While minimalism is still popular, 2025 brings a warmer palette to this aesthetic. Neutral tones like beige, taupe, soft terracotta, and Pantone’s mocha mousse are replacing the cooler grays and whites of previous years. These colors impart a sense of coziness and serenity, making spaces feel more inviting while maintaining the clean lines and simplicity of minimalism.
3. Tile Drenching. Tile drenching involves extending the same tile from the floor up the walls, creating a seamless, cohesive look. This technique is particularly effective in smaller spaces like bathrooms or as backsplashes in kitchens with open shelving instead of upper cabinets, where it can make the area appear larger and more unified.
4. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tiles. Environmental consciousness is increasingly influencing consumer choices, leading to a rise in sustainable tile options. Manufacturers are now offering tiles made from recycled materials using low-impact production processes and eco-friendly substances, such as glass and plastic. These tiles not only decrease environmental footprints but also align with reducing waste and conserving resources.
5. Large-Format Tiles. Large-format tiles (think 24” x 48”) are gaining traction due to their ability to create a seamless and expansive look. Fewer grout lines result in a cleaner appearance and easier maintenance, making spaces feel more open and less cluttered. These tiles are particularly favored in showers, where simplicity and continuity are desired, and yesterday’s plastic surrounds are rejected. Available in various materials and finishes, large-format tiles offer versatility, a sleek look, and faster installation.
6. Cement Tiles. Cement tiles are celebrated for their bold patterns, vibrant colors, and artisanal charm. Although they require sealing, they are known for their durability and handcrafted look. Unlike ceramic tiles, cement tiles are not fired; instead, they are cured at room temperature, which makes them more environmentally friendly. Their unique patterns can make a statement in any room, serving as a focal point that brings a touch of vintage elegance or contemporary flair, depending on the chosen motif.
7. Terracotta Tiles. Terracotta tiles are making a stylish comeback, bringing warmth, a rustic look, and a touch of Mediterranean elegance to modern interiors. Made from clay and fired at low temperatures, these tiles boast an earthy, organic appeal that supports the ongoing trend of incorporating natural elements in the home. When properly sealed, they are resistant to stains and moisture, and their ability to age gracefully and develop a patina over time adds character and depth, giving spaces a cozy feel.
8. Peel and Stick Tiles. Peel and stick tiles are gaining popularity as a versatile and budget-friendly option for quick home makeovers. Perfect for renters and DIY enthusiasts, these tiles offer a hassle-free installation process that requires no grout, mortar, or professional help. You simply peel off the adhesive backing and stick them onto a clean, smooth surface—rendering them ideal for backsplashes, accent walls, and even flooring. They are low-maintenance, easy to clean, and a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
9. Tile Stickers. Tile stickers are a fun and cost-effective trend, offering an easy way to update your tiles without the need for a complete renovation. Meant to be applied directly over existing tiles, these often removable, adhesive decals are perfect for renters or homeowners looking for a temporary method of personalization. Heat-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean, tile stickers are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for endless customization.
10. Smart Tiles. As smart home technology advances, Smart Tiles are now incorporating technological features seamlessly. Innovations include pressure-sensitive LED lighting, temperature control of heated floors, and interaction with home automation systems. Look for future advancements that will allow for both convenience and comfort, enabling homeowners to integrate modern technology without compromising on style.
So, whether you’re renovating a single room, designing an entire home, or decorating with your landlord in mind, these 2025 trends offer many options to create spaces that resonate with your personal style and reflect a harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
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