NYC Apartment Red Flags to Watch For
Protect yourself from rental scams, bad landlords, and building problems. Learn the warning signs that experienced NYC renters know to avoid before signing a lease.
In This Guide
Listing Red Flags
Warning signs in online apartment listings
NYC-Specific Scam Alert: Wire Transfer Fraud
NYC renters lose millions annually to wire transfer scams. Scammers claim to be overseas landlords who cannot meet in person, requesting deposits via wire transfer, Zelle, or cryptocurrency. These payments are essentially untraceable and unrecoverable. Legitimate NYC landlords and management companies never require wire transfers for deposits.
Price significantly below market rate
CriticalIf a Manhattan 1BR is listed at $1,500/month when comparable units are $3,500+, it is almost certainly a scam. Scammers use unrealistic prices to generate urgency and attract victims quickly.
Request for wire transfer or cash only
CriticalLegitimate landlords and management companies accept checks or electronic payments with paper trails. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are untraceable, which is precisely why scammers demand them.
Cannot view the apartment in person
CriticalAny excuse to prevent an in-person viewing (owner overseas, apartment being renovated, COVID restrictions in 2024+) is a major red flag. Never pay money for an apartment you have not physically walked through.
Pressure to pay deposit immediately
High RiskScammers create artificial urgency claiming "many interested tenants" or "must decide today." Legitimate landlords give reasonable time to review lease terms and verify the property.
Vague or missing address details
High RiskListings without specific addresses, cross streets, or neighborhood details may be fishing for personal information or advertising properties that do not exist.
Photos stolen from other listings
High RiskReverse image search listing photos on Google or TinEye. Scammers commonly steal photos from legitimate real estate websites or hotel listings to create convincing fake ads.
Communication only via email or text
CautionRefusal to speak on the phone or meet in person suggests the "landlord" may be operating from overseas or hiding their identity. Request a phone call before proceeding.
Request for excessive personal information upfront
High RiskAsking for Social Security numbers, bank statements, or tax returns before even viewing the apartment is a sign of potential identity theft.
Viewing Red Flags
In-person warning signs during apartment tours
Pro Tip: Always Visit During Daytime
Schedule apartment viewings during daylight hours, ideally on a weekday. This allows you to observe natural light levels, see the neighborhood during normal hours, and potentially encounter current tenants or building staff who can provide candid information about living conditions.
Person showing cannot access the unit
CriticalIf the person claims to have keys but cannot actually open the apartment, or makes excuses at the door, they likely have no legitimate connection to the property.
Signs of current occupancy
CriticalPersonal belongings, mail addressed to someone else, or occupied rooms in a supposedly vacant apartment indicate the shower may not have rental authority.
Mismatched address or unit number
High RiskVerify the building address and unit number match the listing exactly. Scammers sometimes show a different (legitimate) unit to collect deposits for units they do not control.
Refusal to provide written documentation
High RiskLegitimate landlords can provide business cards, management company information, and written lease terms. Reluctance to provide paper trail is concerning.
Rushed viewing with no time for questions
CautionA legitimate landlord benefits from answering your questions thoroughly. Being hurried through a viewing prevents you from noticing problems or verifying details.
Request for cash deposit on the spot
CriticalNever pay cash at a viewing. Legitimate security deposits should be paid via check or bank transfer after signing a formal lease agreement.
Building Red Flags
Physical issues that indicate problem buildings
NYC Law: Bedbug Disclosure Requirement
Under Local Law 69 of 2017, NYC landlords must provide prospective tenants with the building bedbug infestation history for the past year upon request. This includes which units had infestations and when. Landlords who refuse to provide this information are violating the law and likely hiding problems.
Visible structural damage
High RiskCracks in walls or ceilings, sagging floors, water stains, and exposed wiring indicate deferred maintenance. These issues often worsen after move-in and can indicate deeper structural problems.
Strong odors (mold, gas, sewage)
CriticalPersistent mold smells suggest water infiltration and potential health hazards. Gas odors are immediate safety concerns. These issues are expensive to remediate and may never be fully resolved.
Pest evidence (droppings, traps, roaches)
High RiskActive pest infestations rarely stay contained to one unit. Check building hallways and ask about bedbug history, which NYC landlords must disclose upon request.
Non-functional building systems
CautionBroken intercoms, malfunctioning elevators, missing lighting in hallways, and broken mailboxes indicate poor building management and likely slow response to tenant issues.
Multiple vacant units
CautionHigh vacancy rates in a competitive NYC market suggest problems that are driving tenants away: poor management, unresolved issues, or difficult living conditions.
HPD violations posted in lobby
High RiskNYC law requires certain violations to be posted. Multiple Class B (hazardous) or Class C (immediately hazardous) violations indicate serious unresolved issues.
No Certificate of Occupancy or illegal conversion
CriticalBasement and cellar apartments are often illegal in NYC without proper egress windows and ceiling height. Illegal units have no tenant protections and can be vacated by the city.
Recent fire damage or major construction
High RiskBuildings recovering from fires or major renovations may have hidden damage. Request documentation of repairs and city inspections before signing.
Landlord Red Flags
Signs of problematic property management
Research Tool: JustFix Who Owns What
Before signing a lease, use the free JustFix "Who Owns What" tool (whoownswhat.justfix.org) to see all properties owned by your potential landlord and their violation history across their entire portfolio. Landlords with patterns of violations across multiple buildings are unlikely to treat your building differently.
Search Landlord PortfolioUnregistered with HPD
High RiskAll NYC buildings with 3+ residential units must register annually with HPD. Unregistered buildings often have landlords avoiding oversight and tenant protections.
History of harassment complaints
CriticalSearch the landlord name in housing court records (via DHCR or news searches). Patterns of tenant harassment, illegal lockouts, or service shutoffs are serious warnings.
Requests payment to personal account
High RiskRent should be payable to a registered management company or LLC, not a personal Venmo or bank account. This provides no paper trail and complicates legal recourse.
Verbal promises not in the lease
CautionPromises about repairs, included utilities, or move-in dates that are not in the written lease are unenforceable. If it matters, get it in writing.
Resistance to standard lease terms
High RiskLegitimate landlords use standard NY lease forms. Heavily modified leases that waive your rights, impose unusual penalties, or include illegal clauses are red flags.
No clear maintenance process
CautionAsk how repairs are requested and handled. Landlords who cannot articulate a clear process likely have poor response times to tenant issues.
Avoidance of tenant rights questions
High RiskReluctance to discuss rent stabilization status, lease renewal rights, or security deposit laws suggests the landlord may be planning to violate tenant protections.
Multiple buildings with serious violations
High RiskResearch the landlord/management company. Owners with patterns of violations across their portfolio are unlikely to be responsive to your building.
How to Verify NYC Apartment Listings
Use official city records to confirm legitimacy
Verification Checklist Before Paying Anything
- Confirm building ownership matches who you are dealing with (ACRIS)
- Verify building is registered with HPD (for 3+ unit buildings)
- Check for valid Certificate of Occupancy (DOB NOW)
- Review violations and complaints history (DwellCheck / HPD Online)
- Tour the actual unit in person during daylight
- Review and understand all lease terms before signing
Free Verification Resources
DwellCheck
Comprehensive address-level livability reports including HPD violations, DOB complaints, 311 issues, crime data, and building health scores.
Visit DwellCheckHPD Online Portal
Official NYC Housing Preservation & Development lookup for building registration, violations, complaints, and landlord information.
Visit HPD Online PortalACRIS (Property Records)
Automated City Register Information System for property ownership verification, deed records, and mortgage information.
Visit ACRIS (Property Records)DOB NOW / BIS
Department of Buildings portal for Certificate of Occupancy, building permits, violations, and complaints.
Visit DOB NOW / BISNYC 311
Search and file complaints about housing conditions, noise, illegal conversions, and landlord violations.
Visit NYC 311Who's My Landlord NYC
JustFix tool to identify building owners, their other properties, and patterns of violations across their portfolio.
Visit Who's My Landlord NYCHow DwellCheck Helps You Avoid Bad Apartments
We aggregate 15+ NYC data sources into one comprehensive report, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision before signing a lease.
Building Health Score
Instantly see HPD violations, DOB complaints, bedbug reports, and other housing issues. We analyze severity, recency, and patterns to calculate a building health grade.
- - HPD Class A, B, C violations
- - Heat/hot water complaints
- - Bedbug infestation history
- - Elevator and structural issues
Safety Assessment
Our safety score analyzes NYPD crime data, arrest records, and safety-related 311 complaints within walking distance to give you a clear picture of neighborhood safety.
- - Crime rates by category
- - Recent incident trends
- - Comparative safety rankings
- - Time-weighted analysis
311 Complaint History
See patterns of noise complaints, rodent sightings, trash issues, and other quality-of-life concerns that affect daily living but do not appear in formal violation records.
- - Noise complaint frequency
- - Rodent/pest reports
- - Illegal parking issues
- - Construction complaints
Transit & Amenities
Beyond problems, we show what makes an address livable: proximity to subway stations, bus stops, parks, grocery stores, and other amenities that affect daily quality of life.
- - Walking distance to subway
- - Nearby bus routes
- - Parks and green space
- - Grocery and retail access
No account required. Instant results from official city data.
Know Before You Sign the Lease
Every year, thousands of NYC renters are scammed or move into problem buildings they could have avoided. DwellCheck gives you the data to protect yourself in minutes, completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NYC apartment scams and rental red flags
What are the most common NYC apartment scams?
The most prevalent NYC apartment scams include: (1) Phantom listings where scammers advertise apartments they do not own or control, collecting deposits and disappearing; (2) Bait-and-switch schemes where a great apartment is advertised but a different, inferior unit is shown; (3) Fake landlord scams where criminals pose as building owners, sometimes using keys obtained from previous tenants or open houses; (4) Rental hijacking where real listings are copied and reposted with different contact information. Always verify ownership through ACRIS and HPD before paying any money.
How can I check if a NYC landlord has violations?
You can check NYC landlord violations through multiple free resources. DwellCheck aggregates HPD violations, DOB complaints, and 311 issues into one report. The official HPD Building Portal (hpdonline.nyc.gov) shows registered violations and complaints. The JustFix Who Owns What tool shows all properties owned by a landlord and their violation history across their portfolio. Look for patterns: multiple Class B or C violations, repeated heat/hot water complaints, or open violations older than 30 days indicate poor management.
What should I do if I suspect a rental scam?
If you suspect a rental scam: (1) Stop all communication and never send money; (2) Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; (3) Report to NYC 311 for illegal listings; (4) Report to the listing platform (Craigslist, StreetEasy, etc.); (5) If you sent money via wire transfer or payment app, contact your bank immediately, though recovery is unlikely; (6) File a police report with the NYPD if you lost money. Document all communications with screenshots for evidence.
Is it safe to pay a security deposit before signing a lease?
Never pay a security deposit before signing a formal lease agreement. A legitimate landlord or broker may request a good faith deposit to hold an apartment while your application is processed, but this should be minimal ($100-500), refundable if you are rejected, and documented in writing. Full security deposits (typically one month rent) should only be paid when you sign the lease and receive keys. Never pay via wire transfer, cash, or cryptocurrency.
How do I verify apartment ownership in NYC?
To verify NYC apartment ownership: (1) Search the address on ACRIS (a836-acris.nyc.gov) to see the recorded deed and current owner; (2) Check HPD Online for the registered owner and managing agent; (3) Cross-reference the name given by your contact against these records. If they claim to be the owner but records show a different name, ask for documentation proving their authority to rent. Real estate agents should be licensed and verifiable through NY DOS license lookup.
What is an illegal apartment in NYC?
Illegal apartments in NYC include: basement/cellar units without proper egress windows or ceiling heights; unpermitted room additions or subdivisions; apartments in buildings lacking Certificates of Occupancy; SROs (Single Room Occupancy) converted without approval; and commercial spaces converted to residential use. Tenants in illegal units have limited protections, can be forced to vacate by DOB, and may not be covered by standard landlord-tenant laws. Check DOB NOW for the Certificate of Occupancy before renting.
What questions should I ask when viewing an NYC apartment?
Essential questions when viewing a NYC apartment: (1) Is the apartment rent-stabilized? (2) What utilities are included and what are typical costs for others? (3) How are maintenance requests handled and what is the typical response time? (4) What is the building bedbug history? (5) Are there any open violations on the building? (6) Who is the management company and how do I contact them? (7) Can I see the actual lease before applying? (8) What is the move-in cost breakdown? (9) Is the building registered with HPD? (10) Are there any planned renovations or rent increases?
Protect Yourself Before Signing
Five minutes of research can save you thousands of dollars and months of headaches. Check any NYC address on DwellCheck before committing.
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