Renters Beware: Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

If you’re searching for a rental home in East Texas, you already know it can be stressful. What you may not realize is just how many scams and dishonest people are out there, looking to take advantage of honest folks who simply need a safe place for themselves and their family. At Decker Properties, we recently saw this happen firsthand—and it’s a lesson worth sharing.

A Real Situation: When the “Landlord” Wasn’t Who They Claimed

Our team took over management of a property that had previously been handled by another manager. When we got involved, we discovered that the person living there had been renting the home for some time. The catch? He wasn’t just renting it—he was secretly subletting the place to another tenant. Even worse, he told the subtenant that he was the actual owner of the property.

This unsuspecting tenant, just trying to find a home for herself and her children, trusted him. He charged her extra for rent and utilities, pocketed the difference, never paid his own rent, and left her in a terrible situation. She didn’t have a real lease or any protection—just a handshake and some cash exchanged. Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming more common as rental scams get more creative.

How to Protect Yourself: Simple Steps Every Renter Should Take

People lie, cheat, and steal to get ahead—and sometimes, they will use you to do it. That’s why it’s critical to do your homework before moving in, signing anything, or handing over your hard-earned money.

1. Always Check Ownership: Don’t take someone’s word for it. Every county in Texas has an appraisal district website (for example, Gregg County Appraisal District). Look up the property address and see who the legal owner is. If the name doesn’t match the person claiming to be the owner (or their management company), that’s a huge red flag.

2. Get a Real Lease— Not a Handshake: In Texas, you should always sign a lease. Ideally, use either a TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) lease or a TAR (Texas Association of Realtors) lease.

3. TREC forms are for licensed real estate professionals.

4. TAR forms are for use by Realtors. Both types of leases are written to protect tenant rights and make sure everyone is on the same page about what’s expected.

5. Ask Questions and Get Receipts: If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Ask for proof of ownership or management authority. Always get a written lease and receipts for payments.

6. Do a Quick Search: A few minutes online can save you months of stress. Google the property manager or owner. Check their reviews, business license, and website.

Why This Matters

We hate to see good people get taken advantage of. Rental scams don’t just cost you money—they can leave families without a home or even facing eviction through no fault of their own.

At Decker Properties, we believe in transparency, real paperwork, and clear communication. When you rent from a reputable property management company, you know you’re protected by Texas law and a proper lease.

In Summary

There are a lot of honest landlords and property managers in East Texas, but there are also too many scammers. Protect yourself by:

• Verifying ownership through your county appraisal district

• Only signing a real TREC or TAR lease

• Asking for receipts and documentation

• Trusting your instincts—if it feels wrong, walk away

Your home should be a safe place. Don’t let someone’s lies take that away from you.

Need help finding a safe, well-managed rental? Call Decker Properties at (903) 215-5999 or email deckzack@gmail.com. We’re always here to help renters and owners alike.