Beware San Diego Rental Scam

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San DIego rental scam
San Diego Rental Scams

I’ve had several calls this afternoon from folks who were about to be taken in by a San Diego rental scam. These callers were saved, because they drove by 335 Venetia Way and saw our For Sale sign in the yard and took the time to call.

This lovely 3-bedroom home is on the market at $389,000, but someone who calls himself “Mark” is advertising it as a $1200 month rental–which would be an outrageous bargain.

Unfortunately, this Oceanside property is not for rent, as owners will only consider a sale–and have priced it to move quickly.

I called Mark’s phone: 910-310-7984, which is a Google phone number. Left a message, and hope to hear back from him.

BEWARE: THIS IS A RENTAL SCAM

…and one that is not unique to San Diego real estate. I’m sure the scammer will try to get a deposit (and possibly first month’s rent) to hold the property–and that’s the last you’ll hear from him. That would leave me on the hook for sharing the sad news to those taken.

I Googled the phone number, and it appears this guy is an operator working out of who-knows-where. And although the 910 area code serves southeastern North Carolina, the fraudster could be operating almost anywhere in the world.

My advice for anyone who is looking for rentals on sites like Craigslist is to cross-check owner of the home with a real estate agent who can easily pull up tax records to verify ownership. We offer it as a free service to our clients–and would-be clients. To check, just call 877-818-8197 or 760-942-9100.

Listed below, because we receive so many requests for them, are legitimate and currently-available rentals in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista. For rental information in other areas or if you are seeking property management, call Roberta or Scott Murphy at 760-942-9100 or 760-613-6190 or email scott@sandiegopreviews.com (NOTE: Some of these listings may be vacation rentals, which we cannot filter. Apologies!)

6559 Petunia Place Carlsbad, CA 92011

$5,500
5 Beds
5 Baths
4,538 SqFt
Status Pending
MLS # 120045777
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
[Supplement]: Beautiful Seaside Estates home located on double cul-de-sac! Model home quality with numerous upgrades. Upon entering this home notice the custom iron embelishment on the front door and adjacent dining room window. A large circular entry with a soaring ceiling and elegant design of travertine, granite and bronze medallions on the floor. The home is highlighted with recessed lighting, wood and travertine floors, upgraded carpet, custom paint, designer window treatments including plantation shutters,crown molding, door casings and window sills throughout. The sports style room with pool table can be converted to a first floor bedroom with full bath. The gourmet kitchen features rich wood cabinetry, slab style granite, a large center island, full back splash of stone and decorative bronze inserts, wine refrigerator, walk in pantry, built in desk with drawers and granite top, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and a 42 built in regrigerator. The family room has a cozy stone ledge style fireplace with large mantle, surround sound and built-in wood media center. Dual staircases leading up to second story of this magnificent home. Double door entry leads you into master suite and private retreat. The master suite includes a private deck to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful California sunsets and ocean views. The master bath exhibits an extra large shower, marble and travertine stone work throughout, and his and her walk-in closets. All the secondary bedrooms/baths include designer touches, custom paint, walk-in closets and ceiling light/fans. The entertainers back yard is tastefully decorated with outside living area, fire pit and covered dining enclosure, lush landscaping and room for a pool. Freeway and Beach close! Lease Option now available.

459 Lexington Cr. Oceanside, CA 92057

$6,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,375 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 180064617
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful single story fully furnished home available all year. Recently remodeled bathrooms, carpet in master bedroom. Hardwood floor throughout the rest of the house and slate tile flooring in bathrooms and laundry. King bed in master, queen in two bedrooms with a desk and sofa in the study. Private pool and Jacuzzi. All utilities including cable and Internet are included. SDG&E up to $100/mo. tenant pays difference. Minimum one month lease. Monthly rate is $6,000. Cleaning fee $300, processing fee $25, pet feet $100 each. Security deposit $2000.

Encinitas CA 92024

$4,250
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,467 SqFt
Status Pending
MLS # 190017484
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Remodeled townhome with nice granite counters, new carpet and paint, private gated courtyard and back deck. Two bed plus bonus room/loft with two rooms. Located in a gated oceanfront community with steps to the beach just one block away, two pools/spa and tennis courts. Rare one year lease available. Available 5/5/19. Totally quiet location with detached two car garage. This won't last! Neighborhoods: Sea Bluff Complex Features: ,,,,,,,,

1418 Portofino Drive Vista, CA 92081

$4,100
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 190056088
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FULLY FURNISHED RENTAL HOUSE For Rent $3,900/MO. Home overlooks the Shadowridge golf course with panoramic views. Free parking, WiFi. Close to Oceanside and Carlsbad beaches, Legoland, shopping centers, grocery stores. Complex with community swimming pool and jacuzzi. 2 - 6 month minimum lease term required. Utilities not included. No pets allowed. Home is available now. Month to month lease up to a 6 month lease. Neighborhoods: Shadowridge Complex Features: , Sewer: Sewer Connected

1399 Temple Heights Drive Oceanside, CA 92056

$3,250
2 Beds
1 Bath
935 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # OC21129756
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful Fully Furnished Home $3250 ! Enjoy City Lights and Mountain Views on an Elevated Corner Lot in highly desirable Peacock Hills 55+ Senior Community. Remodeled 2 bedroom, 1 bath, with Expanded with a bright sunny Family Room with french doors that lead to a relaxing, private back yard. Enjoy the large kitchen with a pass-thru window to the Family Room. Master has a King size bed and second has a Queen bed. Fully equipped, fridge, microwave, washer and dryer, attached garage. Brand New Central Air Conditioning. Year round long term rental $3,250. $3250 deposit and and a refundable $150 key/remote deposit. Centrally located near shopping and transportation hubs. Please call before showing.

3730 Via Del Rancho Oceanside, CA 92056

$4,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,208 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2113537
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Sophisticated single-level home available for rent. Fully furnished, available for 31+ day vacation rental. Includes cozy linens and towels, kitchen supplies, modern furniture, hardwood floors, etc. Perfect for the working executive or as a calming retreat to relax and recharge. Very clean and private. Located on quiet street in Shadowridge. Includes WI-FI, yard service, water, and trash. Owner provides SDGE up to $100 a month. Security deposit varies depending on duration of lease. All rent is pre-paid prior to move-in. Reservation Fee: $100, Cleaning Fee: $325. Must have good credit. Currently available June 1, 2023.

1532 Neptune Encinitas, CA 92024

$9,500
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,356 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2207922
Property Type Residential Lease
Price Type --
This is the upstairs half of a newly redone three-bedroom oceanfront duplex. The owner is only looking for very long term tenants so a multiple year or options to extend are acceptable. Two-car garage, appliances and laundry included. No pets preferred but owner is open to that possibility with an additional deposit. The downstairs two-bedroom unit, also with a two-car garage, appliances and laundry etc., is now completed and available at $7,800. To see either property please call the agent.

901 S Pacific Street Unit 201 Oceanside, CA 92054

$7,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,567 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2208845
Property Type Condominium
Price Type --
Rates vary by month: Oceanfront condo. 3 BR/2.5 BA located in the coveted 901 S Pacific Building. Condo has everything needed for a long stay. Includes kitchen supplies, linens, Smart TV, Internet, Fast Wifi, comfortable furniture, bedding, etc. Within less than one mile walk to downtown restaurants, Farmers Market and Pier. Gated property, parking, and elevator. Two cars reserved parking spots steps from elevator. Minimum 30 day rental. Rental rates vary please inquire for most recent rates. Longer stays open to discussing a discount. Rent includes water, trash, cable, Wi-Fi, and SDGE (gas and electric) etc. Cleaning fee upon departure is $250, application fee $100. No parties allowed. No smoking. No pets.

1534 Neptune Encinitas, CA 92024

$7,800
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,078 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2209228
Property Type Residential Lease
Price Type --
This is the downstairs 2 bedroom half of a newly redone oceanfront duplex. The owner is only looking for very long term tenants so a multiple year or options to extend are acceptable. Two-car garage, appliances and laundry included. No pets preferred but owner is open to that possibility with an additional deposit. The upstairs 3 Br unit, also with a two-car garage, appliances and laundry etc., is now completed and available at $9,500. To see either property please call the agent.

1470 S Santa Fe Vista, CA 92083

$3,495
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,680 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 220024133SD
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
ONLY 3 UNITS LEFT, Visit TODAY!! BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION! FEBRUARY SPECIAL! (thru Feb 28th) 1 Month Free (13 month lease) + FREE Pet Rent! These luxury residence townhomes are situated just a short drive from downtown Vista (1470 S Santa Fe Ave, Vista, CA, 92084). Currently ONLY 6 units available, each are two story with attached 2 car garage (Electrical Vehicle outlet available in the garage). They are bright and airy with high ceilings and a great room style. First floor features a fully equipped and modern kitchen, luxury hard surface flooring, and a spacious living area for entertaining guests. The second floor boasts two beautiful spacious bedrooms that includes a very large primary bedroom with dual walk-in closets and private primary bathroom. This extra large bedroom can actually be fitted into two separate bedrooms if you’re in need of 3 separate bedrooms. *Rental Prices range from $3350-$3595 DEPENDING ON UNIT ** Ask about MOVE IN SPECIALS **Refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer (full closet (not stacked), central air conditioning, AT&T Fiber Available! **Clubhouse, Playground, Outdoor entertainment space, BBQ & Electric Car charging in unit!

3360 Garfield Street Unit C Carlsbad, CA 92008

$2,950
1 Bed
1 Bath
800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2209964
Property Type Condominium
Price Type --
Cozy Beach Condo, fully furnished. Move-in ready. Back condo unit #C has a full Kitchen, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 800+sf & Laundry shared. Flexible Lease from 6 months - 12 months. Steps to Carlsbad Beach/Ocean. Quiet neighborhood. Upgraded kitchen. Full size bed w/option of queen size Air Mattress for your guests upon request. Private uncovered patio area has garden seating to relax or work outdoors. Enjoy the beautiful beach weather. New Linen Sheets. Very clean. Beach chairs and beach towels provided. Walking distance to restaurants, brewery's, shops & beach. Close access to Sprinter/Metro Train, I-5 freeway or Coast hwy.

348 La Mesa Avenue Encinitas, CA 92024

$7,500
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,761 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2210732
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Leucadia! Available for a 30 day minimum but owner will consider 12 month lease. Tucked away in the special little community called Seaside Gardens, this 3 bedroom/3 bath home is within close proximity to Stonesteps beach, downtown Encinitas but yet far from the noise and congestion of the 101. Modern kitchen with expansive counter space and top of the line appliances. Open floorpan perfect for entertaining. Private front yard with secured parking.