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!)

897 Genoa Way San Marcos, CA 92078

$9,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,011 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2301885
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fully furnished. Available for 4 month lease from June 10, 2023 until October 10, 2023. PINNACLE LOT in AZURE of San Elijo Hills .33 ACRE CUL-DE-SAC LOT with OCEAN & PANO VIEWS. Very private lot in gated neighborhood with no homes on one side. OWNED SOLAR! RESORT STYLE backyard with large pool w/baja shelf/fountains/spa/BBQ/seating/firepit/large grassy area with fountain/vegetable boxes/grapevines/view area & more! The large patio can accommodate many tables for parties and events or a game of basketball! Desirable southern exposure backyard for sun all day! YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! The covered outdoor kitchen area with barbecue, beer tap, sink, fridge & bar area. Very open & flowing floorplan with vaulted ceilings & commanding staircase. Downstairs features an office plus ensuite bedroom/bath that could be an in-law suite or nanny quarters. High ceilings, wainscotting & wood trims throughout. Upstairs features a loft space for play room, homeschooling or a private retreat. Relax & recharge in your master bedroom w/walk-in closets & master bath featuring a deep soaking tub, separate shower & dual vanities. Dual AC, 3 car tandem garage & much more! Located in award winning San Elijo Hills with top rated schools, parks, trails, dog parks and an expanding town center. Convenient to beaches, shopping, restaurants, freeways & more. Centrally located in the heart of North County San Diego.

609 Sunset Drive Oceanside, CA 92058

$2,295
1 Bed
1 Bath
700 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # SW23042510
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Your New Detached Apartment (like it's own little house) No more sharing walls. 2 MINS FROM THE BEACH!!!!! ***DISCLOSURE: SPECIAL PRICE DUE TO NEIGHBORING PROPERTY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. CONSTRUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE APRIL 17, 2023 TO APPROXIMATELY JANUARY 17, 2024. WORK HOURS FOR CONSTRUCTION WILL BE BETWEEN 7:30AM TO 5:30PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.*** Beautiful 1 Bed 1 Bath Apartment with Living Room, Kitchen, Washer, Dryer, Fridge, Stove, Central Heat & A/C w/ Mini Split & Microwave. One driveway parking spot. Completely remodeled and conveniently located near Freeways & shopping centers. UTILITIES INCLUDED: WATER, TRASH, GAS. UTILITIES PAID FOR BY TENANT: ELECTRICITY & WIFI. If you work or do not mind the construction noise Monday through Friday, this may be the perfect place for you! Definitely worth a look at; Don't miss out on this one. QUALIFICATIONS: 1) INCOME: COMBINED MONTHLY GROSS INCOME MUST BE 3X MONTHLY RENT AMOUNT 2) CREDIT: ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE CREDIT SCORE ABOVE 600 WITH NO EVICTIONS NOR OPEN BANKRUPTCIES 3) RENTAL HISTORY: GOOD RENTAL HISTORY. MUST BE VERIFIABLE. OR, HOME OWNERSHIP. 4) IGN A 9-12 MONTH LEASE

7163 Tern Place Carlsbad, CA 92011

$5,600
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,200 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2301934
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BEAUTIFUL SINGLE LEVEL HOME OVERLOOKING THE SPECTACULAR AVIARA GOLF COURSE! AVAILABLE APRIL 10, 2023 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023. Fully furnished 2 BR, 2.5 BATH, Formal Living and Dining Rms, Huge Open Kitchen w/Family Rm, Fireplace. Very Large Master Suite w/Fireplace, Jacuzzi type Tub, separate shower, Large Walk -in Closet. New Carpet throughout. Second BR and Two Car Garage. French doors from Family Rm & Master BR open to Very Private Patio overlooking Wooded Area and 18th hole of Aviara Golf Course. Ideal for entertaining. Short distance to shopping, restaurants and theater. 7 month minimum lease term.

168 Walnut Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008

$5,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,212 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2302019
Property Type Condominium
Price Type --
Enjoy a piece of beach life! A beautifully furnished 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath 3 Story Townhome, 1/2 block from Frazee State Beach, with an ocean view from the upper floor. Includes TV entertainment systems on two floors. Upgraded with hardwood floors and granite kitchen counter tops. Kitchen fully equipped with new appliances, plus washer and dryer in the garage. 2 car private garage with work and storage areas under entry level. Walk-in closet on Master Bedroom. 2 balcony decks and a common area deck with barbecue and dining furniture. Shopping, dining, and public transportation (including train) is within a short walking distance. Internet (high bandwidth), internet TV and music appliances, trash and recycling included. Renter pays for other utilities (electricity, water and gas). This unit is Non-Smoking only. 6-12 month lease available. Early termination of lease without penalty allowed for verified change of military orders. House cleaning provided every other month of the tenancy. Available April 15,​​‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌ 2023

1087 Neptune Ave. Encinitas, CA 92024

$2,599
-- Bed
1 Bath
750 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2302012
Property Type Studio
Price Type --
AVAILABLE 04/01/2023: Minutes to either Beacon's Beach or Moonlight Beach - take your pick! Studio with one bathroom duplex West of 101 in laidback Leucadia. Home feels like a single-family home as it has no neighbors above or below and there's a small, fenced private garden to enjoy. Month-to-Month Lease

823 Ballow Way Unit 823 San Marcos, CA 92078

$3,250
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,021 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2301995
Property Type Condominium
Price Type --
Less than 1 mile from Cal State University San Marcos! Enjoy panoramic views from this 2-story townhome located in one of the best locations within the gated community of Campana at Rancho Coronado! This light and bright end-unit offers an open floorplan with all living space on one floor. Ideal for entertaining, the kitchen opens into the living space punctuated by views of the surrounding hills. Home features: - Fresh paint - Stainless steel appliances - Fireplace - 1 car attached garage - 1 assigned parking space - Guest Parking - Pool - Barbeque area - Playground Whether walking or riding, enjoy a short trip to amenities including restaurants, shopping, hospitals, Cal State University, Discovery Lake, Double Peak trail system and more! AVAILABLE NOW! - RENTS $3250/month - $3250 Deposit - 1 Year Lease - 1-2 pets ok, $100/month per pet. Pets must be well behaved. Tenant pays SDG&E Gas & Electric. Water, sewer, and trash paid by owner! Tenant pays Renters Insurance $350,000 liability coverage Application $35/adult. Must have good credit and verifiable income of 2.5x rent.

1176 Monterey Place Encinitas, CA 92024

$5,200
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,633 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2302079
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wonderful rental in the heart of Encinitas! Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this home is close to shopping, restaurants and more! 3 bedrooms PLUS a loft with built-in desk and bookcases/cabinets. One secondary bedroom has a queen size Murphy bed. Owner just installed brand new carpeting and a new refrigerator & microwave. Brand new 10 year smoke/carbon combos. Washer and dryer in garage. Washer, Dryer and refrigerator will not be maintained or replaced by owner. Minimum 1 year lease. Owner would consider longer.

1806 Somerset Ave Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

$7,900 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Cardiff By The Sea
New
$7,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,703 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # NDP2302162
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Prime location in Cardiff close to beaches, shopping, and all that coastal north county has to offer. Enjoy all of the comforts of this well laid out, furnished home. The perfect homebase close to the beach, Seaside Market, library, Pipes, post office and great restaurants! 3 bedrooms on the main floor with a separate den or office off the entry. Plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the living areas of this house. Upgraded finishes throughout. Included in this amazing home is an upstairs 1 bedroom with office and full bath. Surfboards and bikes not a part of the lease

1394 Knowles Carlsbad, CA 92008

$4,300 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Carlsbad West, Carlsbad
New
$4,300
2 Beds
1.5 Baths
1,050 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 230005701SD
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FURNISHED Carlsbad home available for lease with great proximity to the beach and village. Located in a quiet neighborhood this home features a spacious front and backyard as well as a fully fenced area for pets. 30 day (or longer) short term lease is desired. FURNISHED Home for rent. Utilities included 30 day minimum rental Cottage is furnished Large 1/3 acre lot in Old Carlsbad Quiet neighborhood Beautiful large front yard Parking available for RV Travelers. Pets allowed. No smokers. Good credit required. Available 7/1/2023.