Renting an Apartment

[Greenlea]

I wasn't sure where to put this so I put it here, mainly because I thought other families on this thread would rent like me.

Currently we live with my Dad. We are looking to rent a place but its been like 7+ years since I've rented and even then it was easy I thought.  To my story...I found an awesome 3 BR apt in a 2 flat in our price range. I contacted the guy, saw the place, filled out an app, gave him my $100 ($50/person) application fee aaaand haven't heard from him! Here's the timeline...

10/22 - He listed the apt on Craigslist.

10/23 - We saw the apt.

10/24 - I emailed him my application

10/25 - I dropped off my $100 application fee in his mail box (he lives on the 1st floor of the 2 flat)

I emailed him twice, called him once, texted him once between 10/24 and 10/26 JUST to make sure he received my app & fee I left. He finally texts me evening of 10/26 saying he had to go to MI for a funeral but got my fee I left him.  Ok, so I don't want to bother him while he's away.  

Today, its been over a week since he texted me so I emailed him to see if he had a chance to look over the applications, as I was excited about the possibility of the apt.  He has not gotten back to me.  THEN I see he has listed the apt AGAIN on Craigslist just today (11/2)!!  After some more searching I find he has listed the apt on 3 other rental sites!

Now I'm getting worried as he still hasn't gotten back to me. I'm worried this is a scam and he's just taking people's application fees, including mine, after listing this place on so many sites.

So, since I've not done this in so long, I'm wondering if this is all normal? Cuz I really can't stand to lose $100 and I really still want this apt.  Do landlords usually take this long picking out a tenant (going on 2 weeks) and getting back to applicants? I dont' want to bother him anymore if this is all normal.

Please help, thank you!

[SunRise]

Very mysterious. You know where he lives. Thats a good thing (Print out a copy of the listing, if you can.) Did he take cash or check for the application fee?

I wonder if there is a better business bureau to contact, that may have taken other complaints similar to yours.   I'm not from a big city, so things may be done differently, but he may be taking advantage/scamming and taking peoples application fees. If he is a private person/managing his own place, I personally see no reason for application fee....   Gosh, I hope you get a better answer.

And no, he shouldn't take that long, I dont think. Landlords are better off to have a tenant then not. It may be his way of filtering through people... but ... mmmmmm

[rush2ady]

I would contact the police and report this.  It certainly sounds fishy.  If it's all legit, he'll explain himself to the police, and be quicker in the future at handling other peoples money and applications.  If he's a scammer, the sooner the better for you that it's looked into.

Formerly I was involved in an estate which owned several rental houses.  The property manager had been skimming money from the accounts, so we fired her and sued her.  Even after we fired her, she went out and represented herself to potential renters as the property manager.  She signed a fake lease with them, and ran off with the first months rent and their security deposit.

It happens, especially on Craigslist which seems to be a magnet for scammers.

[Greenlea]

I believe the application fee was to pay for the background and credit check he was planning on doing. And he mentioned a couple times how he wanted someone in there immediately.

After looking over our initial emails (which he responded to pretty quick) I have his work address, email, & telephone number as well as his personal email & cell phone number.  Plus, like you said, I know where he lives. 

I'm going to print out all the places I have found the apt listed, so if it is a scam I'll have proof. I really really hope its not. Not only do I still love this apt, but I need that $100. 

[SunRise]

Is it possible to access to your "background & credit check" and see if someone has checked it.