Now What? I Think I Got Scammed

It’s important to have secure and stable housing. Sometimes, other people commit fraud and scam tenants.

Common Scams & Tenant Remedies

Scenario	Rights and Remedies
I couldn’t move in. Common details: Potential tenant doesn’t meet the landlord in person, signs the lease, pays a security deposit and first month’s rent, and then never hears from landlord and can’t move in.	Both landlords and tenants are bound by contracts. You my have a breach of contract claim if the landlord refuses to let you move in.
I moved in and paid rent, but the “landlord” did not actually own property	The actual property owner cannot force you to move out with self-help measures (lockout). They will need to go through the proper eviction process.
The unit is not what I was promised.	If the promise was memorialized in writing or a lease, then there may be grounds to demand possession of the correct unit.

Search for the address on the local county's Property Tax Portal and see if the name of the landlord/property management company matches with what's listed on the mailing address for the property tax records.
If the landlord is operating under an LLC, search for the name of the LLC on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
If the landlord says that they recently took over or purchased the property, ask for a copy of the real estate closing document.
A red flag to watch out for is if the landlord demands payment by online apps (Venmo or Zelle) rather than by check or a tenant portal.
Do an in-person tour before signing the lease.