Below are two ads from Craigslist. This is very typical in that you are dealing with people renting out there own home and trying to gouge the unsuspecting renter. I have highlighted the items at the end of the ad I find unbelievable though legal.

1st Ad The asking price is high. I found 4 others in the same neighborhood that were all priced under $1895.00! No xtra fee's, no first and last months rent and no one asked to tenant to pay the fee.

You can also see that the owner is trying to get one to pay 1st months rent, last months rent and a deposit just to walk in the door. Maybe in California but in VA it is normal 99.9% of the time to ask for a deposit and 1st month rent when you move-in.

Lastly the owner is trying to get you to pay the HOA Fee! This is unbelievable but typical of a For Rent by Owner ad on Craigslist. NEVER PAY THE HOMEOWNERS FEE! IF THEY ASK YOU TO PAY THE FEE, WALK!

 2nd Ad The 2nd one is a townhome listed for $3000.00. I researched the area and found one we had for rent for $2300.00 or $700 Less! BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOUR SEARCHING ON YOUR OWN!

* All of the request are legal however in our market this is NOT the norm.

1st AD STARTS HERE

Built in Fall of 2005, Lovely New Townhouse available for rent starting July 15th.

Features:

Granite Countertops In Kitchen w/ lots of Cupboards & Pantry
Dishwasher
Large Master Bedroom with Vaulted Ceilings
Large Soaker Tub with Separate Shower & His/Hers Sinks in Master Bath
Walk-In Closet in Master
2 Spare Bedroom upstairs
Additional Upstairs Full Bathroom
Washer/Dryer on Upper Level
Dining Room & Living Room on 2nd level w/ Half Bath
Lovely Family Room with Fireplace and Built-Ins on Ground Level w/ Half Bath
Small Private Gated Backyard Area
Bisque/Light Beige Carpeting Throughout
Broadlands Community Olympic Size Pool with Waterslides
Central Heating and A/C
Single Car Garage with Automatic Door Opener
Located in Newly Developed Broadland South!

We are asking $1995 a month rent. Plus, $67.50 monthly for Swimming Pool & Community Facilities and $157 monthly which cover Cable/Broadband Internet/Phone Services.

Asking 1st, Last and Deposit.
Non-Smokers only.
*Pets Negotiable with Additional Cleaning Deposit

2nd AD STARTS HERE

Here's another one added to Craigslist on Priced at $3,000 per month.

I had one on the same street for $700 Less! at the same time this was listed This is located in Ellery Place. Name was removed.
 

$3,000 3 Master Beds/3.5 Baths Luxury TH w/garage

Arlington - 1 min
Alexandria - 5 mins
Pentagon - 8 mins
Ballston - 10 mins
DC - 15 mins

Just like the Model. Brand New - 3 Master Beds with 3 Bath - Soaking Tubs, Upgrades Galore! Close to shopping, public transportation, restaurants.

Stainless Steel Appliances, 5-burner Stove
Island Gourmet Kitchen w/ Breakfast Nook
Upgraded Cabinetry
Italian Granite Countertops Hardwood Floors
Full Deck
Fire Place Garage
Security System
Washer/Dryer.
2 - Zone HVAC,

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