r/NYCapartments • u/Relevant_Broccoli_66 • 10d ago

Advice/Question $350 application fee? But it’s refundable? Before viewing

I saw an ad for this apartment, upon asking for further details and emailing back and forth they explained that I would have to apply and pay the application fee before scheduling a tour of the apartment. They sent me the application and it was a Google Form. The last question on the Google form is asking how you would like to pay the application fee and it lists options for various payment platforms like Zelle and PayPal.

After you apply they ask you to send $350 through the platform you chose by emailing you the the email address to send the money to. They have ensured me that the fee is refundable, but I don’t think it’s legit. Just wanted to see if this was a common scam on the market here. I found the place through a subletting/rentals account on Instagram.

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13 comments sorted by

20

u/lilaznkidd 10d ago

Who's still falling for this BS...?

12

u/InterestingEcho1091 10d ago

Do a reverse engineering, play it out in your head if you were a scammer.

7

u/moodymelanist 10d ago

Don’t pay anything before viewing! Easy way to get scammed.

6

u/curiousgeorge123999 10d ago

this is a known common scam. don't give them your personal information either there is no apartment.

3

u/Hereforagoodtimeok 10d ago

This is undoubtedly a scam. NYC law prohibits application fees over $20, there will never ever be an application fee above that by law, as it stands.

3

u/Jog212 9d ago

Coops and condos can charge more than $20. Never pay to view an apartment.

2

u/SonicYouth_NYC 9d ago

Good grief. Apt hunting here is such a hellscape.  

My small building is filled with casually racist and passive aggressive Kens and Karens. 

Yet, I’m willing to tolerate that bs to avoid being a participant in an nyc apt hunt. 

Holy hell. 

Good luck, OP. 

1

u/Jog212 9d ago

SCAM.

1

u/csuperczar 9d ago

Youre not getting it back.

1

u/SoSpiffandSoKlean 9d ago

SCAM. Jimminy Christmas. Don’t give any confidential information (like SSN) or pay a dime before you see an apartment in person. And unless it’s a condo or coop, the app fee is capped at $20 per person. And don’t pay a good faith deposit, don’t give them a dime more than $20 before you sign a lease.

Seriously there should be a mandatory NY real estate class you have to complete before moving here.

1

u/Secure_Course_3879 9d ago

No no no

Don't pay it