Local

Renter scammed in Seminole County by man who didn't own property

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Tatiana Kennedy moved to Seminole County from South Florida and thought she’d lined up a place to live but found out hours after moving in that she had a big problem.

The man she thought she was renting the property from dropped the bombshell on Kennedy in a text, saying he didn’t own the home and she’d better get out.

“(The) woman that owns this property said she will have you arrested for trespass,” the text from a man Kennedy only knew as Jon said.

Now she’s out $500 and has to find another place to live.

Looking back, Kennedy said there were warning signs, the first being that the house advertised on Craigslist was anything but a house.

“What he was renting was a broken-down RV trailer,” Kennedy said.

There are consumer protection laws in Florida to protect renters, but they only apply when there is a written lease.

In this case, there was none, Kennedy said.

“At this point, I’m in shock because I’ve given this guy money,” she said.

Channel 9’s Mike Manzoni called the number Kennedy received the text from and left a voice message but did not receive a response.