Trust is the whole point.
Finding a place to live shouldn't feel risky. Here's how we protect you and how to protect yourself, on Sharelet and anywhere.
Need help right now?
If you're in immediate danger, call 911. These free lines can help too.
Emergency services
Immediate danger, a crime in progress, or a medical emergency.
911 →
211: community help line
Free, confidential help finding shelter, food, rent assistance, and local services.
Call or text 211 →
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 support if you feel unsafe with a partner or housemate.
1-800-799-7233 →
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7 support for mental-health or emotional crises.
Call or text 988 →
Stay safe in 5 rules
Never pay before you've verified
Don't send a deposit, application fee, or first month's rent before you've toured the place (in person or by verified video) and confirmed the host. Use Sharelet's protected deposit so money is only released on move-in.
Keep the conversation on Sharelet
Moving to text, WhatsApp, or email early is a classic scam move that takes you off the record. Real hosts are happy to chat in-app.
Watch for too-good-to-be-true
A luxury place far below market, a host who's 'traveling' and can't show it, or pressure to act 'today' are red flags. Our Scam Shield flags many of these automatically.
Tour smart
Meet during the day, tell a friend where you'll be, and share your live location. Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave.
Protect your documents
Don't share your SSN, bank logins, or photos of your ID over chat. Verified identity checks happen through Sharelet's secure flow, never by DM.
See something off?
Paste any listing text, message, or link into the free Scam checker and it tells you what looks wrong and why — no account needed. If it's on Sharelet, report it too: reporting is confidential and our team reviews every one.
Know your rights
HUD: find your local housing office
Official tenant rights, fair-housing complaints, and local assistance by state.
hud.gov →
USA.gov: renter rights & complaints
Plain-language overview of your rights and how to file a complaint.
usa.gov →
FTC: report rental & deposit scams
Report fraud and learn the warning signs of rental scams.
reportfraud.ftc.gov →
Sharelet provides these resources for convenience and isn't affiliated with the organizations listed. In an emergency, always call 911 first.