Sign in

First Step Home Rentals

Sharing is caring! Have something to share about First Step Home Rentals? Use RevDex to write a review
Reviews First Step Home Rentals

First Step Home Rentals Reviews (33)

Review: This company says it will help you get apartments but only takes your money and don't help you at all they take on line listings and give you the address they don't have any connections whit the landlords. At all it's face and fraud that's what are doing they need to stopDesired Settlement: My money back for fraud

Review: they never fax or make an appointment for me to see the houses they had for rent and when I when on my own to see the houses they where old listing of already rented out all the list the they will provide to me where old and every time I call the office [redacted] was rude and had a really bad attitude I stared my contract with them on 11/8/13 and is 1/15/14 and I have not found a place to move in.Desired Settlement: I just want my money back.

Review: They offered a prepaid service and did not fulfill their duties of the contract nor what was told to us. The same prior complaints correspond with my experience with this company. We have not received a refund for the service they did not provide.Desired Settlement: To refund I, and the other clients for services not rendered.

Review: THIS IS NOT A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS. BEWARE. DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR MONEY. THEY WILL NOT HELP YOU FIND A RENTAL. THEY STEAL YOUR MONEY. So I got scammed. Talked to [redacted] on the phone. He seemed OK and helpful so I went down there and met with him. I have used a Rental Service before so I know there are legitimate ones out here. I signed the contract and went to the list of properties he had given me in my price range. I was surprised at how nice they were. When Googled the properties other real estate agencies had them listed for rent for $800 or more dollars from my price range. I was surprised and called [redacted] and asked him about the price discrepancy. He said that he talked to the owners and that they were willing to rent them out cheaper to the right person. Huh, OK. Well kept driving around wasting my gas and time. Finally got a list of rental properties that I was very interested in putting my application in to. Called [redacted] back and let him know. He said that I had to do a walk through in order to submit an application. He told me he would contact the owners and set something up for me. He would be leaving at 4:00 pm that day, and they were closed the next day so he would call me back ASAP with the information. I waited and waited. Finally I called him at 3:30pm. He transferred me to a lady named [redacted]. She proceeded to tell me that she had left messages for the owners and that they would call me back so that I could do a walk thru. Its been 3 days and no one has called me back. Unfortunately only after all of this happened I viewed the comments on Yelp and realized I had been scammed. Its really sad because I am now down $200 when I needed it the most to move. These people do not care about anything but making a quick buck. They are liars and cheats. Also, when I signed their "contract" I realized that the white sheet I signed has differences in the yellow copy I received. So watch out. I am disputing this charge through my bank, and also plan to make a police report for fraud because I signed something completely different then the copy of contract they gave me. These people need to go out of business. I also noticed a brand new black Mercedes parked outside of the office. Must be the owners. Bought using all of the money scammed from hard working citizens.Desired Settlement: I want a full refund of $200 for services NOT RENDERED

Review: This company makes false advertisements and fraudulent promises about providing rental properties that they manage directly with the owner when in reality they are properties that do not exist are in escrow or foreclosure, and/or are occupied by other tenants and owners. The agent tells you that the company manages the properties but they really do not have a business relationship with these homeowners. They take an upfront fee of two hundred dollars and provide phony addresses of properties with phony inaccurate information. Including [redacted] street in [redacted] currently occupied and not for rent at 1200.00 as advertised; [redacted] street [redacted] in which there is no [redacted] street in [redacted]; as well as [redacted] ave in [redacted] which they said was for rent in the 1200.00 range but is actually currently in escrow . The staff instructs you to drive by these properties first which can be unsafe as the owners and residence do not expect you. putting you at risk and wasting your time. Then you are to give them the list of your favorites and they alone will contact the owner for you to schedule a viewing. The agent said that the company selects the tenants but then after paying the fee they gave me a paper saying that the owner selects tenants, that was a complete lie. They tell you the services is fully refundable but it is only partially refundable and only available 3 months after the start date, and only if you fully participate with the program including trips to the office every two weeks and appointments being made with "owners" throughout the three month period. They make you pay for lies and false hope and don't provide names or business license numbers on any of their paperwork .Desired Settlement: I first would like a complete refund for the fake addresses I was given and false advertisement and lies I was told by the agents and listed on the paperwork I was provided. I want the company to be shut down and pay regulatory fees to the business licensing agencies for every false listing they provide to the public. and if this company continues to operate I want them to only advertise the services that they are actually able to legally provide as they are continuously and carefully monitored

Review: Paid $200 for their service to search for rental house. They gave me the list of house and told that whatever house I live, give them the call and they will contact the homeowner to schedule for me appointment. But I have wait and wait for 1 week, they they either don't respond to my call or tell me that they are still waiting for homeowner to call back. I read too many complaint about this business, and I don't know why they are still exist.Desired Settlement: refund $200.

Review: I responded to two separate ads on craigslist for a home for rent. Both times I was told to call [redacted] at ###-###-#### and ###-###-####. I was able to speak with a person that did not give their name and told that I need to come to their office at [redacted] and to bring a photo ID and a 200.00 application fee. I asked what the 200.00 was for. He told me its application fee to look at the apartments. I asked if I would get that back. He said I would get 125.00 back if I didn't find a place. This seemed suspicious so I looked this company up on yelp and discovered 59 reviews all explaining that this company is listing properties that do not exist or are not theirs. They also are described as not returning the 200.00 "Application Fee." When I confronted the individual on the phone regarding this, he explained that all the reviews on Yelp are companies losing business to them and when I told him I would report him to Revdex.com of CA he told me that company was a fraud a scam and they have been sued.Desired Settlement: I would like this company investigated for predatory and fraudulent marketing to renters. There are many unsuspecting people that would fall for such a scam and with this many people having the same complaint I find it hard to believe this company is in compliance with state law governing their business.

Review: This place promised to find me a place to live in 3 months. In those 3 months, I viewed a total of 2 apartments. One of them did not allow pets and I told 1st Step that I had a dog, the other apartment was almost $400 out of my budget. 1st Step gave me lists of apartments with their prices and the prices were not correct. One of the appointments I went to, the landlord never showed up for us to view the place and the current tenant had said she barely moved in and the place was not even for rent. 1st Step took $200 from me, $75 was non-refundable since it went towards applications for apartments (which were never filled out), and the remaining $125 was never refunded to me. I work for a law firm and intend to get my money back for breach of contract. I know that it's only $125 but now they have left me without a place to live. It is unethical business practice, they never return phone calls, even when I go in person they never answered any of my concerns and even stated that it wasn't necessary for me to come in since they did not have the answer.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund and for this place to stop doing this to so many other people. I am fortunate enough to have family that lives close by to stay with until I find another place to live, but there are many people that don't have that same support. This situation has left me with hardship and I would much rather settle this matter outside of the courts.

Review: On 4/4/14 I Responded to an ad on craigslist for a 2bd 2ba w/d hook-ups front and back yard. I called [redacted] the agent was [redacted]. Following phone call I then went to First Step in Santa Ana spoke in more detail with [redacted] who said at that time the rental I responded to was no longer available. He explained the program of which they provide rental listings on Wednesdays and Saturdays from those list I am to view property and report back which one I want to set an appointment to view. The assistance is $200.00,$75.00 is their fee with the remaining $125.00 applied toward rent once a rental place is finalized. On 4/4/14 I left First Step with a Lakewood, Bellflower, Norwalk and Long Beach list and began immediately looking on the Bellflower list I took pictures of the property it was unable to be lived in, two other properties were being moved into and two others I immediately placed my bid. On 4/5/14 I recieved call from First Step ([redacted]) stating I have appointment to view property in Lakewood one I did not choose and said its a little out of my range so I asked why was she having me view then? And what happened to my choices she stated the landlord had not responded. I hadn't heard from my agent who stated that they are obligated to respond to request within 24 hours. So I placed a call on 4/8/14 spoke with [redacted] who admitted she hasn't been giving her paper work the proper attention it deserves and then I was told tht the property I been waiting to here back was out of my range so I asked why did I recieve lists with no vacancies and are not in my budget I was told I would be given a call back. Two days past no call back I called them on 4/10/14 I was placed on hold several times for very long periods then was asked to call back several times. Finally I spoke to [redacted] who gave me some "new" addresses over phone I immediately began driving by and again properties are being moved into and others I inquired about we're not vacant. On 4/12/14 I went to office a second time very frustratedDesired Settlement: Because I spent a lot of travel time and my money for false services I want my whole $200.00 because the do not deserve a finders fee they didnt find anything they are taking people money and giving out false rental lists. Also for my travel to and from Santa Ana and all properties that was never for rent I am requesting an additional $100

Review: I went to this business thinking that these people were gonna help me find a home. When I gave them 200 cash then told me it could be refunded if I couldn't find a place or change my mind. So when I researched them on yelp and seeing all the horrible reviews. I asked for my money back. And they refused and threaten my life with violence. They Have Some Ex gang members there and told me good luck trying to get my money back. I can't believe I was scammed by thus place. I am on a low fixed income and they stole my money and didn't think twice about it. I want this to be reported and I want my money backDesired Settlement: I want my 200 bucks back

Review: This company advertises all over the internet for properties that are available to rent. When you call in, most of the time you will talk to a guy named [redacted] who will tell you he has several properties available and that that he will personally show them to you if you come to his office in Santa Ana and bring a photo ID as well as $200 which is for security deposit. When you get to his office he gives you a list of properties that are completely fake and say that you can choose 3 properties to view. Once this is done he informs you that he cannot show these properties to you immediately because he has to schedule an appointment and check to see with tenants a good time to show the property. So he has you sign a contract for the payment saying that if he finds you a property $125 of the $200 will go to security deposit and $75 is his cut for finding a place...and here is where things get shady...you drive to the addresses of the properties to find that all of them are fake, occupied or the asking price is no where near the real rental price!!! After doing my own research, I went on yelp to find that a ton of other people have been scammed by this company. I was desperately in need of a place and trusted these people to help and instead am out $200 now. These people need to be put out of business as this whole company is running a highly illegal business.Desired Settlement: I would like this matter resolved in the most practical way. A full refund as I never received any services from this scam company and now am $200 short of moving cash! Ultimately I believe a class action lawsuit should be filed against these guys as there are many people out there just as angry and hurt as I am!

Review: I came to this business for help to search for an apartment. They said there was a $200 fee in which will be used for deposit once I find a place that I want. If I was unable to find a place, then the fee would be refunded. I talked to an employee named "[redacted]" on the phone before coming in and [redacted] ended helping me instead. Unfortunately, all the promises that they made were unable to deliver. I gave them lists of properties that I wanted to see, but only get to see one. The lists that they gave me were outdated and didn't match up to my preferences that they once again promised to do. There was always different people picking up the phone claiming different titles and never transfer me to appropriate people. They never return my calls, make appointments for me to see properties, or do what they supposed to do. They basically took my money and perform no service. I am definite that I am not the only victim that this business deceive. It is so unethical! The updated address of this business is 1002 East 17th Suite K, Santa Ana CA 92701.Desired Settlement: I would like this business to refund my money of $200. First Step Rentals scam people like myself so please help to get my money back. Also, help other people from being ripped off by this business.

Review: My fianc and I answered a Craigslist ad about a townhouse in Orange County. We were instructed to go to their office and they would collect $200 in exchange for the listing for that location as well as others in the area. We went signed the paper work and were given listens that said they were houses, turned out to be apartment complexes we had already seen and were considerably out of the price range that we had established on the phone prior to the visit to the office and again once we were at the office. When we went back to the office and explained that the services provided were not what we were promised (3 hours after leaving the office originally) They put up a fight to let us out of the "contract" and at that point only after repeated explanations and refusing to leave without our money back since it had been hours not days of signing our contract they still insisted on charging us $75 for their "service" which they didn't really give since we had already located the properties and they were not the "exclusive" rentals they had promised.Desired Settlement: We would like a refund of the $75 they insisted on keeping since the services they said would be provided were not.

Review: I was told that if they weren't able to help us find a place to stay, we were entitled to a refund. I've submitted all the information they asked for and still no response or nothing. I keep calling and they just put me on hold for a long period of time. Then they come back to the phone asking how can I help you or they hang up on me.Desired Settlement: All I want is a refund

Review: I went to this company looking for assistance in finding a studio apartment for rent. I paid 200.00 for this service on 02/22/2014. So far they have done nothing to but give me excuses as to why they have not done what they have promised. I have spoke to my Schools First Credit Union and they have had 3 other claims for the same reason. My Credit Union Rep tried to help me but they hung us and they wouldn't answer the phone. Please help me in getting my money refunded. I can not give away 200.00. I am trying help my grandchildren into a safe place to live. Thank you in advance for your help,[redacted]Desired Settlement: Just refund my 200.00 and help other people not go through this unfair treatment. Thank You,[redacted]

Review: This company is conducting fraud, first by the way they advertise, then how they conduct getting your business and ensuring they get paid, without them ever being accountable to actually give you the service you are paying them up front for. 3rd for claiming they have relationships or are property managers of these properties they offer to you when they are not affiliated, then if you try to contact them they hand off the call to someone else or leave you on hold for ever. The staff is not professional in making decisions and cannot assist you but quick to hand you off. I am requesting full refund... I have mailed a written notice asking for full refund sent it certified and still they act like someone will call me back I dont need a call just refund me for I got no serviceDesired Settlement: full refund

Review: The First step rentals guaranteed my money back within 90 days. It has been over 90 days and when I called to get my money back they said I had to wait 10 more days. They received my paper work I mailed them for the refund. They have been avoiding my call for 3 days now and do not return any of my messages I leave.Desired Settlement: I would like to receive my $200.00 back.

Review: I went to this business in order to receive help searching for an apartment. I was dissatisfied with their lack of professionalism and chose to discontinue the services. I then followed through with the process to receive a refund that was outlined in the contract I reviewed with one of their team members. I have yet to receive my refund despite abiding by the contract and speaking with the manager numerous times.Desired Settlement: I would like for both my friend, [redacted] and I to be fully refunded our $100 payment to this business. We did not use their services and both followed through with the designated guidelines to obtain our refunds but they refuse to cooperate.

Review: they advertise inexpensive rental properties on craigslist and get you to come into the office and pay them a $200 fee for the service.then they give you a list of properties to look at and ask to have you call to setup an appointment to see the properties. after looking at rental properties I called and tried to set up appointments to view the properties and get transferred to someone that don't speak English or get hung up on and after calling several times get nothing but someone telling me that they will call me back with an appointment and never get return phone calls.I have tried for several weeks to get any kind of answer about rental properties and don't get any response from the company.I have tried several times to talk with a manager and keep getting told they are not in or off for the week.Desired Settlement: I drove 2 hours to get the lists from the company and also drive to look at the properties and they charged me $200 for the service that they do not provide.the price of the service and Gas for the drive to and from the company and rental properties

Review: This place requires a two hundred dollar deposit to help you look for a home and then once they take your money they ignore you and don't help you find a home. They won't return our money and refuse to help us find a home. I gave them the last money I had for this month and now I'm struggling to keep going. We are not the only family they have done this to please shut them down!. I have been emotionally damaged stressing out over this situation I haven't slept these past few days please do something about them.Desired Settlement: I just want my money back and that they don't continue to take a persons money and hopes and just throw them away. Especially because we are people in need of a place to stay.

Check fields!

Write a review of First Step Home Rentals

Satisfaction rating
 
 
 
 
 
Upload here Increase visibility and credibility of your review by
adding a photo
Submit your review

First Step Home Rentals Rating

Overall satisfaction rating

Description: Apartment Finding & Rental Service

Address: Santa Ana, California, United States, 92701-4688

Phone:

Show more...

Add contact information for First Step Home Rentals

Add new contacts
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | New | Updated