Frequently Asked Questions
The questions that actually come up, answered plainly.
For renters
Does NestSift cost renters anything?
No. Searching, saving listings, setting up alerts and messaging landlords are all free for renters, and always will be.
Do I have to create an account?
You can browse and search without one. You need a free account to save listings or message a landlord, mainly so the conversation has a record on both sides.
Are the listings real?
Every listing is reviewed by a person before it appears publicly. That is not a guarantee against every bad actor, but it removes the obvious ones — and it is why you will never see a listing here the moment it is submitted.
Do I pay rent or a deposit through NestSift?
No, and you never should. NestSift does not handle rent, deposits or application fees. Anyone asking you to pay through this site is not us. Never wire money or send a deposit before you have seen a property in person and verified who owns it.
A listing looks like a scam. What do I do?
Use the “Report this listing” link on the listing page, or contact us. Warning signs: a price well below the local market, a landlord who cannot meet you, pressure to pay a holding fee immediately, or any request to wire money.
For landlords
What does it cost to list?
Your first listing is free. Membership is for landlords who need more than one active listing, want unlimited photos, or want featured placement.
How long until my listing goes live?
Usually under a day. A person reviews every listing before it is published — including listings from paying members. It is the main thing we do to reduce fraudulent, misleading, or inaccurate listings, so we do not sell a way around it.
What kinds of property can I list?
Residential rentals: apartments, houses, condos, townhouses, multi-family, 1–4 unit residential, mobile homes and rooms. NestSift does not carry commercial property.
Why was my listing sent back?
Usually one of three things: no photographs, a detail that does not add up, or wording that describes the tenant rather than the property. Nothing is deleted — it goes back to your account as a draft with a note.
Can I hide my address?
Yes. Tick “hide the exact street address” and the listing shows only the neighborhood, city and state. The full address is shared with renters you choose to reply to.
What happens if I stop paying?
Nothing is deleted. You return to the free tier, which includes one active listing; any others become inactive and stay in your account until you resubscribe.
Fair Housing and the rules
What can I not say in a listing?
Anything expressing a preference or limitation about who may live there. Phrases like “no children”, “adults only”, “perfect for a young professional” or “English speaking” are unlawful under the Fair Housing Act, even when well intentioned. Describe the property, never the person.
Can I say no pets?
Yes — but a service or emotional-support animal is not a pet, and cannot be refused under a no-pets policy. That distinction catches out more landlords than any other rule.
Is NestSift a real estate broker?
No. NestSift is an advertising platform. We do not show properties, negotiate leases, manage properties or collect rent, and we do not act as anyone’s agent.