Central FL Pair Accused of Renting Foreclosures

WINTER PARK, Fla. (AP) _ Two central Florida residents are accused of breaking into foreclosed homes, changing the locks, and then renting them out.

Seminole County Sheriff’s deputies say 28-year-old Natasha Ortiz and 27-year-old David Rivas bilked more than $2,700 from renters before the scam was discovered.

They were arrested Wednesday on burglary and grand larceny charges.

The Orlando Sentinel (http://bit.ly/IqVsbK ) reports Ortiz and Rivas posted “For Rent” signs in the yards of two Winter Park homes and listed rental ads online.

Ortiz then met with families interested in renting the homes.

Deputies say Ortiz collected money for a security deposit and first month’s rent.

She also provided the unsuspecting renters with a receipt and rental contract.

Officials say families moved into both homes before finding out they were not supposed to be there.