Rental scams

Lesson 11 of 13 in our free Housing & Renting guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Housing & Renting is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo already sent a £300 deposit to Ronnie. What now?

Red flag: “Only £300/month — half the local average!” — Way below the going rate is bait.
Red flag: “I'm working abroad so viewings aren't possible” — No viewing = no way to check it exists or that they own it.
Red flag: “Lots of interest, so send the deposit today to secure it” — Pressure to pay fast.
Red flag: “Pay by bank transfer or gift cards only” — Untraceable payment methods are a scammer favourite.
Agent offers an in-person or live video viewing and gives a registered business address → Legit. Checkable details. Still verify, but good signs.
'Landlord' asks for your passport photo and deposit before any viewing → Scam. Identity theft AND deposit fraud in one go.
Your uni's accommodation service lists the property → Legit. Uni-vetted listings are a safer starting point.
Someone 'subletting' their room wants 3 months' rent upfront via a payment link → Scam. Check they're allowed to sublet and never pay big sums upfront to strangers.