Fraud in the rental market is rare, but it does happen. When it does, it usually involves fraudsters posing as landlords or agents to take money upfront without ever providing a tenancy. The best protection is knowing what to look out for and acting quickly if something feels off.
This guide sets out the warning signs of a fraudulent landlord, what you can do to protect yourself, and the steps to take if you suspect a scam. If you’re ever unsure, get in touch with us at Hello Neighbour so we can check things over and give you the support you need.
You can reach us by phone on 020 8051 9546 or email lettings@hello-neighbour.com.
Why rental scams happen
Ensuring our landlords are genuine and our tenants are protected is important to us. Whichever letting agent you use, if you are dealing directly with a landlord, it is useful to know why and when scams might happen. This way, we can spot the signs and prevent fraud before it occurs.
Scammers usually aim to get money quickly, often by collecting a deposit or rent before a tenancy agreement is in place. Sometimes they copy adverts from real properties, change the contact details, and persuade people to pay before they realise something isn’t right.
They tend to target people under time or financial pressure. According to National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) data, 18-39 year olds make up 3 quarters of rental fraud reports so, students and young people, in particular, should make sure everything adds up before rushing to a decision.
Signs a landlord might not be genuine
Below are some indications, but not guaranteed signs, that a landlord might be fraudulent. If a few of these crop up, it is worth thinking twice before paying any fees. Here are some common red flags to look out for when renting:
A price that feels unrealistically low
If a the rent is far below the going rate in the same area, it could be bait for a scam.
Pressure to pay quickly
Fraudsters often create urgency, saying the property will be gone if you don’t transfer money immediately. A genuine landlord will let you view the property and consider your decision before asking for payment. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 limits the holding deposit to 1 week's rent, so never pay more than that.
Odd payment requests
Be cautious if you’re asked to pay in cash, by wire transfer, or even cryptocurrency. These methods are hard to trace if something goes wrong.
No chance to view in person
If you’re told you can’t view the property before paying, or that only a video tour is possible, treat this as a major warning sign.
Suspicious or inconsistent photos
If images look like stock photos, don’t match the description, or appear on different adverts for different properties, the listing may be fake.
Lack of paperwork
Every proper tenancy begins with a contract. If someone says paperwork isn’t necessary or promises it will come later, walk away.
No proof of certificates
Landlords must provide documents such as an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) and, if relevant, gas and electrical safety certificates. Ensure you see copies of these before going ahead with a tenancy.
Reluctance to prove identity or ownership
A landlord should be able to prove they own the property or have the right to let it. If they refuse, it’s a red flag. Proof of ownership will be ID documents and Land Registry deeds.
What to do if you suspect something isn’t right
If you feel unsure about a landlord or listing, don’t ignore your instincts. Here’s what you can do:
Pause payments: Don’t transfer money until you’re satisfied the landlord is genuine.
Let us know: Inform us as soon as possible so that we can carry out extra checks for you. You can reach us by phone on 020 8051 9546 or email lettings@hello-neighbour.com.
Check property ownership: Use the Land Registry (from £7) to see who owns the property.
Search the advert: Copy parts of the description or images into a search engine to see if they appear elsewhere.
Report concerns: In the UK, you can report rental scams to Action Fraud, or to the police if you feel threatened.
Seek advice: Citizens Advice can guide you on your rights and next steps.
What if you’ve already sent money?
If you realise too late that you’ve been scammed, act quickly:
While recovery isn’t always possible, acting fast improves your chances.
How tenants can protect themselves day-to-day
Here are some practical tips to keep yourself safe in the rental market:
How Hello Neighbour helps tenants avoid scams
At Hello Neighbour, we’ve built safeguards into every stage of the process so tenants don’t face the risks that come with rental scams.
Even with our most basic service, Get Listed, landlords go through ID checks, anti-money laundering and financial sanctions checks, plus additional internal fraud screening. These checks aren’t shared publicly, which makes it harder for fraudsters to work around them.
For landlords using our Get Rented or Get Rented Pro services, the protections for tenants go further. We create tenancy agreements digitally, both landlord and tenant sign them online, and we share copies with each party for full transparency. Our system handles all payments securely, so tenants never hand money directly to a landlord before a contract is in place. We register deposits in the government-backed MyDeposits scheme under the landlord’s name, and the scheme holds funds independently, releasing them only when both sides agree or through formal adjudication.
On top of this, Get Rented and Get Rented Pro have built-in compliance checks. Landlords must upload valid safety certificates and complete Right to Rent checks before tenants move in, so you can be confident that your tenancy starts on solid ground.
Key takeaways
In the unlikely chance that you come across a fraudulent landlord, being aware of the warning signs can help keep you safe.
If you ever feel pressured or uncertain, pause and seek advice. It’s always better to miss out on a property than to lose money to a fraudster.
FAQs
What’s the biggest giveaway of a rental scam?
Being asked to pay before you’ve viewed the property or signed a proper agreement.
Is it normal to pay rent before signing?
No, you should never pay rent or a security deposit until after a contract is signed. Paying a holding deposit of 1 week's worth of rent is normal before referencing or signing a contract.
How can I be sure a landlord is genuine?
Ask for proof of ownership or check via the Land Registry, a genuine landlord won’t mind. If you’re still unsure, speak with us before moving forward.
What protection does Hello Neighbour give tenants?
With Get Rented or Get Rented Pro we check landlord details, handle money securely, protect deposits, and ensure all compliance documents are in place before move-in.
What should I do if I’ve already been scammed?
Contact your bank straight away, let us know, and keep all evidence to support your case.