How to avoid rental scams in your city

Updated October 25, 2026

Rental scams work because good apartments are scarce and people are in a hurry. Almost all of them end the same way: you send money for a place you have not seen, to someone who cannot rent it to you. A few simple rules protect you from nearly all of them.

Warning signs

The price is far below similar apartments in the same area.
The "owner" is abroad or out of town and cannot show the apartment, but will send keys after you pay.
You are asked for a deposit to "hold" the apartment before a viewing.
Pressure: many other people are interested, so you must pay today.
Payment by gift card, crypto, wire transfer or a transfer to a third person.
Photos that look like a hotel or appear on other sites under other addresses.

Before you pay anything

See the apartment in person, or send someone you trust.
Check that the person renting it is the owner or has the right to rent it. Many places have public property records that show the registered owner.
If an agent is involved, check that they are licensed where that is required.
Sign a written lease before paying, with the full names of both sides.
Pay by a traceable bank payment to the person or company named on the lease, and get a receipt.

Roommate and sublet scams

Ask a subletter or a roommate who already lives there whether the landlord agreed. A sublet the landlord did not approve can end with you being asked to leave. Talk to the landlord yourself if you can.

If something feels wrong

Stop and do not send money. On Roomly you can report a listing from the listing page, and our team reviews every report. If you already paid a scammer, contact your bank right away and report it to the local police.

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