How to avoid rental scams

Rental scams almost always rely on rushing you - the tenant isn't given time to check documents and is pushed to prepay before a viewing. Here are the common schemes and how to spot them.

Prepayment without a viewing

A classic scheme: an attractive below-market listing, a refusal to show the apartment in person citing travel or being busy, and a request to transfer a prepayment to "reserve" the unit. As soon as the money is sent, the "landlord" disappears.

Forged or someone else's documents

A scammer may present documents for a property that isn't theirs - for example, renting out a relative's apartment, or one they themselves rent, without the real owner's knowledge. Compare the name in the ownership document (title certificate or USRR extract) against the passport of the person renting it out.

Subletting without the owner's consent

Sometimes people who rent an apartment sublet it while posing as the owner. If the real owner shows up later, they are entitled to evict the tenant, and getting the money back from the scammer is usually no longer possible.

Warning signs

• The price is noticeably below market for similar properties in the area.
• They demand prepayment before an in-person viewing.
• They refuse to show the original ownership document.
• They rush the decision - "someone else will take it in an hour if you don't pay now."
• They ask you to transfer money to a stranger's card.

How to check a landlord

Ask to see their passport and the ownership document (title certificate or USRR extract) - the name on it should match the passport. Sign a written lease stating the amount, term and payment schedule - even for a private listing, this is the tenant's legal right.

Want to rent without the risk

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