🏚️ How to Spot and Avoid Rent Fraud in the UK: A Guide for New Tenants

July 24, 2025

Renting a home—especially as a newcomer to the UK—can be exciting, but it also comes with risks. One of the biggest threats facing students, migrants, and first-time renters is rental fraud. Scammers often prey on those who are unfamiliar with the UK rental market, using fake listings, rushed deals, or emotional manipulation to steal money.

In this post, we’ll explore how rental fraud works, common red flags, and practical steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

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🚨 What is Rental Fraud?

Rental fraud (also called tenancy fraud or rent scam) happens when someone:

Pretends to be a landlord or agent and takes money for a property they don’t own or don’t have permission to rent.

Posts fake ads for properties that are already occupied or don’t exist.

Demands upfront payment before you’ve even seen the property or signed a contract.

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🔎 Common Signs of Rental Fraud

Watch out for these red flags:

1. No Viewings Allowed

If they say you can’t view the property in person or over video call, it’s likely a scam. Some might claim they’re "abroad" or that the key is with a “courier.”

2. Too Good to Be True

Massive properties in great locations at unbelievably cheap prices? That’s often bait for desperate tenants.

3. Requests for Money Upfront

If you're being asked to pay a deposit or first month’s rent before seeing the property, be cautious—especially if payment is via:

Money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram)

Cryptocurrencies

Gift cards

4. Poor or Missing Paperwork

Legitimate landlords provide:

A tenancy agreement

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Gas safety certificate

Deposit protection details

Scammers usually skip these or provide fake versions.

5. Unprofessional Communication

Emails with poor grammar, generic messages, or pressure tactics like “pay immediately to secure the place” are red flags.

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✅ How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

1. Use Verified Platforms

Stick to trusted rental websites such as:

Rightmove

Zoopla

OpenRent

SpareRoom (for rooms) Avoid listings only found on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree unless you can verify the person.

2. Always View the Property

If you’re abroad, ask a friend or trusted contact to view on your behalf or request a live video tour with proof of current tenancy status.

3. Check Land Registry

Use the UK Land Registry (£3 fee) to check the legal owner of the property and ensure the name matches the landlord or agent.

🔗 Check ownership here

4. Ask for ID and Registration

Letting agents must be registered with a professional body like:

Propertymark

The Property Ombudsman (TPO)

Ask for the agent’s ID and registration number and verify it online.

5. Never Pay Cash or Bank Transfer to a Person

Always pay into a registered company account. Avoid payments through unknown apps or personal transfers.

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🛡️ What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

If you’ve already made payment or suspect fraud:

Report it to Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Contact your bank immediately to try to reverse the transaction.

Inform your university’s student support team if you're an international student—they often have housing advisors who can help.

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📝 Final Thoughts

As the demand for housing increases, so do scams targeting vulnerable renters. Take your time, verify everything, and trust your instincts. If something feels off—it probably is.

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📚 References and Sources for the Blog Post:

1. Action Fraud UK – Rental Fraud

Official reporting service for fraud and cybercrime in the UK.

🔗 https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/rental-fraud

2. National Trading Standards – How to Spot a Rental Scam

Offers guidance on typical signs of rental fraud and prevention tips.

🔗 https://www.nationaltradingstandards.uk/news/watch-out-for-rental-fraudsters/

3. UK Government – Renting Safely

Tips on viewing properties and knowing your rights as a tenant.

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/private-renting

4. The Property Ombudsman (TPO)