How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

Finding the perfect property to rent has become increasingly difficult. Not only is there high demand and a limited supply of homes, but private rents have increased to their highest point on record. Tenants need to move quickly to secure a home that's right for them and that's within their budget. This sense of urgency has put scammers on high alert as they look to pressure people into sending them money and personal information to secure a property that may not even exist. Read on to find out how to protect yourself from rental scams.

Partner with a reputable online letting agent

Partnering with a reputable letting agent can help to prevent you from falling victim to rental scams. At Griffin, our trusted platform has a stringent verification process for landlords and listings, significantly reducing the risk of you encountering fraudulent properties. We provide a completely safe way to set up a tenancy, guaranteeing the safety of your money and ensuring that proper procedures are followed at all times. Our messaging system allows you to contact landlords withoutsharing any personal details until you're ready to proceed.

Be cautious of unrealistic deals

If a rental property appears too good to be true, it's probably because it is. Scammers often use attractive offers to lure in potential tenants, for example, by offering an unusually low rental price for a property in a high-demand area. Although it can be tempting to jump at such a deal, it's essential to exercise caution. Compare prices in the local area and be extremely wary if a property is priced much lower than similar listings. Investigate further before handing over any money or sharing personal information.

Never send money in advance

Many scammers will request payment from tenants before allowing them to view the property. Since legitimate landlords don't ask for any payment upfront, this should ring alarm bells. Be wary of any request for money before viewing the property or signing a rental agreement.

Insist on a physical viewing

Insisting on a physical viewing is a crucial step in avoiding rental scams. Scammers often create fake listings with attractive photos with the aim of deceiving potential tenants. However, by insisting on a physical viewing, you can verify that the property actually exists and matches the description provided in the listing. If a landlord makes excuses for not allowing viewings, for example,claiming they're out of the country, this is a big red flag.

With rental scams becoming increasingly common and evermore sophisticated, it's vital that you protect yourself. Look for your next home with Griffin today and find your next property without putting your money and personal data at risk. We ensure that every property listed on our platform is genuine, providing you with the peace of mind that you deserve. Call us on 0345 561 0050, email us at [email protected] or send us a message via the website to get in touch with our team.