Use your common sense and avoid scams

Most landlords and rental property listings are generally completely legitimate, but unfortunately, there are also “landlords” who are not. And this is where your common sense needs to kick in. Even if you are desperately looking for a new home – maybe even urgently – you need to think carefully when stepping into the big rental market. You risk paying for a home that you’ll never receive the keys to if you don’t use your common sense and let yourself be pressured by a determined landlord.

Written by our internal copywriter. Last updated: 4. April 2026

To help guide your common sense, we’ve gathered a few key points you should keep in mind when starting a dialogue with your potential landlord.

Check who owns the property

If you’re renting through a private individual, you should ask for documentation proving that the person actually owns the property.

Check if the property is actually on the market

If the landlord has a different name than the one listed as owner, we recommend contacting the registered owner to confirm whether the property is actually for rent.

Do not pay for a property you haven’t seen

It’s important that you see the property in person before paying any rent in advance, a deposit, or the monthly rent.

Don’t pay in cash or to a foreign bank account

A fraudulent landlord will often ask you to transfer money (advance rent, deposit, or rent) to a foreign account (e.g., Western Union or PayPal), because you won’t have the same ability to prove the payment.

Always request a viewing

Always demand a viewing of the property. At the same time, check whether the landlord’s name matches the name on the mailbox and doorbell.

Ensure you have a valid rental contract

Make sure to get a signed rental contract from the landlord, so you can read it thoroughly before signing and returning it. Just as you shouldn’t transfer any money before seeing the property, you also shouldn’t sign a rental contract before viewing it. A fraudulent landlord may try to avoid signing a contract, but this is an essential safeguard for you as a tenant.

Get agreements in writing

In addition to the rental contract, you might make small agreements along the way. As long as these are only verbal, they’re hard to prove later if needed. Always make sure to get your agreements confirmed in writing, for example via email.

Don’t let the landlord pressure you

If the landlord tries to pressure you into signing the contract or, for example, transferring a deposit immediately, this may be a sign that something is wrong.

Check if the financial terms make sense

Verify whether the rent complies with applicable regulations and is not completely out of proportion. All municipalities have a rent tribunal that can advise you and compare with similar properties. If the rent is significantly lower than other properties in the area, it may indicate a fraudulent landlord.

We’ve now gone through a series of points that will hopefully be helpful as you continue your housing search.