Check a rental before you pay.
Paste the listing details and get a simple risk report showing possible scam signs, missing information, and questions to ask before sending money.
Example risk report
Medium riskBe careful if you are asked to send money before seeing the property in person or by live video.
Ask how your deposit will be protected and which scheme will be used.
Get a copy-and-paste message to send to the landlord or agent before paying.
How Before You Rent works
A quick check can help you slow down, spot warning signs, and ask the right questions before sending money.
Paste the listing
Add the rental description, rent amount, area, platform, and any messages you have received.
Check for red flags
The checker looks for risky payment requests, missing details, pressure tactics, and common scam signs.
Get your next steps
Receive a plain-English risk level, questions to ask, and a message you can send before paying.
Check a listing in under 60 seconds.
You do not need to be a rental expert. Answer a few simple questions and get a clear report before you pay a deposit, holding fee, or reservation fee.
Start the rental checkExample checker preview
Payment requested before viewing the property.
Common rental red flags
Scams often rely on urgency, missing details, and pressure to send money quickly. These checks are useful for listings from Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, SpareRoom, OpenRent, rental websites, and private messages.
Helpful renter guides
Learn what to check before paying, signing, or sharing personal information.
Rental scam red flags
Learn the warning signs that often appear in fake or risky listings.
View red flags →How to check if a landlord is real
Know what to ask for, what to search, and what details should match.
Read guide →Before paying a holding deposit
Check the amount, refund terms, address, and advertiser before paying.
Read guide →Facebook Marketplace rentals
Extra checks to make before paying for a rental found on Facebook.
Read guide →Gumtree rental scam checker
What to check before replying to or paying for a Gumtree rental advert.
Read guide →SpareRoom scam checker
Checks for rooms, flatshares, live adverts, deposits, and housemates.
Read guide →Built for the risky moment before you send money
Before You Rent does not replace proper checks, legal advice, or direct verification. It gives you a simple way to spot possible warning signs and know what to ask next.
Plain English
No confusing jargon. Just clear warnings, missing details, and suggested next steps.
Useful questions
Get messages you can copy and send to the landlord, agent, or housemate advertiser.
Risk awareness
Understand why a listing may be risky before sending money or personal information.
Found a rental listing?
Check it before you pay. Get a simple risk report, possible red flags, and questions to ask before sending money.
Check a listing nowBefore You Rent provides general information and risk indicators only. It cannot guarantee that a listing is safe or unsafe, and it is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify property details, landlord or agent identity, payment requests, and tenancy documents before sending money. Read our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclaimer.