How to check if a landlord is real before you pay.

Why checking the landlord matters

Rental scams often work because the advert looks real, the photos look convincing, and the person messaging you sounds confident. But before you pay anything, you need to know who you are dealing with.

A genuine landlord or letting agent should be able to answer basic questions about the property, the tenancy, the payment, and their connection to the rental.

1. Ask for their full name and role

Start by asking who they are and what their role is. Are they the landlord, a letting agent, a property manager, a current tenant, or someone advertising on behalf of another person?

2. If it is a letting agent, check the agency details

If the person says they work for a letting agency, ask for the agency name, website, office address, office phone number, and business email address.

Be careful if they only use a personal email address, WhatsApp, or social media account and avoid giving official company contact details.

3. Ask for the full property address

Before you pay anything, you should know the full address of the property you are paying for. Some advertisers may avoid publishing the full address publicly, but they should be able to provide it before taking money.

Once you have the address, check whether it matches the listing description, photos, rent level, viewing details, and any paperwork you receive.

4. Ask for a viewing before paying

A viewing helps confirm that the property exists and that the advertiser has access to it. In-person viewings are best, but a live video viewing can also help if you are relocating or cannot attend.

Be cautious if the person refuses any viewing, says keys will be posted after payment, or says you must pay first before you can see the property.

5. Check payment details carefully

Before sending money, ask exactly what the payment is for. Is it a holding deposit, tenancy deposit, first month’s rent, reservation fee, or something else?

Ask for written confirmation of:

• The amount due.
• What the payment is for.
• Whether it is refundable.
• Who you are paying.
• The payment deadline.
• What happens after payment.

6. Ask how the deposit will be protected

If you are paying a tenancy deposit, ask how it will be protected and when you will receive the details. A vague answer such as “we will sort it later” is a reason to pause and ask more questions.

You can ask:

• Which deposit protection scheme will be used?
• When will I receive written confirmation?
• Is this payment a holding deposit or a tenancy deposit?
• What happens if the tenancy does not go ahead?

7. Warning signs the landlord or advertiser may not be genuine

• They will not provide their full name.
• They refuse to explain their connection to the property.
• They will not give the full property address before payment.
• They avoid in-person or live video viewings.
• They say they are abroad and cannot meet.
• They pressure you to pay immediately.
• They ask for unusual payment methods.
• Their phone number, email, name, or company details do not match online.
• The rent is much cheaper than similar properties nearby.
• They become defensive when you ask normal questions.