Apartment Rental Scams – Warning Signs and Common Tactics

Online scammers are becoming increasingly creative, but many of their methods share common elements. It’s important to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, such as an exceptionally low price for an apartment in a prime location.

You should also be suspicious if the owner refuses to show you the apartment in person, citing a trip abroad or lack of time. Another red flag is time pressure, such as pressure to quickly pay a deposit or advance payment - often “to reserve” the property - before you’ve even signed any contract.

Remember, any honest landlord will arrange a meeting, provide documents, and give you time to think it over. The absence of these elements should raise red flags.

Among the most common scams, several recurring patterns can be identified. One of them is the so-called “fake owner” - a person who impersonates the actual owner of the property. Often, all it takes is for them to enter the apartment once, for example under the pretext of viewing it, take some photos, and... post their own listing.

Another method involves extorting money for various types of “fees,” advance payments, deposits, or alleged costs associated with the reservation, without signing any documents.

Sometimes scammers demand payment for a “credit check” or offer “promotional” prices valid only today - and it is precisely this sense of urgency that is meant to trap you.

Fake listings are often copied from legitimate websites, with minor changes, most commonly a significantly reduced price. Always verify the owner’s information and sign the contract in person.

To avoid problems, it’s a good idea to follow a few simple rules:

• Do not make any payments before viewing the apartment and signing the lease agreement.
• Ask to see the owner’s ID and proof of ownership (e.g., a notarial deed, an extract from the land registry).
• The lease agreement should be drawn up in two identical copies and include detailed information: the parties’ details, a description of the apartment, its condition, the security deposit amount, the rent amount, and payment dates.
• Pay attention to the quality of the listing; professional photos, a full description, and consistent details are a good sign.
• Check reviews and contact information online; perhaps someone has already reported a problem with that phone number or address.

If you have even the slightest doubt, it’s better to walk away and look for another offer.

If you’ve been the victim of a scam, don’t wait—report it to the police as soon as possible. Gather all evidence: emails, text messages, screenshots, transfer confirmations, and copies of the ad.

Also notify the website where you found the listing to prevent further scams. Even if the losses are small, reporting the crime increases your chances of recovering your money and can help others avoid similar situations.

Remember, you have rights, and government agencies are there to protect you as a tenant.

Searching for the perfect flat or apartment can be exciting, but it’s important to stay cautious. We hope this guide will help you spot attempts at fraud and find the perfect place to rent safely.

If you’re looking for a reliable place for a short- or long-term stay, we invite you to take advantage of our offer. We offer only verified apartments in Poland’s largest cities, such as apartments in Warsaw or apartments in Krakow, with a guarantee of safety and transparent rental terms.

Check out our selection on the apartment rental page and see for yourself that comfort, quality, and safety are our top priorities.