Avoid scams in London rentals

Common red flags

• Below-market rent with pressure to pay or transfer money before you have seen the property
• Landlord or agent who will only use WhatsApp, refuses a proper viewing, or asks for a large cash or overseas transfer
• No written tenancy agreement or refusal to use a deposit protection scheme
• Fake listings copied from other sites, or photos that do not match the address

Protect yourself

• View the property in person where possible; check the person’s identity and right to let the property
• Pay deposits through traceable methods; never send money to strangers you have only met online
• Use reputable agents or landlords who provide contracts and deposit protection paperwork
• Search the landlord or agent name online; ask for proof of address and ownership where relevant

If something feels wrong

Stop and seek advice from Citizens Advice, Action Fraud (action.police.uk), or your local Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. Report scams to protect others.

CHECKLONDON encourages safe behaviour but cannot investigate individual fraud; use official channels for serious cases.