The most common scams when renting a flat
Unfortunately, as interest in rental housing grows, so does the number of scams associated with it. Prospective tenants should remain vigilant and carefully check listings to avoid scams that could cost them tens of thousands.
Published 5/1/24, 10:11 am.
Fraudulent listings, even on property portals
Discussions about rental flats often focus on untrustworthy behaviour by tenants, which frequently leads landlords to use various methods to screen them. Unfortunately, there are also cases of scams targeting tenants by fake landlords. Fraudulent listings can appear even on reputable property websites. It can sometimes be difficult to identify them. It is important to remember that, although listing portals may be well known, anyone can pay to advertise on them. It is therefore advisable to remain cautious.
Key signs of fraudulent listings
Online fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, and their fraudulent offers look increasingly genuine. If you notice any of the following signs in a listing, be on your guard!
1. Low price
One of the most common indicators that should alert prospective tenants to exercise caution is an unusually low price. First, you should know the current rental price level in the area, taking into account the size, fittings and location of the property. If you come across a listing with a suspiciously low price compared with other offers, be cautious. The differences are usually significant (for example, CZK 7,000 per month including utilities for a 3+1 flat in the city centre).
2. Poor grammar
Another typical sign of a suspicious listing is poor grammar and broken Czech. It is often the case that the advertiser is a foreigner and communicates only by email. Although some listings may be well written, it is important to remember that advances in artificial intelligence now make it easy to produce flawless translations. Nevertheless, minor language errors can still be detected, for example in declension. If you respond to such a listing and the landlord tells you they live abroad and therefore cannot arrange an in-person meeting, it is best not to pursue the offer any further.
3. A carefully crafted story
A fraudster will often present a convincing story to explain why an in-person viewing cannot take place. Some arguments may sound compelling, but it is important to stand firm. If the landlord refuses telephone contact or an in-person viewing, walk away from the offer.
Never send money in advance
A request to send an advance payment should be a warning sign. Alleged landlords usually justify this by claiming that the payment serves as confirmation of the prospective tenant's genuine interest. However, no money should be sent in advance, even if the listing shows none of the other suspicious behaviour mentioned above. The security deposit and rent should only be paid once the lease agreement has been signed.
Watch out for real estate agency tricks
Some listings may appear highly credible and may even look as though they are being offered by a real estate agency. While this may inspire confidence, it is important to verify the agency itself. The rental may be advertised by a fictitious real estate agency, or someone may be acting in an agency's name without the necessary authorisation. Therefore, if a listing is presented as being from a real estate agency, check the offer on the agency's official website and make sure the listing appears there as well.