How Can I Avoid Rental Scams When Searching for a Home?

1. Never Pay Before Viewing

One of the most common red flags is being asked to pay a deposit or holding fee before you've even viewed the property. Scammers will often claim they're abroad, too busy to meet, or only offering virtual viewings. They might even send fake documents or photos to make the listing look legitimate.

Key tip: Always view the property in person, or if that's not possible, ensure the letting agent is fully verified and registered with a professional body such as Propertymark or the Property Ombudsman.

2. Be Wary of Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True

If a property is significantly cheaper than similar homes in the same area, it could be a scam. Scammers rely on urgency and emotional appeal - using lines like "we've had 10 people enquire today" to get you to act quickly without doing proper checks.

Always compare rental prices in the same postcode and look for consistency across platforms. If a listing seems unusually low, proceed with caution.

3. Check Who You're Dealing With

Before handing over any money or personal information, verify the landlord or letting agent. A legitimate agent should be listed on the company's website, and their contact details should match official listings.

• Look up the company online and check reviews
• Make sure email addresses are professional and match the domain (e.g. @farrellheyworth.co.uk)
• Beware of free email domains like @gmail or @hotmail from "agents"

4. Avoid Paying via Bank Transfer or Cash

Scammers often ask for money via wire transfer, cash, or cryptocurrency - all untraceable methods. Instead, always pay deposits via a secure method to a registered letting agency or verified landlord.

Note: All deposits in England must legally be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme, such as:

• Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
• MyDeposits

5. Use Trusted Property Websites

Stick to well-known property portals such as:

• Rightmove
• Farrell Heyworth

These platforms vet listings and agents far more rigorously than social media platforms or classified sites like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree - which are notorious for fake rental ads.

6. Look for Professional Accreditation

In the UK, legitimate letting agents are typically members of organisations like:

• ARLA Propertymark
• The Property Ombudsman (TPO)
• Client Money Protection (CMP) schemes

Letting agents must also register with a redress scheme by law. If an agent can't prove they are a member, it's best to walk away.

7. Ask Questions - and Trust Your Instincts

If anything feels off - vague answers, high-pressure tactics, or inconsistent communication - don't ignore the warning signs. Ask detailed questions about the property, tenancy length, deposit protection, and rent payments.

A real landlord or letting agent should be transparent and happy to provide documentation. If they seem evasive, it's a red flag.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

If you think you've come across a fraudulent listing or have been scammed:

• Report it to Action Fraud UK
• Inform the property platform where you found the listing
• Contact your bank immediately if you've transferred money
• Keep records of all communication, receipts, and screenshots

Rental scams can be emotionally and financially devastating - but they are preventable. The best protection is education, caution, and working only with trusted agents and portals. At Farrell Heyworth, we are fully regulated and committed to safe, transparent rental experiences. If you're looking for a property to rent and want peace of mind, contact our lettings team today.