Rental scams and red flags

Rental scams target students because they are often searching from another country, in a hurry and unfamiliar with local prices. Learn the warning signs, the checks that stop a scam, and what to do if something feels wrong.

How rental scams work

• A property in a great location is advertised at a rent well below the local market, and you are asked to pay a deposit or full payment before you have visited (Action Fraud advice published by Get Safe Online).
• The property may not exist, may already be rented, may be 'rented' to several victims at once, or the scammer may show you around a place they do not control.
• In March 2026 Dubai Police warned that scammers post fake listings on social media at unusually low rents and ask for 'booking deposits, documentation fees or goodwill payments' before a viewing or contract, sometimes using photos copied from genuine listings and forged documents (as reported by Gulf News).
• In a 'proof of funds' scam, you are asked to send money to a friend and pass the transfer details to the 'landlord', who then uses them to take the money. Never do this.

The red flags

• The rent is far below similar properties in the same area. Compare at least five listings nearby.
• You are asked to pay before you have viewed the property (UCL lists this as a top warning sign).
• The 'landlord' is abroad, cannot show you around, or pressures you to decide today.
• Payment is requested through a money transfer service, which UCL and Action Fraud warn is often untraceable, or by gift cards or cryptocurrency, which are also very hard to get back.
• The advert has no phone number, only a free email address, no photos, or photos that appear on other listings (Get Safe Online).
• Documents look rushed or have spelling mistakes, or the person refuses to show ID or proof that they own or manage the property.

Checks that protect you

• View the property in person with the landlord or agent before paying anything. If you are abroad, ask a trusted friend or relative to view it for you, or choose university-approved housing.
• Ask your university accommodation office or students' union whether they keep a list of approved landlords or properties.
• Search the address and the photos online to see if they appear elsewhere.
• Sign a proper written contract before any money changes hands, and pay by a traceable method such as a card or bank transfer to a verified business account.
• In England and Wales, a security deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme (Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits or Tenancy Deposit Scheme) within 30 days, so you can check it has been registered (GOV.UK).

Extra checks in Dubai and the UAE

• The Dubai Land Department (DLD) says real estate adverts need a permit issued through its Trakheesi system, and the permit number must appear in the advert.
• DLD says you can verify licensed brokers through the Dubai Brokers page in the Dubai REST app, and advises the public to verify advertisement sources and licences before paying any money.
• The UAE government portal notes that tenancy contracts must be registered (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi) and that registration is needed to connect utilities. A landlord who refuses to register the contract is a warning sign.
• Dubai Police advise dealing only with authorised entities and verified property owners, and being cautious of listings priced well below the market (Gulf News, March 2026).

If you think you have been scammed

• Stop all contact and do not send any more money, even if they promise a refund after one more 'fee'.
• Call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card and explain what happened.
• Keep evidence: screenshots of the advert, messages, the account details you paid and receipts.
• In Dubai, report through the Dubai Police app, the e-Crime platform or by calling 901 (as reported by Gulf News). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040), which replaced Action Fraud in December 2025. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
• Tell your university accommodation office so they can warn other students. Being scammed is not a sign of stupidity: scammers are professionals. See the Scams and Fraud module for more.