How to spot a rental scam

Fake listings target people searching from abroad. The patterns they follow, and the checks that protect your deposit.

2 min readChecked September 25, 2026

Rental scams in Germany target people who can't view a in person. The listing looks good, the price is low, and the "landlord" asks for money before you've seen anything. Once the money is sent, it's gone.

Warning signs

Stop if you see any of these

  • The rent is well below similar flats in the same area.
  • The landlord says they're abroad and will send the keys by post or courier once you pay.
  • You're asked to pay the or first month's rent before a viewing or before you've signed.
  • Payment is requested by money-transfer service, gift cards, crypto, or to a foreign account.
  • You're sent to a booking or "escrow" page that isn't on the platform where you found the listing.
  • The landlord asks for a scan early, before there's any contract.
  • The photos appear on other listings under other names. A reverse image search finds them.

Steps that keep you safe

  1. 1

    View the flat

    Go yourself, send someone you trust, or do a live video call with a person walking through the and showing the street outside.

  2. 2

    Check who you're dealing with

    Ask for the owner's name and compare it with the contract. For a sublet, ask to see the owner's written consent.

  3. 3

    Sign before you pay

    A legitimate landlord gives you a written contract first. The goes to the landlord's German account, not in cash.

  4. 4

    Pay through the platform when you book online

    Platforms such as Spotahome and HousingAnywhere hold your payment until after move-in. Never move the payment off the platform.

If it's already happened

  • Tell your bank immediately. Some transfers can be recalled in the first hours.
  • Report it to the police. Every federal state takes reports online through the Onlinewache.
  • Report the listing to the platform so it's removed.

Common questions

Is it normal to pay a holding fee?

No. In Germany you don't pay anything to reserve a private rental before signing. Estate agents' fees are paid by whoever hired the agent, which is normally the landlord.

Sources

Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.

Related guides

Plan your moveWhich German visa or residence permit fits youStudy, skilled work, the EU Blue Card or the Chancenkarte: who each route is for, what it asks you to prove, and where to apply.2 min readPlan your moveGetting a German student visaThe documents a German embassy asks students for, the order to collect them in, and the APS certificate if you're from India, China or Vietnam.2 min readPlan your moveThe skilled worker visa and getting your qualification recognisedHow the § 18a and § 18b skilled worker permits work, how to get a foreign degree or vocational qualification recognised, and which office to ask.2 min read