Renting a new place can be exciting – but also stressful. With rental scams on the rise, especially targeting young and vulnerable tenants, staying informed and cautious is more important than ever.
Think you have found the perfect place? Check out our tips when searching for your next home so that you know exactly what to ask and what to look for when viewing a property.
1. Do Your Homework First
- Research the average rent in your area and what similar listings go for in order to spot bargains – or potential red flags.
- Look up the landlord or listing poster online: check how long their profile has existed and if they have multiple postings with similar wording
2. Never Pay Before You’ve Seen It
- Do not pay any deposit or fees without a physical viewing of the property – no exceptions. Scammers may pressure you with excuses like travel or illness to avoid in-person meetings .
- If you’re shown the property virtually but told the landlord or tenant is “unavailable” to meet, treat this as a major red flag.
3. Always Ask for Proof and Contracts
- Ask for proof of ownership or right to let before wiring money.
- Ensure a written tenancy agreement is in place. Never settle without clear terms confirmed in writing
4. Look Out for These Red Flags
Watch for signs that suggest suspicious activity:
- Listings with suspiciously low prices or urgent payment pressure
- Sellers claiming they’re overseas or otherwise unavailable to show the property in person
- Stock photos reused across ads
- Requests for a holding deposit before viewing – even though legally you only need to pay up to one week’s rent as deposit
- Sellers dismissive of references, identity checks, or written documents
5. Protect Your Personal Data
- Keep all communications on the Gumtree platform – avoid using email, WhatsApp, or phone numbers until you’ve vetted the listing and user.
- Avoid sending scans of documents or any sensitive info until you’ve verified the legitimacy of the landlord and property.
6. Meet in Person Safely
- Always view the property before transferring money.
- If possible, ask current tenants any questions you may have. They can offer insights on who lives there and confirm the legitimacy of the listing
7. Choose Secure Payment Methods
- Cash is preferable when meeting in person.
- If you must pay electronically, use a trusted platform like PayPal, but only after the payment has cleared and you’ve seen the property.
- Be extra cautious if a seller requests links for online payment or asks you to pay via unconventional methods
8. Know the Risk—Rental Fraud Is Rising
Rental scams are increasing. In the UK, young tenants account for 75% of reported cases, with nearly £9 million lost across about 5,000 cases in the past year alone.
Scammers often post fake listings, sometimes even showing real properties, but deceive tenants by pretending to be unavailable. Make sure you always verify landlord credentials and report suspicious accounts immediately.
✅ Quick Safety Checklist
| ✅ Check Before You Commit | ❌ Avoid at All Costs |
| Seeing the property in person | Wiring money before a viewing |
| Viewing current tenancy agreement | No paperwork or vague terms |
| Proof of ownership or landlord rights | Offers that seem too good to be true |
| Communications via Gumtree only | Pressure to pay without verifying identity |
| Researching landlord’s activity | Reliance solely on photos or stories |
Renting on Gumtree gives access to a wide range of listings – but it also means taking responsibility to stay informed. With scammers becoming more sophisticated, sticking to these tips can help you rent a place safely and confidently in 2025. If anything feels off – walk away. You’re in control.
View property on Gumtree here.
