How to avoid rental scams

International students are a common target for rental scams, especially on the private market. The good news: almost every scam breaks the same few rules.

Never pay before you can verify

If someone asks you to wire a deposit before you've seen the place (or had a verifiable video tour) and signed a real contract, stop. That's the single most common scam pattern.

Red flags

Landlord is 'abroad' and can't show the flat in person
Pressure to pay quickly to 'secure' the room
Payment by untraceable methods (wire to a personal account, gift cards)
Price far below market for the area
No written contract, or a contract that avoids naming the real address

Stay safe

Safety checklist

0/5 done

Prefer established dorm providers for your first placement
View the place in person or via a live video call
Insist on a written rental contract before any payment
Use traceable payment methods
Verify the landlord and address independently

Key terms to know: Kaution (deposit), Miete (rent), Betriebskosten (operating costs), Anmeldung (address registration).