How to Spot & Avoid Rental Scams When Looking for a Room in London

Finding a place to live in London can feel like a race every term. Rooms get taken quickly, and the pressure of time, money, and not knowing the UK rental system can make you more vulnerable to scams — especially if it’s your first time renting.

When I moved to London, I had zero rental experience. I was nervous, cautious, and a little overwhelmed. Over time, I learned what’s real, what’s fake and how to spot common scams. As you enter the UK rental market, here are my tips to protect your money and find a comforting and legitimate London home.

1. Important Things to Know Before You Start

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Agents can post under different account
You might see the same room listed multiple times on different websites or under a company and a “personal” account. That’s not always a scam — but they should all be managed by the same agency. You can politely ask agents to provide their agency's information for further checking.

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Photos can be misleading
Listings often look more glamorous online than in real life. Wide-angle lenses, clever lighting, and even old photos can make a room seem bigger and brighter than it actually is. This is why it is imperative to view a listing in person – or have someone view for you – if possible, to get a real feel for the space.

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London rents are high
If you’re coming from another country, prepare yourself — £700–£1,200 per month for a small room is normal in many central areas. Anything far below this could be a warning sign.

2. The Most Common Rental Scams

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Fake listings – The room doesn’t exist or isn’t available, but the ad looks real.

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Fake landlords – Someone pretends to be the owner/agent but has no right to rent the property.

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Down payment traps – You’re asked to pay rent or a deposit before you’ve even seen the place.

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Identity theft scams – They ask for your passport or ID to “reserve” the room, then use it for fraud.

3. Red Flags to Watch Out For

🚩 Too good to be true – If it’s far cheaper than other rooms in the same area, be suspicious.

🚩 Pressure to act fast – “Pay today or it’s gone” is a classic scam tactic.

🚩 No viewings – They only offer excuses, say they’re “abroad,” or insist on virtual viewings only.

🚩 Weird payment requests – Asking for Western Union, MoneyGram, cryptocurrency, or payment to an overseas account.

🚩 Vague communication – Short, inconsistent answers or avoiding direct questions.

🚩 No official documents – They refuse to share a tenancy agreement or other documents showing they’re the landlord/agent.

4. How to Verify a Listing Before You Commit

✅ Use trusted platforms – University of London housing service, SpareRoom (look for “Verified” listings), Rightmove, Zoopla, and OpenRent are verified platforms to peruse available legitimiate spaces.

✅ Check the agency’s credentials – Look for membership in a professional body (ARLA/NAEA Propertymark), a Client Money Protection Scheme, a Redress Scheme, and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme to ensure the agent is verified leasing personnel. (Some links are provided in the discussion section)

✅ Ask for proof of ownership/management – Request land registry documents, ID, or official agency paperwork to verify legitimacy.

✅ Search the address online – Be cautious if you find the same property advertised under different names or wildly different prices.

✅ View in person before paying – If you can’t, send a trusted friend or relative in London.

5. Safe Payment Rules

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Never hand over cash without a proper receipt.

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Use bank transfers to UK accounts only, ideally after signing the tenancy agreement.

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Avoid money transfer services for rent or deposits.

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Make sure your deposit is placed in a UK government-approved protection scheme (such as TDS, MyDeposits, or DPS).

6. Extra Tips for First-Time & International Students

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Consider temporary accommodation first – When I first came to London, I rented an Airbnb for 2 months before finding my current room. You might consider booking an Airbnb, hostel, or short-term room for 1–2 months so you can view long-term rentals in person.

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Bring a friend to viewings for safety. Plus, they spot issues you may miss.

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View during daylight — It’s safer and you’ll get a clearer picture of the condition and surroundings.

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Don’t send passport scans with your signature until you’re sure it’s a legitimate process.

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Learn UK rental terms — Words like “bills included,” “council tax,” and “HMO licence” will appear in ads. You can also read more about them here.

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There are exceptions — When I found my current room, my landlord handled everything directly — she wrote the contract, kept the deposit (which is allowed under a lodger agreement), and didn’t use an agency or deposit protection scheme. I felt safe and secure because her niece also lived in the house. In situations like this, what matters most is that you’ve viewed the room, understand the renting regulations in the UK, and feel confident you can trust the landlord before paying anything.

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Finding a room in London is a big step toward independence and starting your new life here. It can be stressful at first, but if something feels “off,” trust your instincts. A few extra checks now can save you hundreds — or even thousands — of pounds later.

Stay safe, ask questions, and welcome to London!

(edited 2 months ago)

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