The landlord wants a token amount before I visit the flat. Is that normal?
No. A genuine owner or broker shows the flat first and takes a token only when you have seen it and agreed. Asking for money before the visit – to "block" it, because "many people are interested" – is the main sign of a rental scam.
The listing is usually cheaper than the area average, the owner is "out of station", "in the army" or "abroad", and the keys will be "sent by courier" or "handed over by a friend" once the token is paid. After the payment, the owner stops replying.
What to do
- Refuse to pay anything before you have been inside the flat.
- Ask to see the owner's ID and a property document, and check that the names match.
- Reverse image search the listing photos.
- If the owner cannot meet or show the flat through someone local, move on – there are other flats.
Frequently asked questions
- The owner offered a video tour instead. Is that enough?
- No. Video tours can be of any flat. Someone must open the door for you, or for a person you trust.
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