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Rental fraud is one of the most common traps for newcomers, because they are under pressure to find a flat and are unfamiliar with the German market. The good news is that most scams follow a clear pattern and can be recognised with a few simple rules.
Warning signs
- Unrealistic price: a furnished, central flat with rent far below the market.
- The landlord is “abroad”: says they are away for work or a mission and will send the key by post or a courier company.
- Request for money before seeing the flat: paying the deposit (Kaution), a “reservation fee” or the first rent before a viewing and a contract.
- Untraceable payment methods: Western Union, MoneyGram, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Time pressure: “several other people are interested too, pay today”.
- Contact only by email or messenger: refusing an in-person viewing or a video call from inside the flat.
- Strange translated texts or photos that also appear in other listings.
How do we check?
- Search the listing photo with Google reverse image search to see whether it was previously published with another address.
- Look at the address on a map and check that it matches the photos.
- Always insist on an in-person viewing and meet the landlord or their representative with proof of identity.
- If in doubt, ask the property management (Hausverwaltung) whether the listing comes from them.
- Never send money before signing the contract and receiving an official invoice.
The law and your rights
In Germany a deposit of up to three times the base rent (Nettokaltmiete) may be charged, and the tenant has the right to pay it in three monthly instalments. Paying cash to someone who appears without a contract is not recommended at all. Also, under the Bestellerprinzip, if the landlord has hired an estate agent, the agent’s fee is normally borne by the landlord and not the tenant.
If you were deceived
- Contact your bank immediately and ask for the payment to be recalled or blocked.
- File a complaint with the police (Anzeige); you can also report online (Onlinewache).
- Report the listing to the platform.
- Keep all messages, screenshots and the payment receipt.
See the documents needed for a proper, safe application in the flat application documents guide, and read about the contract in the rental contract guide.
