Don’t get caught out: avoiding rental scams

Rental scams can have devastating impacts on your life, financially and emotionally.

With this week marking Scams Awareness Week 2024, it’s a timely reminder to stay vigilant, use trusted sources and listen to your instincts when looking for a rental property.

If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.

We’ve put together some tips to help you steer clear of scams.

Warning signs

• Most properties in WA are managed by property managers so they will not contact you through or advertise on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or WhatsApp. Be very wary of responding to ads on these platforms.
• Be cautious of rental listings that have extremely low prices. Scammers often try to entice people with prices that are too good to be true. Do some research on www.reiwa.com to see what properties are being advertised in that area.
• If the ‘landlord’ says they can’t show you the property because they are away, interstate or overseas, it is probably a scam. Suggesting you do a drive-by of the property is another common trick.
• Be wary of someone trying to push or rush you to make a decision and send funds to “make sure you don’t miss out of the property”.

How to protect yourself against rental scams

• Use a legitimate real estate site such as www.reiwa.com to search for properties.
• Only deal with property managers or landlords you meet face to face.
• Check the address: If you see a property on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or have been contacted via one of these platforms, google the address or look it up on www.reiwa.com to see if it is being advertised. You will probably find it is not. If it is available, contact the property manager directly. An owner pays them to find a tenant; they will not advertise it themselves.
• Similarly, do a reverse Google image search of the photos. Scammers usually take photos of properties they find on the internet.
• Do not send a deposit to secure your chances of getting a property. Agents will not ask for this.
• Do not send bond or rent until your rental application has been confirmed by the property manager, and you have a copy of the lease agreement.
• Never send personal information such as driver’s licence, passport details or bank details directly to an alleged ‘landlord’.
• Always inspect the property yourself or, if you can’t, have someone else inspect it for you.
• To avoid payment redirection scams, always call the property manager if you have been accepted for a rental but get an email with new payment details.
• Be cautious when communicating with potential landlords or property managers via email. Scammers often use email to impersonate legitimate landlords or property managers.

What should I do if I fall victim to a rental scam?

If you believe you have fallen victim to a rental scam, visit WA ScamNet or ScamWatch to report a scam.

If you have any questions, contact the REIWA Information Service on 9380 8200, Monday to Friday, during business hours.

If you are having issues finding a rental, read our tips for securing a rental property.