Rental scams in Spain and other countries: How to protect yourself Copy Copy Copy

Planning a move to a different country is an exciting time.  Whether you’re hoping to emigrate, or merely want to bask in some winter sunshine.  And renting first gives you a brilliant opportunity to try everything out before you buy a property.  The location, the weather, and the lifestyle, both in and out of season.  But renting abroad comes with challenges too.  So, here are our tips on what to look out for to find your sunshine and to rent safely in Spain.

Rental scams to look out for

Unfortunately, rental scammers are adept at preying on your enthusiasm.  Especially when you’re pressed for time due to a new job, or your children are starting a new school abroad.  Here are a few warning signs to look out for:

• An agency with little online presence – sometimes scammers will create their own lettings agency to appear legitimate.
• Lots of different ads for the same property – which may have slightly different descriptions or pictures.
• A very low or bargain price – because we all know that if it looks too good to be true, it most probably is.
• You’re asked for money up front as a rental deposit to secure the property– never pay anything before a viewing.

Kyero’s top tips to avoid rental scams abroad

Renting abroad isn’t so very different from renting at home.  All the precautions you’d take in your own country still apply in Spain.

• When you’re faced with lots of different property pictures, try running the reverse image search from Google.  Sometimes you’ll find the same place listed in another city or even country!
• If you can’t get to see the property in person, ask for a virtual viewing instead.  That way you can check the property matches the photographs and description.  And always ensure you contact the agent using the telephone number on their website.
• Always ask the landlord or agent for their ID when visiting a property.  Ideally, you need to meet them in person so you can see who you’re renting from.  Do you like them?  Do you get a good vibe?  Will you work well together?
• Rent through an established letting agent, and use a trusted property portal.  Google is your friend again here too – why not do some research on the agency to see what you can find out about them.
• Check the written lease to make sure everything you’ve agreed to is actually in the terms.
• Never pay money upfront for anything, until you are certain that the landlord and/or letting agent are who they say they are, and are reputable.
• Always call and speak to the agent or landlord directly before transferring any money, to double check the payment details are correct.  Protect yourself by requesting that any deposit is paid via a credit card, not a bank transfer.
• Check, check, and check again.  A common rental scam is to make a small change in the email address, such as a letter or a number added or taken away, so that at first glance it looks to be the same.
• If you have any doubts, please Contact Us via help@kyero.com to request the agent’s details.