Rental scams (for tenants and landlords)
Fake listings ask for money before a viewing. In England a holding deposit is capped at one week's rent and most other fees are banned.
Never pay before you've viewed the property in person (or by live video with the agent clearly inside) and checked who owns it. You can check the owner's name on the title register.
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 (England), landlords and agents can only charge set payments: rent, a refundable holding deposit of no more than one week's rent, a tenancy deposit (usually up to five weeks' rent) and a few defined fees. Viewing, admin or 'referencing' fees are banned.
Landlords: check tenants' identity and Right to Rent properly, and beware 'rent-to-rent' or 'guaranteed rent' companies that sublet without permission or stop paying.
What to check
- Viewed in person before paying anything?
- Owner on the title register matches the landlord?
- Any fee being asked for that isn't allowed?
- Deposit protected within 30 days?
Who can help
Citizens Advice or Shelter for tenants; Report Fraud for scams; a landlord association for landlords.
Official sources
Checked 5 November 2026. General information for England and Wales, not legal advice.