How to Avoid Rental Scams When Searching for College Housing

Learn how to spot rental scams and safely rent off-campus housing.

Rental Scam text written on Chalkboard

Found what seems like the perfect off-campus rental? Scammers may be behind it. Learn how to spot red flags and protect your money before you pay.

What is a Rental Scam

Scammers target students who are looking for off campus housing. Some even post fake or altered listings to collect deposits or rent for properties that aren’t available or don’t even exist. For example, a student finds an apartment online that looks perfect. The landlord asks for a deposit before the student can visit. After paying, the student finds out the apartment doesn't exist.

The FTC reports that many rental scam complaints involve fake ads on social media platforms like Facebook. Young adults ages 18 to 29 are much more likely than older adults to lose money to these scams.

Common Red Flags of a Rental Scam

  1. Prices that seem too Good to be True: Rent is much lower than similar listings in the area.
  2. Pressure to Pay Quickly: Scammers want immediate payment before you've seen the property.  
  3. Untraceable Payment Requests: Scammers ask for specific payment types like wire transfers, prepaid cards, or gift cards.
  4. Inability or Refusal to show the Property: No in-person tours or only remote video tours.

How to Protect Yourself

  1. Research the Listing and Landlord
    • Look for reviews or complaints.
    • Search the landlord’s name and property address for warnings
  2. Verify the Property
    • Use official contact information, not just the ad.
    • Check with school housing services.
  3. See the Place in Person
    • Visit the apartment before paying.
    • If you can’t go, ask a trusted friend or family member to check.
  4. Use Safe Payment Methods
    • Pay with a credit card for extra protection.  
    • Avoid cash, wire transfers, or gift cards.
  5. Get Everything in Writing
    • Include lease terms and receipts.
    • Keep copies of all communications.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you may have fallen for a rental scam, contact your bank, report the scam to the FTC, and let the rental platform know what happened.

Finding a place to live as a college student can be exciting, but scams are common. Always stay alert and trust your instincts. Doing a little research and taking your time can save you from losing money and stress.

The information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as the opinion of Central Bancompany, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and does not imply endorsement or support of any of the mentioned information, products, services, or providers. All information presented is without any representation, guaranty, or warranty regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.