How to spot and avoid rental scams

The golden rule

Never pay a deposit, rent or a "holding fee" for a place you have not viewed in person, and never pay someone you have not met. Almost every rental scam in Ireland breaks this rule.

Warning signs

The rent is far below similar places nearby.

The advertiser says they are abroad and will post the keys, or asks you to pay through a courier, Western Union, a money-transfer app, crypto or gift cards.

They push you to decide quickly because "lots of people are interested".

They ask you to move the conversation off the site straight away, or send you to a booking page that looks like Airbnb or Booking.com but is not.

They won't do a video call or an in-person viewing.

Before you pay anything

View the place in person, meet the person renting it and check they have the keys.

Ask for the landlord's RTB registration for tenancies, and get a written agreement.

Pay by bank transfer to an Irish account in the landlord's name, and get a receipt for every payment.

If something feels wrong

Use "Report this ad" on the listing so our team can take it down. If you have lost money, report it to your bank straight away and to An Garda Síochána.

Common questions

Should I pay a holding fee before viewing a room?

No. Never pay a deposit, rent or a "holding fee" for a place you have not viewed in person, and never pay someone you have not met.

What are the signs of a rental scam in Ireland?

Rent far below similar places nearby, an advertiser who says they are abroad and will post the keys, pressure to decide quickly, and refusing a video call or an in-person viewing. Being asked to pay through a courier, Western Union, a money-transfer app, crypto or gift cards is another warning sign.

What should I do if I have lost money to a rental scam?

Report it to your bank straight away and to An Garda Síochána. Use "Report this ad" on the listing so it can be taken down.