Finding an apartment as a student can be a nightmare. When I first started looking for a place to live, I thought it would be easy—just browse some listings, find something within my budget, and move in. But the reality turned out to be much harsher. I quickly realized that not every “too good to be true” apartment listing was legitimate. As a student on a tight budget, I became an easy target for rental scams, and it was terrifying. I understood the importance of saving money, but my desperation to secure a place before university started led me to overlook warning signs I should have caught.
This experience taught me some valuable lessons, which I want to share with you. If you’re a student or anyone on a budget looking for an apartment, you need to be aware of the tactics scammers use. From suspicious payment requests to overly personal sob stories, here are the nine red flags I encountered—and what you should watch out for in rental scams before it’s too late.
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1. “Too Good to Be True” Listings
When I first started searching for a place, I found a gorgeous apartment listed at €750 a month in a prime location. Everything seemed perfect at first glance, but deep down, I knew it was too good to be true. Still, I held onto hope. When I told the “landlord” I was a student and could only afford €500 a month, they immediately agreed to lower the rent, claiming they just wanted someone to care for the property. That was my biggest red flag. No legitimate landlord would slash the rent without a valid reason. If a deal seems too good to be true, trust your instincts—because it probably is.
And honestly, let’s break it down. Why did they agree to your terms so quickly? They could find another tenant in less than a day considering the demand. But they agree because they don’t even own the apartment and it’s another tactic for the classic rental scams! They’re just trying to lure you in for whatever they can get. By agreeing to your offer, they make you feel good, get you emotionally invested, and create a sense of urgency with that “fear of missing out” so you don’t ask more questions.
So…uh…what to do?
Do your research on the area. Join Facebook groups, talk to students already living there, and get a sense of what’s realistic. And seriously, how could anyone believe they’re getting a luxury suite for €400? The pictures look like they were ripped straight from a five-star hotel. Come on, don’t fall for it! I’m not saying you have to settle for a room that looks like something out of a horror movie or a mental hospital, but you’re not going to find a king-sized bed and top-tier amenities on a shoestring budget.
Harsh, but true. Sure, there’s that tiny 1% chance if you believe in the law of attraction and your life is like a K-drama, where the broke main character somehow lives in a luxurious apartment while wearing designer clothes and crying over rent with the latest Samsung phone. But let’s be real—it’s not happening.
2. The Pressure to Pay an Upfront Fee
One of the most common tactics scammers use is pressuring you to pay upfront fees for deposits or rent before you’ve even seen the property. In my experience, I was asked to transfer the first month’s rent via Western Union or an untraceable bank transfer. They insisted the money was needed to “secure” the apartment, and if I didn’t act quickly, someone else would take it. This urgency plays on your desperation, especially as a student. While the offer may seem legitimate at first, paying through untraceable methods like Western Union is a clear red flag.
Scammers are also savvy enough to exploit otherwise secure payment options like PayPal. While PayPal’s does offers buyer protection on “Goods and Services”, they’ll try to convince you to send money using the “Friends and Family” option instead, claiming it avoids fees and will transfer faster. This is exactly what happened to me. They assured me it was just to avoid unnecessary costs, but in reality, this method offers no protection. Once the money is sent, it’s nearly impossible to get it back. They know how to make it sound convincing, but it’s just another loophole they exploit to scam you. Trust me—it’s not worth the risk.
3. Poorly Written Contracts and Grammatical Errors
If you receive a rental contract full of grammatical errors, vague language, or formatting issues, it’s a major red flag. I encountered this firsthand when a supposed landlord sent me an agreement that looked like it was thrown together in a hurry—riddled with typos and awkward phrasing. When I asked for clarification on specific clauses, they couldn’t give me clear answers. Often, scammers use poorly translated contracts, and the unprofessional presentation gives them away. Additionally, if the communication suddenly switches from German (if you’re renting in Germany) to poorly written English, it’s another red flag. A legitimate landlord will provide a well-written, professional contract. If it’s in German, and you’re a foreign tenant, it should be properly translated.
Here’s an example of the kind of sloppy text you might get from a scammer:
“apartment 4 rent in berlin close to station u pay 200euro deposit no need for sign contract just want gud person hu takes care of flat. trust me place is clean and good condition.”
Notice the lack of capitalization, grammar mistakes, vague language, and no mention of important details. This kind of message should immediately make you cautious.
Now, compare that with a professional listing:
“Apartment available for rent in Berlin, near the Hauptbahnhof. The rent is €700/month with a two-month deposit required. The flat includes a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and Wi-Fi. Contracts are available in both German and English. Viewings can be arranged upon request.”
This listing is clear, detailed, and professional, outlining all the important information like rent, deposit, amenities, and contact details. It’s the type of message you should expect from a legitimate landlord. Rental scams are easy to recognize if you think about it.
4. No In-Person Viewing
One of the most frustrating things I experienced was when the “landlord” kept coming up with excuses to avoid showing the apartment in person. Whether it was because they were “out of the country” or “too busy,” they always had a reason why I couldn’t visit the property. In one case, I was told they lived far away and could only send me pictures and videos of the apartment. This is a classic red flag. If a landlord refuses to show the property in person, they’re likely hiding something—or the apartment doesn’t exist at all. Always insist on seeing the property before sending any money.
You have every right to see the apartment before committing any money. You’ll be living there for a long time, so it’s crucial to ensure it matches the photos and descriptions. Even if you’re initially impressed by the images, there’s a chance the actual apartment won’t meet your expectations. If an in-person visit isn’t possible, ask a trusted friend to view it on your behalf and video call you live. This can save you a lot of frustration and potential financial loss.
Believe it or not, some scammers even agree to a meeting, but they might rent a similar property on Airbnb for a day to deceive you into thinking it’s theirs. They take your money and then disappear. To protect yourself, always request proof of ownership, such as an electricity bill, and be vigilant. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, so you need to stay one step ahead.
5. Overly Personal Sob Stories
Another tactic scammers use is emotionally manipulating you with personal stories. I’ve had “landlords” tell me things like, “My wife has cancer, and we’re moving to another country for treatment,” or “I’m a widow, and I just need someone to take care of my apartment.” While these stories may tug at your heartstrings, they’re often designed to distract you from the red flags. In my case, I was told the landlord was a surgeon who had recently lost his wife and just wanted someone reliable to look after the place. It felt odd, but I was desperate and willing to overlook it.
However, anytime a landlord is oversharing personal details to gain your sympathy, it’s a red flag. Professional landlords won’t feel the need to dive into such personal stories when renting their property. It doesn’t really matter to either of you since you never even met them yet.
6. Inconsistent Communication
A legitimate landlord communicates professionally and consistently. In one of my scam encounters, the so-called landlord would go days without responding, only to bombard me with emails suddenly demanding payment. When I asked for specifics about the apartment or the contract, their replies were vague or evasive. This inconsistency is a major red flag. If someone takes forever to respond but is quick to demand money, they’re probably not trustworthy.
Real landlords don’t waste time chatting about your life. To them, you’re simply a tenant occupying their property, and their primary concerns are whether you’ll pay rent on time and take care of the place. Anything beyond that is informally irrelevant. If a landlord’s messages feel robotic, they’re likely copy-pasting the same responses they send to dozens of others, hoping to distract you from asking important questions—like whether the apartment has a washing machine, what the rent includes (warm or cold), and details about the bills.
Don’t fall for manipulative or overly friendly excuses like, “Sorry, I was out of the country” or “I can’t show you the place right now.” Remember, they also want their property rented for passive income. It’s not just you who needs them—it’s a two-way street. You get a good place, and they get a reliable tenant. It’s a win-win situation, so don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re at their mercy.
7. Refusing to Meet in Person
When a landlord refuses to meet you in person, it’s a massive red flag. After weeks of back-and-forth communication with one so-called landlord, I asked to meet up to discuss the lease and view the apartment. They dodged every request, blaming travel or work commitments. If someone can’t meet you face-to-face, it’s highly likely they’re not a legitimate landlord. Always insist on meeting them in person before signing anything or handing over money to avoid the rental scams.
What’s even more frustrating is when you text a landlord specific questions, and they just send you pre-written messages that never actually answer what you’re asking. It feels like they’re trying to stretch out the conversation for no reason. Once, I kept asking to schedule a meeting, but they kept pushing for deposits. I said, “no upfront payments” and requested a viewing, but it felt like they never even read what I wrote. They acted like robots on autopilot. Do I even need to say more?
And get this—there was a time I explicitly laid out my budget to a landlord. I clearly stated I needed a private room, shared kitchen or halls would be fine, whether it was a private apartment or a WG, but it had to be under €500. So, what did they do? They kept sending me offers for €700 rooms and asked me to fill out irrelevant forms to reveal my info. I knew they’d never agree to a viewing, and it would ultimately lead to them asking for upfront payments or demanding something utterly ridiculous.
8. Unverified or Nonexistent Contact Information
One scam I encountered involved a landlord who provided very little contact information—just an email address and nothing else. When I tried to dig up more details about them online, nothing came up. If a landlord can’t give you a legitimate phone number, address, or any form of verification, that’s a major red flag. In one case, I actually convinced the “landlord” to schedule an apartment viewing, and they gave me a phone number.
To be cautious, I asked my friend to visit and call them an hour before arriving to avoid any last-minute changes. To my surprise, the number didn’t even exist—not a fake one, just nonexistent. I mean, seriously? Can I rely on email for updates when my friend’s already two stations away, waiting for their message? They ended up wasting both our time and energy. Unbelievable. Always research the landlord’s name and verify their contact details before moving forward.
9. Suspiciously Low Deposits
Some scammers will lure you in by asking for an unusually low deposit, claiming it’s a “special offer” or that they trust you. While it might sound like a great deal, it’s often a trap. Rent typically comes with a security deposit, usually equivalent to two months’ rent. So, if you’re renting a €500 apartment, expect to pay around €1,000 upfront to cover potential damages. This deposit is refundable if everything’s in order by the end of your stay. Some of my friends have even negotiated with landlords to use the security deposit to cover their last two months of rent, but that’s quite rare—you can always ask, though.
In one case, a landlord asked me for just €200 as a deposit for an apartment that should’ve required much more. If the deposit seems suspiciously low for the area or type of apartment, be cautious. Scammers often use this tactic to get your money quickly and vanish. And as tempting as “no security deposit” ads may sound, remember—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Wish I could say miracles happen, but when it comes to apartment hunting, you’re better off being a realist than a believer.
Final Thoughts on Rental Scams
These scammers prey on your insecurity and desperation to secure a place, especially in a bustling city like Berlin—or even across Germany—where housing shortages are a serious issue due to the large number of people migrating here, including students. They know it’s a game of supply and demand, and they’re ready to exploit it. But trust me, staying cautious and patient will save you from a lot of heartache. In the long run, it’s worth being vigilant and holding out for a legitimate rental.
Have you ever faced any of these issues or encountered any rental scams? If yes, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s talk about our problems and help each other avoid falling into these traps.
Originally, I just wanted to write a quick Facebook post on potential rental scams, but after realizing how vivid my experience was, I knew it needed to be an entire blog post. I hope this information helps you out! If it was useful, make sure to share it with friends who might be at risk of getting scammed—it could save them from a dangerous situation. I’m grateful if this post has helped even one person. Stay tuned for more, and I’ll catch you in the next one!
Cheers!