Spot the scam!

Because the market is so competitive, scams are common! The key things to remember are:

• Never pay a deposit or transfer rent before you’ve seen the flat.
• Check the landlord’s credentials as much as you can - find their website; see if you can find online reviews; call their office number; check they’re not using multiple numbers.
• Try to ask neighbours in the Haus whether they can confirm that the flat you’ve seen is indeed available.
• Don’t bother with any landlord who says they’re not in the country so they will have to manage the process remotely.
• Try to use accredited flat-search sites (i.e. not Craigslist or Kleinanzeigen).
• If you are given keys while at the flat, check they fit the door.
• If you are paying a deposit, ask them to show proof that they’ve set up a separate shared Kaution account.

In this gallery you can find screenshots describing the scams people have recently experienced. Further advice and scams can be found here.