Introduction

‎House hunting is stressful enough without the fear of being scammed. Sadly, rental scams are on the rise, with fake agents, fraudulent listings, and dishonest landlords taking advantage of unsuspecting tenants.

‎The good news is, by knowing the warning signs, you can protect yourself and your money. In this post, we’ll reveal 7 red flags you must know to avoid rental scams and secure your next home with peace of mind.

‎1. The Deal Sounds Too Good to Be True

‎If the rent price is far below market value, be cautious. Scammers use cheap prices to lure in desperate tenants.

‎Tip: Always compare the price with similar properties in the area.

‎2. No Physical Property Tour Allowed

‎If the landlord or agent refuses to show you the house in person, it’s a huge red flag. Some will claim they are “out of town” or “too busy” but still insist on payment.

‎Never pay for a property you haven’t physically inspected.

‎3. Requests for Upfront Payment Without a Contract

‎Fraudulent agents often demand a deposit, inspection fee, or full rent before showing proper documentation.

‎Always insist on a written tenancy agreement and receipts before transferring money.

‎4. Suspicious or Fake Documents

‎Look closely at the property’s documents—C of O, tenancy agreements, or ID cards. Scammers sometimes use forged or outdated papers.

‎When in doubt, verify documents through the appropriate government agency or trusted real estate platform like EasyHomes.

‎5. High-Pressure Tactics

‎Beware of landlords or agents who pressure you with phrases like:

‎“Many people are interested, pay now or lose it.”

‎“This deal won’t last beyond today.”

‎Scammers create false urgency to trap victims into quick payments.

‎6. Payment Made to a Personal Account

‎If you’re asked to transfer rent or fees into an individual’s personal account (instead of the landlord’s or a registered company’s account), pause and confirm legitimacy.

‎7. No Clear Contact Information

‎A trustworthy landlord or agent should have a verifiable office address, phone number, or online presence. If all communication happens only via WhatsApp or anonymous emails, be cautious.

‎Final Thoughts

‎Rental scams are a painful experience, but you don’t have to fall victim. By learning to spot these red flags, verifying every detail, and working only with trusted platforms like EasyHomes, you can find your dream home safely.

‎? Browse verified listings now at www.easyhome.com.ng and rent with confidence.