Common Rental Scams to Avoid in Lisbon
Lisbon student accommodation
Rental scams are extremely popular in student cities in Europe, and Lisbon is not left out.
Picture this: you find a landlord or property agent online who shares pictures of an apartment in Lisbon that you love. The agent tells you to pay as quickly as you can because the apartment is in high demand, so you do.
However, upon arrival in Lisbon, you find out that the apartment doesn’t exist, and the agent becomes unreachable. This is one of the most popular forms of rental scams in Lisbon, and unfortunately, international students are often the main targets.
It’s important to be aware of these scams so you can avoid them. In this post, we will share some of the common rental scams to avoid in Lisbon.
Key Takeaways
Like every other popular student city, scammers take advantage of international students who are looking for private apartments online. They trick students into paying for non-existent, overpriced apartments, leaving them stranded when they arrive in the city.
Students who want private rentals as an alternative to on-campus or university-managed student accommodations often fall victim to these scams. However, being aware of the common tactics and how these mischievous individuals operate will protect you from losing money and time.
When finding private apartments, it's important to do your research and rent from only trusted agents or Landlords. Check past reviews, don’t make hasty payments, don’t share financial information, and try to visit the apartment in person before you make a payment.
Student Luxe is an experienced and reputable connoisseur of luxury student accommodation in Lisbon. This platform provides international students with some of the most luxurious and exclusive student accommodation Lisbon has to offer. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.
Why Rental Scams are Common in Lisbon
Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most sought-after cities for international students. However, this popularity has also made the city’s rental market highly competitive, and with that comes an increase in rental scams, particularly targeting newcomers and international students.
Here are some reasons why Lisbon is a hot spot for rental scams.
1. High Demand for Housing
The influx of international students has significantly driven up demand for rental properties in Lisbon. This high demand, combined with limited availability, especially for premium accommodations, creates a ripe environment for exploitation. Scammers capitalize on this by luring students with seemingly perfect apartments that are either fake or misrepresented. Wealthy international students who want to secure housing quickly often fall victim to these scams because they’re more willing to make quick decisions to secure a place before it’s snapped up.
2. Unfamiliarity with Local Rental Practices
Many international students are unfamiliar with local rental practices in Lisbon, making them easy targets for scams. Language barriers, lack of knowledge about legal requirements, and different cultural expectations can lead to misunderstandings or manipulation. Scammers exploit this by presenting fraudulent contracts, demanding unusual payments, or claiming that certain practices are “normal” in Portugal when, in fact, they are not.
3. Rise of Online Transactions
The growing trend of securing rentals online, especially from abroad, has also contributed to the increase in rental scams. While it’s convenient for students to arrange housing before arriving in Lisbon, this also opens the door to fraud. Scammers use fake listings on websites that appear legitimate to trick students into paying deposits for properties that either don’t exist or are not available for rent.
4. Targeting Affluent International Students
Scammers often specifically target wealthy international students who are willing to pay a premium for luxury accommodations in Lisbon. These students, who are often eager to secure housing in desirable areas, may be less cautious when it comes to verifying listings or questioning unusual requests. Scammers may offer upscale apartments in prime locations at attractive rates, knowing that affluent students are willing to pay more upfront to secure a property.
5. Limited Oversight on Certain Platforms
While reputable real estate platforms and agencies exist, some rental listings are posted on less regulated platforms where there is little oversight. Scammers take advantage of these loopholes by posting fake listings, knowing that the lack of regulation allows them to operate with relative impunity. Students who rely on these platforms without verifying the authenticity of the listings are at greater risk of being scammed.
4 Common Rental Scams in Lisbon
Understanding the common types of scams can help you avoid falling into these traps. Here are some of the most prevalent rental scams in Lisbon and how to avoid them:
Ghost Apartments
Scammers create fake listings of luxurious apartments in desirable locations at attractive prices. These listings often feature photos of stunning properties that either don’t exist or are not actually available for rent.
How to spot it:
The price is suspiciously low compared to similar properties in the same area.
The listing may use stock photos or overly staged images.
Scammers often pressure prospective tenants to send a deposit quickly, claiming that there’s a lot of interest in the property.
How to avoid it:
Always verify the listing through trusted rental platforms.
Do a reverse image search of the photos to check if they’ve been used in other listings.
Never send money before you’ve seen the property in person or through a verified agent.
2. Invincible Landlords
In this scam, fraudsters pose as landlords or agents without any legal claim to the property. They may collect deposits, rent payments, and even signed contracts before disappearing, leaving students without a place to stay.
How to spot it:
The "landlord" may refuse to meet in person or provide proper identification.
There might be inconsistencies in the communication, such as changes in contact details or vague responses to questions.
Scammers often claim to be out of the country and insist on handling everything online.
How to avoid it:
Request to meet the landlord in person and ask for proof of property ownership, such as title deeds.
Always use verified rental platforms and agencies which offer more security.
If the landlord refuses to provide documentation or avoids meetings, it’s a red flag.
3. Upfront Payment Scams
Scammers ask for large upfront payments to secure the property, claiming it's necessary to lock in the rental. Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving the student without a rental and out of pocket.
How to spot it:
The landlord may demand a significant portion of the rent or deposit before allowing a viewing or providing a contract.
They might create a sense of urgency by claiming that other potential tenants are interested in the property and that payment must be made immediately.
Payment requests often come via untraceable methods, such as wire transfers.
How to avoid it:
Never make a payment without seeing the property or signing a legitimate contract.
Insist on using secure payment methods that offer protection, such as escrow services or payments through verified platforms.
Avoid any ‘landlord’ or ‘agent’ who pressures you into making an upfront payment without proper documentation.
4. Contract Fraud
In this scam, renters are provided with false or misleading contracts that contain hidden fees, unfair clauses, or terms that don’t match what was initially agreed upon. This can result in students paying more than expected or being locked into unfavourable conditions.
How to recognize it:
The contract may contain vague or confusing language, or it may not fully match what was discussed verbally or in email exchanges.
Scammers may refuse to allow you to take the contract for legal review or pressure you to sign it quickly.
Important details, such as the deposit amount, monthly rent, or length of the lease, may be unclear or intentionally omitted.
How to avoid it:
Always review rental contracts carefully and consult legal advice if necessary, especially if you're unfamiliar with local rental laws.
Make sure all terms discussed are clearly stated in the contract before signing.
Never sign a contract that you don’t fully understand or that seems rushed.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Rental Scam
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation while renting in Lisbon, it’s important to move as fast as possible to recover some of your losses.
Report the scam to the local authorities.
Visit the nearest police station and report the incident. Provide them with as much information as possible, including any communication with the scammer, bank statements, or contracts. In Portugal, filing a police report is crucial if you hope to recover your money or pursue legal action. If you are an international student, notify SEF, the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service. They can guide you through the process and ensure your visa or residency status is unaffected.
Notify your bank or payment provider.
Contact your bank or the payment service you used (e.g., PayPal, credit card company) as soon as you realize you’ve been scammed. Depending on the timing and method of payment, they may be able to halt the transaction or reverse the payment. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering the funds. Be ready to share any proof of the scam, including receipts, emails, or screenshots of your conversations with the scammer. This will help your bank or payment provider assess your case.
Report the scam to the rental platform.
If the scam occurred through a rental website, inform the platform immediately. Reputable platforms often have measures in place to investigate fraud and may be able to block the scammer’s account to prevent further fraudulent activity. If possible, leave a review or warning on the platform to alert other users about the scam. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.
Seek legal assistance
Depending on the severity of the scam and the amount of money lost, you may want to consult with a lawyer experienced in Portuguese rental law. A legal professional can guide you through your options for recovering losses, suing the scammer, or seeking compensation.
Contact student support services.
Many universities in Lisbon offer support services for international students. Reach out to your university’s housing or international student office for guidance. They may be able to offer assistance, connect you with legal resources, or help you find secure accommodation. Lisbon’s student associations, such as Erasmus networks or international student groups, can also provide support and advice. 6. Share Your Experience
Protect yourself moving forward.
Be extra cautious with future rental transactions, and always verify the legitimacy of the landlord, property, and platform before proceeding. Be sure to only deal with reputable Lisbon student accommodation companies like Student Luxe. This platform is 100% authentic and has excellent reviews from past students in London, Barcelona, Lisbon and Paris. You can explore the different Lisbon private student residences online.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the common rental scams, knowing the warning signs, and taking proactive steps can help you avoid falling into these traps. However, if you do find yourself the victim of a scam, acting quickly and following the appropriate steps can reduce the damage and possibly help you recover your losses.
It is also important to rent apartments from reputable private student accommodation companies like Student Luxe. You get access to some of the most luxurious student accommodations in the city from €385 per week.
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