How to Avoid Rental Scams in Spain: A Guide for Expats and Students
Expat Tips
Published: 05 May 2025 20:47 CET
Rental scams are a growing concern in many parts of Spain, particularly in high-demand urban areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. These scams can take many forms, from fake listings and non-existent properties to deceptive contracts and illegal subletting. Expats and international students, often unfamiliar with Spanish housing laws and cultural norms, are especially vulnerable.
Common Types of Rental Scams
Here are some of the most frequent types of scams affecting expats and students:
1. Non-existent Properties – Scammers create listings for properties that don’t exist or that they don’t actually own. Photos are often stolen from other listings to create a convincing fake.
2. Pressure to Pay a Deposit in Advance – You may be asked to pay a deposit or first month’s rent before seeing the property or signing a contract. This is a major red flag.
3. Identity Theft – Fake landlords may ask for your passport or bank details upfront and use this data to commit fraud elsewhere.
4. Illegal Sublets – In some cases, renters sublet apartments without the owner's knowledge. You could end up with no legal rights or be evicted without notice.
5. Bait-and-Switch – A beautiful flat is advertised, but when you arrive, you're shown a different, often inferior, property. The original unit is suddenly “unavailable.”
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Being aware of the signs of a scam can save you significant money and stress:
- The rent seems too good to be true for the location.
- The landlord refuses to meet in person or conduct a video call.
- You’re asked to send money via Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency.
- There’s no legal rental contract offered—or the contract is vague or incomplete.
- The “landlord” is based abroad and claims they’ll send you the keys by mail once payment is made.
Where to Find Legitimate Listings
Stick to reputable platforms that vet their listings. Here are a few safe bets:
Always read reviews, verify that the property exists, and don’t rely solely on classified ad sites like Milanuncios or Wallapop for rental listings.
How to Verify a Landlord or Property
There are several ways to check if a rental offer is legitimate:
- Request a copy of the landlord’s DNI (national ID) or NIE, and compare it to the property deed or recent utility bill.
- Look up the property on Spain’s cadastral registry (sedecatastro.gob.es) to confirm ownership.
- Search for the address online to see if the same photos appear on multiple, unrelated listings.
Tips for Students: Using University Housing Services
If you’re studying in Spain, most universities offer vetted housing resources:
- Use your university’s housing office or partner platforms.
- Connect with previous students or online expat forums for referrals.
- Ask if the university offers temporary accommodation while you search.
What to Include in a Legal Rental Contract
Before you pay anything, ensure the contract includes:
- Full names and ID numbers of both tenant and landlord
- Property address and description
- Exact rent amount and payment method
- Duration of the contract and renewal clauses
- Inventory of furnishings and condition
- Deposit amount and return conditions
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam:
- Report the incident to the Spanish National Police.
- File a formal report (denuncia) at your nearest police station.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if you need help with language or legal support.
- If money was sent via bank transfer, contact your bank immediately to attempt a reversal.
- Post warnings on expat groups to prevent others from being scammed.
Staying Safe: Final Tips
Here are a few more strategies to stay safe when looking for a rental:
- Visit the property before committing to anything—virtually or in-person.
- Use traceable payment methods like bank transfers with written agreements.
- Never send money “to reserve” a place you haven’t seen or signed for.
- Get everything in writing. Verbal agreements won’t help you in court.
Need Health Insurance While Renting or Studying in Spain?
Whether you're an international student or a working professional starting life in Spain, having private health insurance is often essential for visas and peace of mind.
If you're a student, check out our HealthPlan Students insurance option — it’s tailored for international students and meets visa requirements.
If you're a non-student looking for full coverage including traffic accident protection, explore our Sanitas Top Quantum plan designed for expats and professionals living in Spain.
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