Rental Scams in Denver
Everything you need to know about rental fraud in Denver — local rent data, pricing red flags, and the scam patterns unique to this market.
Denver Average Rent (2026)
| Unit Type | Avg Rent / Month |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,400 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,700 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,100 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,600 |
Source: FlagMyListing market data engine, updated February 2026.
Red-Flag Pricing
If you see a 1-bedroom in Denver listed under $1,190, be cautious.
That is roughly 70% of the local average for a 1-bedroom apartment. Listings priced significantly below the market average are one of the strongest indicators of a rental scam. Scammers use below-market pricing to attract as many victims as possible before the listing is taken down.
Common Scam Patterns in Denver
Ski-Season Short-Term Rental Scams
Scammers list fake furnished apartments targeting people looking for winter-season housing near I-70 ski corridor access. These listings use photos from Airbnb or VRBO properties in the mountains and promise "ski-season leases" with upfront payment required.
Cannabis Industry Housing Fraud
Workers relocating for Colorado's cannabis industry are sometimes targeted with listings near cultivation facilities and dispensary districts. Scammers know these workers often have cash-heavy incomes and may prefer informal arrangements that make them easier targets.
RiNo / LoDo Gentrification Bait Pricing
Rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods like RiNo and LoDo have seen rents double in recent years. Scammers post listings at pre-gentrification prices that seem like rare finds, luring victims into paying deposits for units that do not exist or that the scammer does not control.
Altitude and Remote-Landlord Combination
Denver attracts many out-of-state landlords who own investment properties remotely. Scammers exploit this by posing as out-of-state owners — a story that is plausible in Denver's market — and requesting deposits via electronic transfer before any in-person showing.
How to Protect Yourself in Denver
- ✓Always visit the property in person before paying anything. If you are relocating to Denver, ask a friend or hire a local rental agent to view on your behalf.
- ✓Verify ownership through CO county property records. In Denver, you can search online through the county assessor's office.
- ✓Never wire money or pay with gift cards. Use traceable payment methods like checks or credit cards.
- ✓Compare prices against the rent averages above. If a listing is more than 30% below average, treat it as suspicious until verified.
- ✓Run the listing through our free checker to scan for 40+ scam patterns before you engage with the landlord.
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