Rental Scams in London
Everything you need to know about rental fraud in London — local rent data, pricing red flags, and the scam patterns unique to this market.
London Average Rent (2026)
| Unit Type | Avg Rent / Month |
|---|---|
| Studio | £1,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | £1,900 |
| 2 Bedroom | £2,500 |
| 3 Bedroom | £3,200 |
Source: FlagMyListing market data engine, updated February 2026.
Red-Flag Pricing
If you see a 1-bedroom in London listed under £1,330, 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 London
Holding Deposit Scams
Scammers demand a "holding deposit" before you view the property to "take it off the market." Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, holding deposits are capped at one week's rent, but fraudsters charge far more — and vanish once paid. Never pay a holding deposit without viewing the property first.
Fake Letting Agent Impersonation
Scammers create fake letting agency websites mimicking real London agencies, complete with stolen property photos from Rightmove or Zoopla. They conduct viewings at properties they don't manage (using open-house access) and collect deposits into personal bank accounts.
Right to Rent Document Harvesting
Under UK law, landlords must verify tenants' right to rent. Scammers exploit this by requesting passport copies, visa details, and National Insurance numbers upfront — then use the documents for identity theft rather than any legitimate tenancy check.
Zone 1-2 Below-Market Pricing
Any listing in central London (Zones 1-2) priced significantly below average should raise immediate red flags. Scammers know the demand for affordable central London housing is so high that victims will act quickly without proper checks.
How to Protect Yourself in London
- ✓Always visit the property in person before paying anything. If you are relocating to London, ask a friend or hire a local rental agent to view on your behalf.
- ✓Verify ownership through official records — through the Land Registry (gov.uk/search-property-information-service).
- ✓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. If you encounter fraud, Report to Action Fraud.
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