Rental Scams in Melbourne
Everything you need to know about rental fraud in Melbourne — local rent data, pricing red flags, and the scam patterns unique to this market.
Melbourne Average Rent (2026)
| Unit Type | Avg Rent / Month |
|---|---|
| Studio | A$1,700 |
| 1 Bedroom | A$2,100 |
| 2 Bedroom | A$2,700 |
| 3 Bedroom | A$3,300 |
Source: FlagMyListing market data engine, updated February 2026.
Red-Flag Pricing
If you see a 1-bedroom in Melbourne listed under A$1,470, 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 Melbourne
International Student Accommodation Fraud
Melbourne has one of the largest international student populations in the world. Scammers target students arriving from overseas who cannot inspect properties, offering "guaranteed accommodation" near universities like UniMelb, Monash, and RMIT in exchange for advance bond payments.
Inner City Apartment Scams
Melbourne CBD has thousands of identical-looking apartment towers. Scammers list apartments in real buildings (Southbank, Docklands, Melbourne Central) using photos from multiple units, making it nearly impossible to verify which specific unit is being offered.
Share House and Flatmate Fraud
Melbourne's share house culture (Flatmates.com.au, Fairy Floss Real Estate) means many renters find housing through informal channels. Scammers pose as existing housemates, show a property they have temporary access to, and collect bond from new "flatmates."
RTBA Bond Bypass Scam
In Victoria, residential bonds must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). Scammers collect bond directly and never lodge it, leaving tenants with no way to recover their money when the tenancy ends — or when they discover the listing was fake.
How to Protect Yourself in Melbourne
- ✓Always visit the property in person before paying anything. If you are relocating to Melbourne, ask a friend or hire a local rental agent to view on your behalf.
- ✓Verify ownership through official records — through Land Use Victoria (landata.vic.gov.au).
- ✓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 Scamwatch Australia.
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