Rental Scams in Miami
Everything you need to know about rental fraud in Miami — local rent data, pricing red flags, and the scam patterns unique to this market.
Miami Average Rent (2026)
| Unit Type | Avg Rent / Month |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,200 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,800 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,400 |
Source: FlagMyListing market data engine, updated February 2026.
Red-Flag Pricing
If you see a 1-bedroom in Miami listed under $1,540, 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 Miami
Condo-Hotel and Short-Term Rental Fraud
Miami's condo-hotel market blurs the line between vacation rentals and long-term housing. Scammers list condo-hotel units as traditional rentals, collect several months' rent upfront, then the victim discovers the unit is zoned exclusively for short-term stays and they must vacate.
International Buyer Impersonation
Miami's large population of international property owners makes the "I am overseas" excuse uniquely plausible. Scammers claim to be foreign investors or snowbirds who own the property but are currently in South America, Europe, or the Caribbean — and insist on wire transfers.
Hurricane Insurance and Flood-Zone Concealment
Scammers and dishonest landlords hide the true cost of renting in Miami by not disclosing flood-zone status, mandatory hurricane insurance fees, or special assessment charges from the condo association — which can add hundreds per month to actual housing costs.
Luxury High-Rise Pre-Construction Scams
Miami's constant high-rise construction gives scammers material to work with. They advertise units in real buildings that are still under construction, using developer renderings as "photos" and collecting deposits for units that will not be available for months — if ever through that scammer.
How to Protect Yourself in Miami
- ✓Always visit the property in person before paying anything. If you are relocating to Miami, ask a friend or hire a local rental agent to view on your behalf.
- ✓Verify ownership through FL county property records. In Miami, 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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