Rental scams are common and include online classified ads or social media posts advertising a fake rental property. These advertisements are usually posted by someone pretending to be a property manager/owner and are often for properties that don’t exist or are unavailable for rent.

These fake advertisements can mislead prospective tenants into providing personal information or paying money for a property which isn’t available. 

To help prospective tenants feel informed and confident during their rental search and avoid rental scams, the RTA has compiled the tips below.

Check the details of the advertised property carefully

Look for other rental listings with images and detailed information about the rental property. Check that the details and images provided are professional and consistent across different websites and advertisements, especially when you see a property on social media or a classified website. 

Scammers often use photos and details from a legitimate rental or real estate advert, which can make their fake ad convincing. These simple checks can help verify the advertisement's details:

• a web search for the property address
• a reverse image search using the photos in the advertisement
• looking up the address on Google Maps
• using street view to see the property

A simple web search can often reveal the rental history of a property, including when it was last advertised for rent and if it is currently available. Using Google Maps can help verify if the advertised address is real and if the property looks like the photos provided.

Searching using an image can help you confirm the address of the property and any other advertisements related to it. If the advert is fake, you may find results for a different property altogether. 

Look up the person / company advertising the property

Check that the person and the company listing the advertisement are real. If the person says they’re from an agency, look for more information such as the office number or location, check for other online listings, and explore the agency website and online profiles to ensure they are consistent and professional. The person listing the property should also be using an email address that is connected to the agency rather than a personal email address. 

You can verify an advertisement by contacting an agency using the official channels on their website, or by visiting them in person at their office. Do not share any personal information via social media.

If possible, try to meet the property manager/owner in person. You can also use a reverse image search of their profile picture to check that they are who they say they are. 

In Queensland, almost 90% of rental properties are managed by real estate agents, onsite managers or property managers. This means most managing parties (except property owners) will hold a current licence to undertake their role and you can search for their licence number via the free online property licence register from the Office of Fair Trading.

Check the rent amount listed for the rental property

A rental property must be advertised at a fixed price and property managers/owners cannot put a property up for rent auction or ask for offers. 

You can use the RTA’s median rents quick finder tool to access updated quarterly data, which will give you an idea of how much it may cost to rent in a particular postcode. Keep in mind, a lower price may also be a sign of a rental scam. If it seems too good to be true, it may be a fake advertisement.

Check and inspect the property

If possible, inspect the property in person or virtually via a video walkthrough with the property manager/owner. If you’re interstate or overseas, you can also arrange for a friend or a family member to inspect a property on your behalf. Scammers will often provide excuses as to why you can’t visit a property. However, with proper notice to the existing tenants or homeowners, access can usually be arranged.

Check the processes and know your rights

Most agencies and managing parties will follow an application and screening process which takes time. Be cautious if the advertiser or managing party does not seem to have a process in place and compel you to sign the lease and pay money as quickly as possible.

Ask for a copy of the proposed tenancy agreement, which must be given to you before you pay any money. Check that the tenancy agreement uses the correct RTA template, has the correct property information, and contains all the agreed details. Some scams contain real pictures of properties advertised for rent but use fake house numbers on the draft tenancy agreement, so it’s important to check the details in the agreement carefully.

Scams can also involve asking for fees and charges that aren’t legal. For example, a property owner/manager cannot charge a prospective tenant an application fee. You can check the RTA rent payments and holding deposits factsheet for information about what fees and charges are legal. If the property is managed by a real estate agency, check that the bank account is linked to the agency before transferring any funds.

In Queensland, rental bonds must be lodged with the RTA. If you give your bond to the property manager/owner, make sure you receive a receipt for the amount paid. You should also get a receipt for any other monies paid, such as a holding deposit or rent. Once the property manager/owner receives the bond, they have 10 days to lodge it with the RTA. 

You can also lodge your bond yourself using RTA Web Services. This option ensures that any bond money comes directly to the RTA for safekeeping.

No matter how you pay your bond, once it is lodged with the RTA, you will receive a bond acknowledgement from the RTA.

Further information and support

The RTA investigates alleged offences under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, and may refer matters to other agencies including the Office of Fair Trading and Queensland Police Service where investigations uncover evidence of unlawful behaviour outside of the Act – such as fraud and theft.