How to Avoid Rental Scams in South Africa

South Africa's high demand for affordable rental housing, combined with a large amount of property searching happening online, has made rental scams a persistent problem. Scammers typically post fake listings — often using real photos taken from other properties — at prices that seem unusually good, then ask for a deposit before the renter has seen the property in person.

Understanding the common warning signs can help you avoid losing money to a scam, and still move quickly on legitimate listings.

A price significantly below similar properties in the same area is one of the most common red flags — scammers use low prices to attract as many interested renters as possible.

Be cautious if the person listing the property is unavailable to show it in person or refuses a video call walkthrough, or if they pressure you to pay a deposit quickly because "someone else is interested."

Requests to pay via untraceable methods, or requests to pay before signing any lease agreement or meeting the landlord, are strong warning signs.

Always view the property in person, or request a live video call walkthrough if you can't visit before paying anything.

Ask for the landlord or agent's ID and confirm they are the actual owner or an authorised agent for the property — you can ask to see a recent utility bill or title deed reference as further confirmation.

Never send money via untraceable payment methods, and be wary of any landlord who refuses to provide a written lease agreement.

If a listing's photos appear elsewhere online under a different address or price, treat that as a strong sign it may be fraudulent.

If you come across a listing on HomeLinker that looks suspicious, incorrect, or fraudulent, use the "Report Listing" button on the property page so our team can review it.