Renting housing in Ukraine is a popular and necessary service, especially in large cities. However, with growing demand, the risk of falling victim to scammers also increases. Fraudsters are inventive: they use fake documents, forged photos, and fabricated stories. To avoid losing money and ending up in unpleasant situations, it is important to know the basic safety rules when searching for rentals.
As noted by the editorial team of Baltimore Chronicle, the most common victims of scams are inexperienced renters or those looking for housing urgently and carelessly.
Where Scam Schemes Most Often Occur
The environment where scammers operate most frequently is online platforms and social networks. Users there are the least protected and most at risk of losing money.
The most common sources of scams:
- Ads on free platforms (OLX, RIA, Hotline)
- Groups on Telegram and Facebook
- Fake rental websites (imitating known services)
- Private intermediaries without a license
Most often, scammers lure with low prices, attractive photos, and demands for prepayment, sometimes without showing the property. They work in volume—mass responding to messages with the same template text.
How to Verify the Property Owner
Before concluding any agreement, you must make sure you are dealing with the actual owner or a lawful representative. This is one of the main steps for safe renting.
Identity verification:
- Ask for the owner’s passport and compare the data with the extract from the real estate registry.
- Order a certificate from the State Register of Property Rights to Real Estate.
- If the property is rented by someone other than the owner, check the power of attorney and its validity period.
These actions reduce the risk of signing a contract with a scammer. Genuine owners usually do not mind such verification.
What Documents Should Be Present When Signing the Contract
The rental agreement is a key document that fixes all the rights and obligations of the parties. Avoid verbal agreements, even if it seems the person is trustworthy.
The contract should include:
- Details of both parties (full name, passport, tax ID)
- Address and description of the rental property
- Amount of rent and payment method
- Term of the agreement
- Conditions for early termination
- Inventory list (as an annex to the contract)
Make sure to specify the conditions regarding utility payments and key handover procedure.
Signs of Scammers When Renting Housing
There are certain typical behavioral signals that will help recognize a scammer during communication.
Warning signs:
- Demand for prepayment without viewing the apartment
- Aggressive behavior or rush: “Three others are viewing it, you must decide now”
- Refusal to provide documents or evading questions
- Price too attractive — significantly lower than the average in the area
- “Agent” who has no contract with the owner
If something seems too good to be true, it is worth double-checking if you are not falling into a scam trap.
What to Do If You Already Transferred Money
Even if you become a victim of scammers, don’t give up. There are several steps you should take to protect yourself or try to get your money back.
Actions in case of fraud:
- Collect all evidence (correspondence, payment details, screenshots)
- Contact the police (file a report under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — fraud)
- Submit a complaint to the bank about the fraudulent account
- Report the case on the platforms where the ad was posted
- Warn others by leaving reviews on social networks
Although it is not always possible to recover funds, these actions help stop scammers.
Tips for Safe Housing Rental
To avoid scams, it is worth following basic safety rules.
What to do:
- Always inspect the apartment in person
- Sign only written contracts
- Verify the owner’s documents
- Avoid prepayments before signing the agreement
- Document the apartment’s condition with photos upon moving in
What not to do:
- Transfer money to strangers
- Believe in “discounts for quick decisions”
- Rely only on intermediaries’ words
- Sign unclear documents
Comparison Table: Safe vs Risky Rental
| Criterion | Safe Rental | Risky Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | Written with verified data | Verbal agreement or template |
| Identity Verification | Passport, extract, power of attorney | None provided |
| Apartment Viewing | In person before payment | Photos only |
| Payment | After viewing, via bank transfer | Prepayment to card |
| Contact with Owner | Direct or with contract | Through fake agent |
What You Should Know About Real Estate Agencies
Not all agencies guarantee safety. Some may also be fraudulent or impose unfair conditions.
How to choose an agency:
- Check for license or registration
- Read reviews on independent sites
- Ask about cooperation terms before viewing properties
- Avoid services charging fees only for a “list of options”
Professional agencies sign contracts with clients and owners and do not demand prepayment without providing services.
Earlier we wrote about what is more profitable: renting or buying housing.