How to Avoid Rental Scams in Ireland: A Renter's Guide to Staying Safe

I was listening to the news today, and it came up that An Garda Síochána has issued a fresh warning about rental scams, particularly for the period between now and October. It's a timely reminder, and unfortunately, a lot of the people who contact me tend to do so after a bad experience, not before. So I wanted to put together a proper guide on how to avoid rental scams and spot a fake rental listing before it costs you money.

Finding a home to rent can be stressful enough without worrying about whether the listing you've fallen in love with is even real. Rental fraud is a growing problem in Ireland, and with demand for rental properties far outstripping supply in many areas, scammers know that renters are often under pressure to move fast, which is exactly the environment they thrive in.

If you're moving to Ireland from overseas, or trying to secure a place before you arrive, the risk can feel even greater because you may be relying entirely on photographs, online listings and messages exchanged from another country.

At Your Own Door, we want every tenant to feel confident and protected throughout their rental search. Here's what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself.

Why rental scams spike at this time of year

Gardaí have recorded over 230 reports of rental and reservation scams in the first seven months of 2026 alone, with total losses of more than €400,000, and have warned that late summer and early autumn are particularly high-risk periods as returning and first-time students search for accommodation.

Rental scams tend to follow a few recurring patterns:

• The absent landlord. The “landlord” claims to be out of the country, can't show you the property, and asks for a deposit upfront before handing over keys or access.
• The fake host or multiple-deposit scam. A fraudster poses as a tenant, landlord or agent, gains access to a property or uses a convincing fake listing, and collects deposits from multiple prospective renters before disappearing.
• The key failure scam. You're told the keys don't work or access has changed after you've already paid, and this is then used as a reason to request further payments.

Banks have also warned that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. AIB has urged renters never to pay simply to view a property and never to hand over banking security details, including one-time passwords (OTPs), over a phone call or message. No genuine landlord, agent or bank needs your OTP.

Rental scam red flags to watch for

The price is too good to be true

If a two-bed apartment in a sought-after area is listed well below the going rate for similar properties nearby, take some time to investigate before proceeding. Compare it against similar properties in the same area to get a realistic sense of current rents. A very attractive price doesn't automatically mean a listing is fraudulent, but it's a reason to look closer.

You're asked to pay before viewing

Be extremely cautious if you're asked to pay a deposit, “holding fee” or first month's rent before you or someone acting on your behalf has viewed the property and verified who you're dealing with. Never pay simply to secure a viewing.

The landlord is “abroad” or “unavailable”

A common scam involves a “landlord” who claims to be travelling or working overseas and asks you to transfer money so they can post the keys or arrange access through a third party. This is a significant red flag, particularly if there is no genuine way to view the property or independently verify the person offering it.

You're asked for a deposit immediately after a group viewing

Group viewings aren't unusual in a competitive rental market. The concern is when someone pressures multiple prospective tenants to transfer deposits immediately, particularly where their identity or authority to rent the property hasn't been properly verified.

Pressure and urgency

Phrases like “there are several other people interested, you need to transfer the deposit in the next hour” are designed to short-circuit your judgement. A genuine property may move quickly, but you should still have enough information to verify what you're paying for and who you're paying.

Requests for unusual payment methods

Be wary of anyone asking for payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards or other untraceable methods, or asking you to send a deposit for an Irish property to a foreign bank account without a clear and independently verified reason.

Requests for your OTP or banking security details

No genuine landlord, letting agent or bank will ever ask for a one-time password or online banking security code. Treat any such request as an immediate red flag.

Poor-quality, reused or inconsistent photos

Run a reverse image search on the property photos. Scammers frequently lift images from other listings, property sale sites or holiday rentals. Cross-check the exterior of the building against Google Maps or Street View to confirm it's consistent with the advertised location.

Contact only through WhatsApp, a personal email address or social media

If someone claims to work for a well-known agency but avoids any official contact channel, that's worth questioning. Look up the agency independently and use the contact details published on its own website.

A word on Facebook and social media listings

Scams can happen on any platform, including well-established property sites, and no site is entirely scam-proof. Facebook groups and Marketplace can be useful places to spot accommodation, but because listings can be posted directly by individuals, it's sensible to apply an extra layer of caution.

Watch particularly for copied photographs, unfamiliar terminology, pressure to pay quickly and anyone who cannot arrange a genuine viewing. The same red flags above apply.

How to protect yourself when renting in Ireland

• Always view the property before paying anything. Ideally, view it in person. If you're relocating and can't attend yourself, ask a friend, colleague or reputable relocation service to view it on your behalf. A live video call can offer some reassurance, but treat it as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, an in-person check where possible.
• Verify the property actually exists. Check the full address independently using Google Maps or Street View, and make sure it's consistent with the photos in the listing.
• Verify the agent or landlord independently. If you're dealing with a letting agent, check that they are registered with the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) before paying anything. Look up the agency's official website separately and contact them using the number published there rather than relying solely on contact details in the ad. For private landlords, ask for identification and reasonable evidence connecting them to the property.
• Use a traceable payment method. Keep a record of the transaction and make sure you're satisfied about who you are paying before transferring funds. If bank account details change partway through the process, verify the new details independently before paying.
• Know the rules on deposits. For most private tenancies in Ireland, a landlord can't ask for a security deposit of more than one month's rent. The RTB recommends only paying a deposit once you're satisfied with the property and terms, avoiding cash payments where possible, and getting a signed, dated receipt.
• Don't assume a missing RTB registration means something's wrong. Tenancies are generally registered with the RTB after they begin and landlords have one month to register, so a new tenancy won't necessarily show up on the register before you move in. The RTB website is still a useful resource for checking your rights as a tenant.
• Get everything in writing. Make sure you understand the rent, deposit amount, start date, what's included, who holds the deposit and any additional charges before committing. Get a proper written tenancy agreement and keep copies of the advertisement, messages, agreement and proof of any payments.

Trust your instincts

If there's one thing to take away from all of this, it's to trust your instincts. If something feels off, whether it's a vague answer, a reluctance to meet or a sudden change in payment details, that feeling is worth listening to. And if the deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Pause, ask more questions and don't be afraid to walk away, even if it means starting your search again.

What to do if you think you've been scammed

If you believe you've been targeted by a rental scam:

1. Stop all communication and payments immediately.
2. If you've already transferred money or shared banking details, contact your bank or card provider straight away. You may be able to have a transfer recalled or your account secured.
3. Report it to your local Garda station.
4. Notify the platform where you found the listing so it can investigate and, where appropriate, remove it.
5. The RTB and Threshold, the national housing charity, can also offer advice and support if you've been affected.

How Your Own Door can help

If you're moving to Dublin from overseas, one of the hardest parts of finding a rental is trying to make important decisions about properties you haven't been able to see yourself.

At Your Own Door, we act as your eyes and ears on the ground. We can attend viewings on your behalf, help you assess whether a property and location are suitable, liaise with established letting and managing agents and guide you through the rental process from search to move-in.

We know the Dublin rental market well and, importantly, we know what a normal rental process should look like. If something doesn't add up, we'll ask the questions.

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Rental rules and guidance can change, so check current official guidance where relevant.