Avoid housing scams with these simple tips

Finding a place to stay in Aarhus usually works out with little or no hassle. But scammers do exist, so beware – here are a few tips to help you navigate the market.

Unfortunately, some exchange students have fallen victim to housing scams. A common scam involves fraudsters convincing students to transfer deposits for properties that either don’t exist or belong to someone else.

To help you navigate the rental market, here are a few tips when engaging with potential landlords.

While most landlords and rental listings are legitimate, some are not. This is where your common sense should come into play. Even if you’re urgently looking for a new home, think carefully. Without caution, you risk paying for a place you’ll never receive the keys to.

Don’t pay for a home you haven’t seen
Always view the property in person before paying any rent or deposit.
Avoid paying in cash or to foreign accounts
Scammers often ask for payments via foreign accounts (e.g., Western Union or PayPal), making it harder to trace your money.
Request to see the accommodation
Ensure the landlord’s name matches the one on the mailbox or doorbell.
Get a valid lease
Always obtain a signed tenancy agreement to review before signing. Do not transfer money or sign the lease without first seeing the property. Fraudsters may avoid providing a lease—an essential safeguard for tenants.
Put all agreements in writing
Besides the lease, make sure any additional agreements are documented, such as via email, to protect yourself.
Don’t let the landlord pressure you
If the landlord pressures you to sign or pay immediately, this could be a red flag.

Please note, the Aarhus School of Architecture is not liable for any losses due to housing scams. As a public institution, we cannot reimburse you. Such incidents should be reported to the Aarhus police.