China Rental Scams: 7 Warning Signs and How to Avoid Them

The 7 warning signs

1. The rent is well below similar listings. A bargain is the bait.
2. No exact address, or an address that changes when you ask again.
3. No live video. Only photos or pre-recorded clips, with excuses about why a live call isn't possible.
4. Pressure to pay now to "hold" the apartment because "other people are interested".
5. Payment to a personal account that isn't in the landlord's or agency's name, or through gift cards, crypto or a third party.
6. The person can't show they control the property, and won't say whether they are the owner, an agent or a sublessor.
7. No written contract before or at the time you pay.

What to do instead

• Ask for a live video call that starts at the street sign and the building number.
• Ask who you're dealing with, and pay only an account in the landlord's or agency's name.
• Compare the rent with several similar listings in the same compound.
• Get the contract first, and keep every receipt and chat record.
• If the deposit or lease is large, have someone independent visit before you pay.

Run your listing through the free rental scam checker: eight questions, one minute, and a risk score with what to do next.

If you think you've been scammed

Stop paying, keep every record, report it to the platform where you found the listing, and report it to the local police. Your bank or card issuer may be able to help with recent payments.

Questions

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules differ by city and change; check with the local authorities or a qualified lawyer.