5 min read

Rental scams Spain students encounter usually rely on the same tactic: urgency. A listing looks perfect, the price feels reasonable, and the “landlord” pushes you to act fast before someone else takes it. When you’re new in the country and trying to secure housing quickly, that pressure can feel normal.

But most housing scams for international students follow recognizable patterns. Knowing what to look for makes it much easier to avoid problems, especially if you’re learning how to rent safely in Madrid or another large city where demand is high. At IE University, we care about you having the best time during your studies – which is why we’ve made this simple checklist to help you move through the rental process with confidence.

Let’s get into it.

What are the most common rental scams in Spain?

The most frequent scams involve fake listings and “remote landlords.” You may be told the owner is abroad, the keys will be mailed and the apartment can be reserved if you transfer money immediately. Student support services across Spain warn that requests for payment before a viewing are one of the clearest apartment scam red flags Spain renters should watch for.

Another common pattern is a property priced noticeably below the local average.

The listing looks attractive, photos appear professional and the description feels detailed. Once you express interest, you’re pushed to secure it quickly with a deposit. In many cases, the apartment either doesn’t exist or belongs to someone else.

Scammers also copy legitimate listings from platforms like Idealista and repost them with new contact details. That’s why idealista scam prevention advice consistently stresses verifying the advertiser and avoiding rushed decisions.

What information should I never send to a stranger?

Identity data is often just as valuable to scammers as money. When someone asks for personal documents too early in the process, it’s a warning sign.

Be cautious about sending passport scans, bank card images or detailed financial information before you’ve confirmed the property and the person renting it. These requests sometimes appear framed as “verification” or “reservation requirements.”

But remember: Legitimate landlords usually only ask for documents once a viewing has taken place and the rental is moving forward.

If a contact is pressing for sensitive information immediately, especially before you’ve seen the apartment or spoken live, treat it as a strong signal to pause and verify. Protecting your identity is part of safe payment rules renting Spain advice often overlooks.

What payments are normal vs suspicious?

Certain payments are standard in Spain. A security deposit is common, and for long-term rentals it’s typically equivalent to one month of rent. This is part of the normal rental contract Spain checklist and doesn’t, on its own, signal a problem.

What matters is timing and method. Payments requested before any viewing, before a contract exists or through hard-to-trace transfer services should raise concern.

Scammers often push for fast deposits using stories about other interested tenants or limited-time availability.

Legitimate transactions tend to be tied to a signed agreement, clear documentation and traceable bank transfers. If the process feels rushed or unusually informal, it’s worth slowing down and confirming the details before sending anything.

How can I verify a landlord or agency?

Verification doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be deliberate. Start by checking that the address is real and that the photos match the location. A quick search can reveal if the same images appear on multiple listings with different contact names.

Ask for a live video call from inside the apartment if you can’t attend in person. This simple step can immediately confirm whether the property exists and whether the person advertising it actually has access.

If you’re dealing with an agency, look them up online and check for a professional presence.

In Madrid, some agents are listed in official regional registries, which adds another layer of reassurance. These small checks help you verify landlord Spain rental details before you commit.

What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

Act quickly. Contact your bank first to see if a transfer can be stopped or reversed. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of limiting the damage.

Keep a record of everything: messages, payment confirmations, names, phone numbers and listing links. This information will be important if you report the situation.

You should also report the case to the police and notify the platform where the property was listed. Even if the money can’t be recovered immediately, reporting helps prevent the same scam from targeting other students.

Study with us at IE University

At IE University, we know that finding safe, reliable housing is one of the biggest challenges students face when moving to a new city – especially in high-demand markets like Madrid or Segovia. That’s why our Student Services team offers comprehensive relocation support to help learners handle every step of settling into life in Spain, from visas and banking to housing advice and trusted accommodation options. Whether it’s directing students toward vetted student residences through platforms like Beyond Campus or providing tailored guidance on short- and long-term housing solutions, we equip our community with resources to avoid risky situations like rental scams and make informed decisions before signing anything.

IE’s commitment to student welfare goes beyond the classroom. Through personalized support before arrival and ongoing assistance throughout the academic journey, we strive to minimize the stress that can come with moving countries and entering unfamiliar rental markets. By connecting students with safe housing options – such as recommended student residences in Madrid and Segovia – and helping them understand local customs and contracts, we empower our international community to protect themselves against common scam tactics and focus on what brought them here in the first place: learning, growing, and thriving.

What to do next?

Here’s how to move forward in four simple steps:

1. Explore your options
From data science to finance, marketing, business and more, you can find your program. We design each degree to connect your ambition with high-demand careers across the MENA region and beyond.

2. Begin your application
Create your online profile, upload your résumé, transcripts, and a short personal statement. Applications are open year-round, but we recommend starting a few months before your preferred intake.

3. Take your assessment
Show us who you are through your admissions test and a brief online assessment with video and written answers. This will highlight your strengths, communication, and motivation.

4. Meet your Admissions Manager
If shortlisted, you’ll have a personal interview – online or in Madrid – to discuss your goals. You’ll receive your decision within two weeks, so you can plan your next step with clarity and peace of mind.