Tenants

How to avoid rental scams when looking for a home

Finding a home should be an exciting experience, but unfortunately rental scams still occur. These may involve people pretending to be landlords, listings for homes that do not exist, or rentals where the landlord does not have the right to rent out the home.

There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of being scammed. By paying attention to warning signs and using a trusted rental platform, you can feel much safer throughout the entire process.

Looking for a home? Register for free with Samtrygg and get access to verified homes across Sweden.

Why is permission important?

If an apartment or a rental apartment is sublet, permission is required in most cases from either the housing association or the landlord.

For:

Apartments, approval from the housing association is normally required.
Rental apartments, permission from the landlord is normally required.

If the landlord does not have the necessary permission, the tenancy may in some cases have to end prematurely. That is why it is important to make sure the landlord has the right to rent out the home.

Read more in our guide to permission for subletting.

Common warning signs

There are several situations that should make you extra cautious.

The landlord does not want to meet

Be cautious if the landlord:

Is located abroad.
Refuses to show you the home.
Only communicates through messages.
Avoids answering questions about the home.

A legitimate landlord should normally be able to show you the home or offer a virtual viewing.

You are asked to pay quickly

Be especially cautious if someone:

Requests payment before a viewing.
Demands a large upfront payment.
Asks you to make payment outside the platform where the home is listed.
Pressures you to make a quick decision.

Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to encourage people to act before checking the details properly.

The information does not match

Always check that:

The person is who they claim to be.
The home actually exists.
The contact details seem reasonable.
The information about the home is consistent.
The photos appear to belong to the home and have not been copied from other listings.

If something feels wrong, it is always worth investigating further.

How Samtrygg helps you avoid rental scams

Safety is a central part of the entire rental process at Samtrygg. We have built our service to reduce the risk of the most common issues that can arise when renting or subletting a home.

When you rent or let a home through Samtrygg, we provide, among other things:

Identification of both parties using BankID.
Digital signing of the tenancy agreement.
Secure handling of rent payments through the platform. We do not release any rent to the landlord until you have moved into your home.
Tenant verification and screening.
Direct contact with every landlord before a home is published.
Support before, during and after the tenancy.

Unlike many open marketplaces, the entire rental process is managed in one place. This creates a safer experience for both tenants and landlords.

Why people choose Samtrygg when looking for a home

Since 2013, Samtrygg has helped thousands of tenants and landlords complete safe and secure rentals across Sweden.

When you look for a home through Samtrygg, you benefit from:

Access to a wide selection of homes with no waiting lists.
Digital signing of tenancy agreements using BankID.
Secure handling of rent payments.
Clear rental terms.
Support throughout the entire tenancy.

Our goal is to make it easier and safer to find a home without having to worry about scams or unreliable rental arrangements.

Browse available homes on Samtrygg.

What should I do if something feels wrong?

If something seems suspicious, you should:

Wait before making any payment.
Ask for more information.
Double-check all the details.
Never make payments outside the platform where the rental is managed.
Ask someone you trust for advice.
Seek guidance before proceeding.

It is always better to ask one question too many than to risk becoming the victim of a scam.

FAQ – common questions about rental scams

How can I tell if a rental listing is legitimate?

Check that the landlord is willing to show you the home, that the contact details appear reasonable, and that the information about the home is consistent. Be cautious if anything seems unclear or if the landlord tries to pressure you into making a quick decision.

Is it safe to pay before I have seen the home?

You should be very cautious about making any payment before you have viewed the home or otherwise confirmed that the rental is legitimate.

How can I reduce the risk of rental scams?

Use a trusted rental platform such as Samtrygg, verify the landlord’s details, ask questions and avoid making payments outside the platform where the rental is managed.

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

Do not make any payments. Verify the information and seek advice before proceeding. If you believe a crime has been committed, you should contact the police.

Summary

Most rentals are completed without any problems, but it is important to stay alert and make sure everything appears legitimate before signing a tenancy agreement or making a payment.

Using a trusted rental platform reduces the risk of problems and gives you support throughout the entire rental process.

At Samtrygg, both parties are identified using BankID, tenancy agreements are signed digitally, and rent payments are handled through the platform. This creates a safer experience for both tenants and landlords.

Last updated 10 juli 2026.