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Photo for illustration. Photo from Pexels.
Private rental scams in Swindon usually involve a fake listing, a landlord who cannot show the property and pressure to pay a holding deposit fast. Never pay before viewing in person or by live video. Check the landlord owns the home, and only pay through a traceable bank transfer to a UK account.
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What are the most common private rental scams?
The most common private rental scams copy a real listing at a low rent, then ask for money before you can see the home.
The cloned listing
Photos are copied from a real advert or holiday let and posted at a rent well below others in the area.
The overseas landlord
The “landlord” says they are abroad and will post the keys once you pay the deposit and first month’s rent.
The pressure deposit
You are told several people are interested and must pay a holding deposit today to secure the home.
The fake agent
A website or social media page looks like a letting agent but has no office, no company number and no client money protection.
Banks increasingly flag payments to new accounts. Take the warning seriously. Photo from Pexels.
What are the warning signs of a rental scam?
The warning signs are a rent far below similar homes, no in-person viewing, pressure to pay quickly and requests for unusual payment methods.
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What checks should you make before paying?
Before paying any money, view the home, confirm who owns it and check that the deposit will be protected. A genuine landlord or agent will expect these checks.
- Check ownership with a Land Registry title search, which costs a few pounds
- For an agent, check their redress scheme and client money protection membership
- Ask which deposit scheme they use, then check it is one of the three approved schemes
- Pay the holding deposit only after you have viewed the home and received the agreed terms in writing
- Pay by bank transfer to a UK account in the name of the landlord or agent
The GOV.UK deposit protection page lists the approved schemes.
What should you do if you are targeted by a rental scam?
If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank straight away to try to stop or recall the payment. Then report it to Action Fraud and keep all messages and receipts.
- Call your bank on the number on your card, not one from a message.
- Report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud.
- Report the listing to the website or social media platform where you saw it.
- Keep evidence, including screenshots, emails and payment details.
Tips for safe renting in Swindon
View in personSwindon is easy to reach by train and car. If you are moving from far away, ask a friend or use a local viewing service.
Do not be rushedGenuine landlords expect checks. Pressure to pay within hours is a warning sign.
Book a short stay firstStaying nearby for a week or two lets you view properties properly before committing.
Where can you stay while you view rentals safely?
Staying nearby means you can view every home in person. Esho Stays has furnished homes in Cirencester, about 25 minutes from Swindon, bookable by the week from £100 a night.
£120 / night2-bed house with garden, Cirencester
- 2 bedrooms, king or twin
- Desk and sofa bed
- Enclosed garden
- Self check-in
A two-bedroom house with a desk, an enclosed garden and self check-in, about 25 minutes from Swindon on the A419.
See the 2-bed house
£130 / night3-bed house with garden, Cirencester
- 3 bedrooms
- 4 beds
- Bath and separate shower
- Private garden
Three bedrooms, a private garden and a utility room with a washing machine. Pets welcome by arrangement.
See the 3-bed houseFor the full search, see our guide to private rentals in Swindon.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to rent from a private landlord on Facebook?
It can be, but take extra care, as social media is a common place for fake listings. View the home in person, check the landlord owns it with a Land Registry search, and never pay before viewing. Be wary of profiles that are new or have few connections.
How much should a holding deposit be?
In England, a holding deposit is capped at one week’s rent. On a Swindon home at £1,103 a month, that is about £254. The landlord must refund it or put it towards your deposit or first month’s rent, except in limited cases such as giving false information.
Can I get my money back after a rental scam?
Sometimes. Contact your bank immediately, as many banks can reimburse victims of authorised push payment scams under UK rules, depending on the circumstances. Report the scam to Action Fraud as well, and keep all evidence of the payment and messages.
How do I check who owns a property in Swindon?
You can buy a title register from HM Land Registry online for a small fee. It shows the registered owner of the property. Compare the name with the person or company you are dealing with, and ask an agent to show they are authorised to let it.
Next step
Want to view rentals in person?
Book a furnished home in Cirencester, about 25 minutes from Swindon, while you search safely.
