Renting abroad can be exciting, but it's important to stay safe. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself from scams and ensure a smooth rental experience.
Never rent a property without seeing it in person or having a trusted friend view it for you. Video calls with the owner can also help verify the property exists.
Ask for government-issued ID and verify the owner's identity. On Staycay, look for the 'Verified Owner' badge which indicates we've confirmed their identity.
Use Google Maps Street View to check the neighborhood. Look for reviews of the area from other expats in online communities.
Ask to see proof of ownership or authorization to rent. In some countries, you can verify property records through government websites.
Do not send any money before you've seen the property in person. Legitimate owners will understand this requirement.
Be cautious of owners who insist on wire transfers or cryptocurrency. These payment methods offer little protection if something goes wrong.
Standard deposits are typically 1-2 months rent. Be suspicious of owners asking for larger amounts or multiple months upfront.
Always get written receipts for all payments. Keep records of all transactions and communications with the owner.
Always have a written rental agreement that clearly states the rent amount, payment schedule, deposit terms, and notice period.
Take photos and videos of the property's condition before moving in. Note any existing damage to avoid disputes when moving out.
Research tenant rights in your destination country. Some countries have strong tenant protections, while others favor landlords.
Keep copies of all documents including the rental agreement, your passport, visa, and payment receipts in a secure location.
We verify property owner identities before allowing them to list. Look for the verified badge on listings.
Our unique completeness rating shows how much information is provided about each property.
Contact owners directly via WhatsApp to ask questions and verify details before committing.
If something seems off, report it to us. We investigate all reports and remove fraudulent listings.
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