Rental scams involve deceptive practices where individuals falsely advertise properties for rent, often requesting upfront payments before allowing inspections or providing keys. As of December 2025, these scams are increasingly sophisticated, utilising realistic imagery and mimicking legitimate rental listings.
Currently in Melbourne, particularly within the high-demand Eastern Suburbs like Balwyn and Doncaster, scammers often target prospective tenants searching online. They may claim to be overseas or unable to show the property personally, requesting a bond or rent payment via untraceable methods. A key indicator is a rental price significantly below market value – in December 2025, expect median rental prices for houses in these areas to be around $600-$800 per week. Legitimate property managers, like those at Fletchers, will always conduct thorough tenant checks and provide clear application processes. Furthermore, be wary of listings with poor quality photos, grammatical errors, or pressure to pay quickly. In 2026, we anticipate increased use of AI to create even more convincing fake listings, so vigilance is crucial. The typical rental campaign duration is 2-3 weeks, allowing for multiple inspections.
Recognising these red flags is essential to protect yourself when searching for a rental property in Melbourne.