How to avoid the most common rental scams in Malaga

Malaga is a brilliant place to live, whether you’re relocating for work, studying at the university or simply embracing the Andalusian lifestyle as a digital nomad.

But before you hand over any money for that picture-perfect piso (flat), there’s something you should know: rental scams exist here, just as they do in any popular tourist destination.

The good news is that most landlords in Malaga are perfectly legitimate, and a bit of common sense will keep you well clear of the dodgy ones.

These are the most frequently reported scams targeting individuals seeking long-term accommodation in Malaga and the wider Costa del Sol area.

SEE ALSO: Finding a rental property in Malaga

1. The upfront deposit demand

You’ve found what appears to be the perfect apartment, but the landlord wants the deposit transferred immediately before you’ve even viewed the property.

This is the most common rental scam in Spain, and it relies on creating a sense of urgency – other people are interested, it’ll be gone by tomorrow, you need to secure it now.

Legitimate landlords understand that sensible tenants want to view properties before committing, so any insistence on payment before viewing should prompt you to walk away.

2. The “I’m abroad” excuse

The landlord claims they’re currently out of the country, whether in London, Germany or somewhere equally inconvenient, which explains why they can’t possibly show you the apartment.

They might offer to post keys once payment is made, or suggest a friend will let you in after you’ve transferred the deposit.

Real landlords living abroad use property managers or estate agents (agencias inmobiliarias) to handle viewings, not random wire transfers to unverified bank accounts.

3. The too-good-to-be-true price

A gorgeous apartment near Malaga’s historic centre or La Malagueta beach is advertised at half the going rate for similar properties.

Scammers know that an unbelievable bargain makes people suspend their critical thinking, which is rather the point of the exercise.

If comparable flats in the same neighbourhood cost significantly more, there’s a reason, and it’s not because this particular landlord is feeling charitable.

4. The stolen photos scam

In this case, the listing features professional-quality images that appear to have been lifted from a hotel brochure or a luxury property website.

A quick reverse image search often reveals these photos belong to a completely different property, possibly in a different country altogether.

Legitimate landlords take their own photos, which might be less polished but at least show the actual apartment you’d be renting.

SEE ALSO: Do you need an estate agent to rent in Malaga?

5. The fake listing

Scammers often copy entire listings from legitimate websites, then repost them on classified sites or social media at lower prices.

They’re banking on you not noticing that the same property appears elsewhere for more money, or that small details don’t quite match up.

Always verify listings through official channels and be suspicious of properties that appear on multiple platforms with different contact details.

Protecting yourself from Malaga accommodation fraud

When looking to rent a property, the single most important rule is this: never, ever pay anything until you’ve seen the property with your own eyes.

That means physically standing inside the apartment, checking that the taps work, that the WiFi actually exists and that the “partial sea view” isn’t just a sliver of blue visible if you lean out the window at a dangerous angle.

When viewing properties and dealing with landlords in Malaga, follow these essential precautions:

1. Always view in person. Meet the landlord or their authorised representative at the property rather than at a random café. Proper landlords will happily show you around, answer questions about the neighbourhood and explain how the bins work, whereas scammers will have a dozen excuses why a viewing is impossible.
2. Get everything in writing. Insist on a proper rental contract (a contrato de alquiler) that includes details about the property, the rental period, what’s included and the terms for returning your deposit. If someone’s reluctant to put things in writing or insists on keeping everything casual and off the books, that’s not a quirky Spanish way of doing things – it’s a warning.
3. Verify the landlord’s identity. If you’re feeling particularly dubious, request proof of ownership or authorisation to rent the property. Legitimate landlords won’t be offended by this request.
4. Use secure payment methods. Always try to avoid cash payments or wire transfers to foreign accounts. Proper rental deposits in Spain are typically made via traceable bank transfers to Spanish bank accounts.
5. Check the property registration. In Andalucía, rental properties used for short-term lets must be registered with the regional tourism authority. Long-term rentals should have proper documentation showing the landlord’s tax registration.

SEE ALSO: 7 things to look out for when renting in Malaga

Walk away if it doesn’t feel right

The Costa del Sol attracts thousands of new residents every year, and the vast majority have perfectly pleasant experiences with honest landlords in proper apartments.

Scammers rely on people being too excited, too rushed or too embarrassed to ask awkward questions. Don’t be that person. Ask the awkward questions, insist on viewings and walk away from anything that doesn’t feel right.

Overall, you really should trust your instincts when searching for rental accommodation in Malaga. If something feels off, whether it’s the landlord’s vague answers, the insistence on using an unusual payment method or just a general sense that things don’t quite add up, listen to that feeling.

Legitimate landlords in Malaga want reliable tenants just as much as you want a legitimate landlord, so they’ll understand if you want to verify details or ask questions.

Your time in Andalucía will be infinitely more enjoyable when you’re confident you’re living in a real apartment rather than worrying about whether one exists at all.