Is an apartment listing on Facebook Marketplace safe to rent?
Facebook Marketplace has no rental protection mechanisms, making it a common venue for fake apartment listings. Always verify the landlord's ownership before paying anything.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Facebook Marketplace is widely used to advertise rental properties but offers no payment protection, identity verification, or deposit escrow for rentals. Scammers copy photos and details from legitimate estate agency listings, create convincing posts, and collect deposits from multiple victims for a property they do not own. The 'landlord' is often unavailable to show the property in person — they are abroad, unwell, or claim a key is with a neighbour — and pressure you to pay a holding deposit to secure the listing. You should insist on meeting the landlord in the property, verifying their ownership through your national land or property registry, and paying only through traceable, protected means.
Common red flags
- Landlord cannot show you the property in person
- Deposit requested before any viewing or contract
- Price is significantly below market rent for the area
- Listing photos appear elsewhere when reverse-searched
- Communication feels scripted or moves to WhatsApp quickly
What to do now
- Insist on an in-person viewing before paying any deposit
- Verify the landlord's ownership at your national land registry
- Never pay a deposit without a signed rental agreement
- Report fake listings to Facebook and to your housing fraud authority
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe if the landlord accepts to meet via video call?
A video call is better than nothing but can be faked. Always prioritise an in-person visit to the actual property with the person holding the keys before paying.