Is it normal for a landlord to only contact me by text or email?
Legitimate landlords communicate by various means, but a landlord who refuses any phone or video call and pushes for a deposit before you view the property is a major warning sign.
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026
Explanation
Rental scams frequently operate entirely over text or email because the 'landlord' is not local, does not own the property, or does not exist. Scammers often clone real listings from legitimate sites and set a below-market price to attract attention. They create urgency by saying many people are interested and ask for a holding deposit before you can view. Once payment is made they disappear or invent more fees. A genuine landlord or letting agent will agree to show you the property in person or via a verified video walkthrough before any money changes hands.
Message-only contact serves several purposes for a fraudster: it hides accents and locations, allows one person to run dozens of listings at once, and leaves you nothing verifiable — no voice, no face, no meeting. The 'working abroad' story exists to make that refusal sound reasonable while explaining why a viewing is impossible.
Treat the viewing as non-negotiable. No matter how competitive the rental market feels, a property you cannot see — through a live, interactive video call at minimum — is a property you should not pay for. Genuine landlords lose nothing by showing the home; only fraudsters need you to pay sight unseen.
Common red flags
- Refuses phone or video calls, communicates only by message
- Asks for a deposit before you have viewed the property
- Price is notably below market rate for the area
- Listing photos appear on multiple sites with different names
What to do now
- Never pay a deposit without a verified in-person or live video viewing
- Reverse-image-search the property photos to check for duplicate listings
- Search land registry or public records to verify the owner's name
- Pay only by traceable bank transfer, never cash or gift card
Frequently asked questions
What if the landlord says they are abroad and can't meet me?
This is a very common cover story in rental scams. Always insist on verifying ownership and viewing the property before any payment.
Is a pre-recorded video tour good enough proof?
No. Recorded footage can be copied from the original listing or filmed by someone with no right to let the property. Insist on a live video call where you can ask them to show specific details in real time, or an in-person viewing.