Here are some simple safety tips to help you review housing listings from abroad. The aim is to help you spot potential warning signs and protect your money before signing a contract or taking any final steps.

Finding accommodation remotely is now a process that is largely managed through digital channels. While the online environment offers flexibility and convenience, it also requires extra caution to protect both your finances and your personal information. In highly competitive rental markets, the urgency to secure a home can make it easier to overlook warning signs. That is why taking a preventive approach is essential.

To help reduce potential risks, Bienvenido a Copenhague has prepared the following guidelines to consider before entering into any rental agreement.

1. Verify the landlord’s information

A good first step is to avoid assuming that all the information in a listing is accurate. Whether you are dealing with a private landlord or a property manager, it is worth taking the time to verify the information provided.

  • Use public records: In many countries, official online registers allow you to check property ownership. In Denmark, for example, you can use the official Boligejer platform to see who is registered as the owner of a property.
  • Check for consistency: If the name of the person contacting you does not match the registered owner and there is no clear explanation of their relationship to the property, it is advisable to clarify the situation before proceeding.

2. Prioritize standard bank transfers

The payment method requested for a reservation fee or security deposit can often provide useful clues about the legitimacy of a rental offer.

  • Use traceable bank transfers: Whenever possible, make payments through standard bank transfers to identifiable bank accounts with a valid IBAN, preferably in the same country where the property is located.
  • Avoid higher-risk payment methods: Anonymous money transfer services, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies can make it difficult—or even impossible—to trace or recover your funds if something goes wrong.

It is also worth being cautious if there is no established or reputable company behind the listing, if communication only takes place through generic email addresses such as @gmail.com, or if the landlord refuses to show the property under any circumstances. While some legitimate companies rent properties without in-person viewings, they generally operate within clear legal frameworks. Gathering additional information can help you distinguish a legitimate business from a potential scam.

3. Assess the listing carefully

Rental prices within the same area usually follow relatively consistent market ranges. If an offer seems unusually attractive, it deserves closer scrutiny.

  • Compare prices: If a fully furnished apartment in a central location is advertised at a price significantly below the local market average, it is advisable to approach it with caution.
  • Check the images: If you have any doubts, perform a reverse image search to see whether the photos have been copied from another property or from an older advertisement before sending personal documents or making any payment.

4. Housing search support from Bienvenido a Copenhague

For those searching from abroad or unfamiliar with the Danish language, professional assistance can make the process easier and safer. Bienvenido a Copenhague offers a housing search service that includes:

  • Guidance to help reduce the risk of rental scams by reviewing the landlord’s identity.
  • Review of rental contracts written in Danish, including an explanation of the legal clauses.
  • Clear explanations of the rental agreement in either Spanish or English.
  • Support during the final stages of the rental process and contract signing.
  • Guidance on post-move procedures, including changing the electricity account holder and registering your new address for your CPR.

Services Offered by Bienvenido a Copenhague

Explore our services on the Bienvenido a Copenhague website:

Have Questions or Need Personalized Help?

Don’t hesitate to contact us or submit your inquiry. Join our community on the WhatsApp group Bienvenido a Copenhague (English) for support and updates.

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