At Boydens, we’ve been helping people find homes across Essex and Suffolk for nearly 60 years. And while demand for rental property remains high, we’re seeing a worrying increase in scams aimed at tenants, particularly those involving so-called “landlords” asking for money simply to apply for a property.

If you’re renting in areas such as Colchester, Chelmsford, Frinton, Kelvedon & Sudbury or the surrounding villages, it’s important to know what to look out for, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

Warning Signs Every Tenant Should Know

Being Asked to Pay to “Apply” for a Property

In England, it is illegal for landlords or agents to charge tenants fees for:

• Applying to rent a property
• Viewing a property
• Administration or “processing” costs

If someone asks you to pay money just to apply, that should immediately raise concerns. The only payment that may be requested at an early stage is a limited holding deposit, and only once you have agreed to proceed with the tenancy.

The Property Isn’t Being Let by a Reputable Agent

Many scams involve properties that:

• Have been copied from genuine listings
• Are advertised at unrealistically low rents
• Are claimed to be let by a “private landlord” who avoids using agents

In Essex and Suffolk, reputable agents will be:

• Properly regulated
• Members of an approved redress scheme
• Transparent about who they are and how they operate

If you can’t verify who you’re dealing with, it’s best to walk away.

Pressure to Act Quickly

Scammers often try to rush tenants by saying:

• “There’s lots of interest — you must pay today”
• “The property will be gone unless you act now”
• “I’m overseas, so everything needs to be done quickly”

A genuine landlord or agent will give you time to consider matters properly and will never pressure you into paying money without clear documentation.

Requests for Money Before Any Paperwork

You should never be asked to send money before receiving:

• Clear written terms
• Details of how any deposit will be protected
• Confirmation of who the landlord or agent is

A refusal to provide paperwork is a serious warning sign.

Unusual Payment Requests

Be extremely cautious if asked to pay via:

• Personal bank transfers
• Payment apps with no consumer protection
• Gift cards or cryptocurrency

Reputable agents use secure, traceable client accounts.

Excuses for Not Showing the Property Properly

Common red flags include:

• Being unable to view the property in person
• Claims that keys will be sent after payment
• Excuses about tenants still living there

In Essex and Suffolk, you should always expect a proper viewing and clear communication.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a rental scam:

Act Quickly

• Stop all contact with the individual
• Contact your bank immediately if money has been sent

Early action can significantly improve the chances of recovering funds.

Report the Incident

You should report the matter to:

• Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre
• The property website where the listing appeared
• Your local Trading Standards department

Keep All Evidence

Save:

• Emails and messages
• Screenshots of adverts
• Payment confirmations
• Any names, numbers or bank details provided

This information can be vital in helping authorities investigate.

Renting with Confidence

The best way to protect yourself is to:

• Never pay money simply to “apply” for a rental
• Use established, regulated letting agents
• Ask questions and expect clear answers
• Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t

As a family-run estate and letting agent serving Essex and Suffolk since 1966, Boydens believes in doing things properly, transparently, lawfully, and with our clients’ best interests at heart.

If you’re unsure about a rental listing, or would like advice on renting safely in your local area, our teams in Colchester, Chelmsford, Frinton, Kelvedon and Sudbury are always happy to help.

Get in touch with your local Boydens office today, and rent with confidence.