How to Spot a Legitimate Rental Listing in Australia: A Complete Guide for International Students
Moving to Australia is exciting, but searching for a place to live can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re in another country and relying on photos, online listings, and messages from agents you’ve never met.
Unfortunately, rental scams are becoming more common, targeting students who are unfamiliar with Australian real estate and pressured to secure housing quickly. Scammers know students are vulnerable, especially those overseas who can’t inspect properties in person.
The good news? Once you know what to look for, legitimate listings are easy to identify — and scams become obvious. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to verify a rental listing so you can rent with confidence and avoid losing money.
🔎 1. Check If the Listing Is On a Trusted Platform
Legitimate rentals in Australia are usually listed on well-known sites:
realestate.com.au
Domain
Flatmates.com.au
Facebook Marketplace (mixed — requires caution)
If a listing appears only on social media, especially if the profile is new or has little activity, proceed carefully.
Red flag:
Someone sends you a property through WhatsApp, TikTok, or Instagram with no official listing link.
Green flag:
The property appears on realestate.com.au or Domain with a registered agency attached.
🧑💼 2. Verify the Agent or Landlord
Every legitimate estate agent in Australia must be registered.
How to check quickly:
Search their name + agency on Google
Look for the agency’s official website
Confirm their phone number matches the one they gave you
Red flag:
The person refuses to tell you the real estate agency they work for.
Green flag:
They provide full details and match a real, registered agent online.
📸 3. Watch Out for Duplicate or Stolen Photos
Some scam listings use photos copied from the internet or old listings.
To protect yourself, do a quick check:
👉 Screenshot the property photos
👉 Reverse search them on Google Images
If the exact same photos appear on multiple unrelated listings, or show a location that doesn’t match the description, it’s a scam.
Red flag:
Photos look overly edited, generic, or inconsistent.
Green flag:
Photos match a real address and are consistent with Google Street View.
🏠 4. Always Request an Inspection — Never Skip This Step
A real agent will never tell you “inspection isn’t possible”.
You should always be able to:
Inspect in person
Book a video inspection
Receive a detailed walk-through video from someone you trust
If you’re overseas, this is where Navvia becomes extremely valuable — we do verified virtual inspections to make sure the property is real, safe, and matches the listing.
Red flag:
They say: “You must pay the deposit first to secure an inspection.”
Green flag:
They offer multiple inspection options before any payment.
💰 5. Never Transfer Money Before Signing a Lease
In Australia, you pay bond and rent only after:
Your application is approved
You receive a written lease
You sign the lease
You receive an official receipt
Scammers pressure you to pay upfront, often via:
PayPal
CashApp
Western Union
Crypto
Bank transfer to a random account
Red flag:
They ask for a “holding deposit” before providing paperwork.
Green flag:
Payments occur after official documentation.
✍️ 6. Check for Proper Documentation
A legitimate rental process includes:
Residential Tenancy Agreement (lease)
Condition Report
Bond Lodgement Form (official state provider)
Rent payment instructions from the agency
If they can’t provide documents or make excuses, walk away.
Red flag:
Handwritten agreements or no paperwork at all.
Green flag:
Standardised documents from real agencies.
🛑 7. Trust Your Instincts — Pressure Is a Major Warning Sign
Scammers thrive on urgency.
If someone is rushing you with lines like:
“Pay now or I’ll give it to someone else.”
“I have 20 people waiting.”
“This is a one-time offer.”
… then it’s probably not legitimate.
Real agents don’t pressure students into emotional decisions.
Red flag:
Any form of manipulation or panic messaging.
Green flag:
Clear, professional, patient communication.
Protect Yourself and Rent Confidently
Australia has strong rental laws designed to protect tenants — especially students — but scammers still operate in private online spaces.
By checking the agent, inspecting the property, reviewing documents properly, and avoiding pressure to pay upfront, you can safely navigate the rental market.
At Navvia, we help international students rent smarter by providing:
✔ Verified property inspections
✔ Secure communication templates
✔ Rental guidance and education
✔ Safe introductions to trusted listings
If you want full peace of mind while house-hunting, our services are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and protection at every step.
Learn more or book your free consultation
