Finding a rental apartment in Switzerland can be challenging, and the difficulty only increases when you have to worry about housing scams. Whether you are moving to Switzerland for work, study, or another reason, being cautious is essential when searching for accommodation. Scammers often target unsuspecting newcomers, taking advantage of the high demand for housing in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. While there are legitimate rental opportunities, it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of the warning signs to avoid falling victim to scams. Below are five effective ways to protect yourself when searching for a place to live in Switzerland.
One of the most important rules in avoiding housing scams is never to sign a rental contract without first seeing the property in person. Legitimate landlords will understand if you want to view the apartment before committing to a contract. Scammers often pressure potential tenants to sign quickly, claiming that others are interested in the same property. They may also offer a “discount” or special deal if you sign the lease immediately. This urgency is a classic red flag.
If you’re unable to view the apartment yourself, consider asking a trusted person to visit the property on your behalf. Never proceed with signing anything before you’ve had the opportunity to inspect the living conditions and ensure that the apartment meets your expectations even by video call. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a relocation company in Switzerland who can review the rental contract for you.
Switzerland’s rental market is known for its high prices, particularly in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. If you come across an apartment that seems too good to be true—such as a spacious flat in the center of Zurich with a low rent price like CHF 300 per month—there is a strong possibility that you are dealing with a scam.
This kind of pricing is not realistic for the area and could be an attempt to lure you into a scam. Many scammers use incredibly low prices to attract attention and then disappear once they’ve secured a deposit or payment. While it is possible to find more affordable accommodation in Switzerland, such prices are generally rare, and if they sound too good to be true, they probably are.
If you’re unsure about whether the price seems reasonable, take the time to research rental prices in the neighborhood. This can give you a better idea of what to expect and help you identify deals that seem suspiciously low.
Another common tactic used by scammers is asking for a copy of your passport or offering a “fake” copy of their own passport as proof of identity. If your potential landlord is unavailable to meet you in person and instead sends you a copy of their passport, be cautious. This could be a stolen or fabricated document designed to make the scam seem legitimate.
Furthermore, never send your own personal information, such as your passport, work contract, or salary details, to a landlord before verifying his identity. Scammers can use this sensitive data to commit identity fraud or steal from you. If a landlord asks you for these kinds of documents without a legitimate reason, it’s a strong indication that you are dealing with a scam.
Again, it might cost you more, but consider strongly going through a relocation company since they are much more reliable.
When renting a property, it’s critical to ensure that the person you’re dealing with is indeed the legal owner or representative of the property. A legitimate landlord or property manager should be able to provide documentation proving their ownership of the property. If they cannot or make excuses, such as claiming that the documents were lost, this is a major red flag.
You can always ask to see ownership documents or contact the property owner directly to verify the legitimacy of the rental. A scammer will likely become defensive or evasive if you press for proof of ownership. Additionally, if they are unwilling to communicate with you via phone or insist on only email correspondence, be extra cautious. Scammers typically avoid phone conversations because it’s harder to fabricate a conversation in real time.
At the end of the day, if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the landlord or the property, don’t hesitate to walk away. Never send money or sign anything without verifying the situation fully.
Perhaps the most telling sign of a housing scam is when a potential landlord pressures you to pay a deposit before you have even seen the property. No legitimate landlord will ask for money upfront before allowing you to inspect the property and sign a lease. Scammers often ask for payment via untraceable methods, such as international money transfers via Western Union or MoneyGram. Once they receive the money, they typically vanish and you will never hear from them again.
Additionally, some scammers may demand that you send the deposit twice, claiming that they didn’t receive the first payment or that you need to send an additional amount to “secure” the house. This tactic is designed to extract as much money as possible from you. It’s essential to be cautious in these situations, especially if the landlord insists on payment through unofficial channels or refuses to provide proper documentation or meet you in person.
Another point to note is that once you transfer money through online banking or other forms of money transfer, it is usually irreversible. Once the money leaves your account, there is very little you can do to retrieve it.