Renting safely
Never pay before viewing.
Rental scams are common on Facebook groups and classifieds in South Africa. These simple rules protect your deposit when you look for a back room, cottage or granny flat.
1. Never pay before you've viewed the room
No deposit, no "holding fee", no "key fee". View the room in person, meet the landlord, and only pay once you've seen it and signed a lease.
2. Meet the real owner at the property
Ask to see the room, the bathroom and the gate. If the person "is overseas" or "can't meet" but wants money, walk away.
3. Get a written lease and a receipt
A simple lease should list the rent, deposit, what's included and the notice period. Ask for a receipt for every payment.
4. Pay into a bank account in the landlord's name
Avoid cash sends, e-wallet vouchers or airtime. Check the account name matches the person you met.
Warning signs
- Rent far below other rooms in the same suburb
- Pressure to pay today because "many people want it"
- Requests for payment by eWallet, CashSend, vouchers or airtime
- The landlord won't do a viewing or a video call from the room
- Photos that look like a hotel, show-house or another listing
- Asking for your ID or bank details before you've viewed
Questions
Does Place4Me ask tenants for money?
No. Place4Me is free for tenants and never collects deposits or fees. Anyone asking you to pay "Place4Me" is not us.
What should I do if a listing looks like a scam?
Don't pay. Tap "Report this listing" at the bottom of the listing's contact box and tell us what happened. We review reports and remove fake listings.
I've already paid a scammer. What now?
Call your bank straight away to try to stop the payment, then open a case at your nearest SAPS station with the screenshots and payment proof. Report the listing to us too.