Avoid Rental Scams: Verify & Sign Safely

A tenant recently saw a "Tsim Sha Tsui duplex for 14K including furniture, urgent viewing and signing available" great deal on Facebook. She thought she had found a treasure, but after paying the deposit, the so-called "owner's cousin" and the agent disappeared, and the deposit was lost. To avoid becoming the next victim, how can tenants quickly verify the authenticity of the listing and safely pay the deposit? Below is a practical guide with a 3-minute verification + 4-step safe signing process!

1｜Three-minute online verification of "landlord identity"

• Real estate agent license check
  • Go to the Estate Agents Authority https://www.eaa.org.hk → "License Search" → Enter the license number / name to confirm the "real Agent"
• Land Registry e‑Search
  • https://www1.iris.gov.hk ($25/copy) Enter the property address, download the land search:
    • The file name displays "Registered owner's name"
    • Note if there are any red letters such as "Mortgage rights transfer", "Confiscation order"
• Compare ID card
  • When viewing the property, directly ask the agent / self-proclaimed landlord for a copy of the landlord's ID card, the name must match the search (you can cover the address and the last 4 digits of the ID number)

2 | Seven Warning Signs to Walk Away Immediately

• Monthly rent significantly below market price >20 %
• Requires upfront "reservation" fee
• Agent refuses to show real estate agent license under various excuses
• Landlord is "overseas", only willing to communicate via WhatsApp video call
• During viewing, there are still other unfamiliar tenants living there, yet claims "vacant possession upon handover"
• Lease terms are vague, lacks Hong Kong address clause
• Deposit is required to be transferred to a "company collection account" without official receipt

3｜Safe Signing Four Steps

• Three-party signing: Landlord (or their formally authorized person) + Tenant + Licensed Agent present together
• Stamped sample tenancy agreement: Use Rental Information provided by the Rating and Valuation Department; Stamp duty to be handled on the spot by the agent
• Deposit only into the landlord's personal bank account: Save screenshots of ATM or online transfers; Never transfer to a third-party company account
• Take photos of key handover, electricity meter, and water meter readings: Keep records in a WhatsApp group for both parties; Evidence for future expense claims

4｜Encountered fake listings/scams, what to do?

• Immediately report to the police "Anti-Deception Coordination Centre" (ADCC) at 18222
• Save WhatsApp messages, transfer records, advertisement screenshots; the police can request the bank to temporarily freeze the funds
• File a complaint against the agent with the Estate Agents Authority

5｜Pre-move-in self-protection checklist

• Video record the current condition of the unit (including date watermark)
• Change the names on the rates, water, and electricity accounts to the tenant's to prevent previous tenants' debts

Verify the "landlord's true identity", pay attention to the seven major warning signs, sign the contract in the presence of three parties, and deposit the deposit directly into the landlord's account to rent safely!