London Rental Scam: Caution Advised for Tenants

Scammers posing as landlords or agents have been targeting tenants in London, sometimes persuading them to pay deposits—or even rent—before viewing a property.

The scammers often use convincing deposit-protection certificates, but these turn out to be bogus, and attempts to reclaim funds usually fail. The scam has affected numerous tenants and underscores the need for caution (London Trading Standards).

What Tenants Can Do
– Don’t make any payments—whether deposit, rent, or holding fee—until you’ve seen the property in person.
– Only pay by bank transfer, which gives you a clear record.
– Find a letting agent that belongs to a government-approved redress scheme and uses Client Money Protection (CMP).

Mackenzie Smith – An agent you can trust.
With Mackenzie Smith, tenants can rest assured their money is in safe hands. We’re committed to transparent, trustworthy lettings. When you deal with us, you’ll receive the utmost respect and tailored advice every step of the way. As proud members of The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and The Property Ombudsman (TPO), we strictly follow the Code of Practice for Residential Estate Agents.

In plain terms, our Lettings team persistently acts to protect and promote the interests of both landlords and tenants.

Don’t just take our word for it – take a look at Trustpilot at our excellent ratings and reviews. With 1,961 reviews, we’re currently the no. 2 Estate, Lettings and Land Agent in the UK.

Brand New Rental Apartments Available

Right now, tenants can rent brand new one- and two-bedroom apartments at Mera Heights, in central Farnborough—a location that’s ideal for commuting to London by road or rail.

Looking for a family home that’s an easy commute to London? Register with us and you’ll be one of the first to know when new rental properties become available.

If you’re a landlord in one of local areas looking to rent out your property through a trustworthy estate agent, feel free to book a no-obligation valuation, here. We also offer comprehensive Property Management, including assistance with regulations and legislation, so if you have a related query, please contact us via email, here – compliance@mackenziesmith.co.uk.

Whether you’re looking for your next home or seeking a reliable agent to manage a rental, Mackenzie Smith is here to make the process smooth, safe, and confident.

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