Please sign in to post.

Craigslist for apt rentals

Has anyone used craigslist in London, Paris, or Amsterdam for apt. rental? Is there anything I should look out for? They seem to be cheaper than the big rental services... Has anyone out there been scammed? Thank you, Mark

Posted by
1806 posts

There are loads of scams when it comes to rentals via Craigslist and if the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is for a reason. Even though they may be a little pricier, you may do better by renting through a site like VRBO or some of the companies that have been used and recommended again and again on this Board (if you use the search feature, you'll see a lot of the same rental agency names pop up over and over) because you know there is some protection built in if you have a problem with your rental. If you are traveling during the summer months, you may also want to check into university housing that is available to tourists as rentals. For example, London School of Economics has a number of buildings that have small studios up to 2-3 bedroom apartments which they rent out. The prices are more than reasonable, the accommodations are basic, but they are clean, secure and in desirable locations scattered around the city. And you know that there is no scam involved with a major university that can't pack up and vanish into thin air with your rental deposit.

Posted by
4684 posts

Have a look at the thread about vacationholidaypalacehome for a blatant scam on Craigslist. The general rule in the UK is to run away from anybody whose only contact is a mobile phone (beginning with 44 7 in international format or 07 in national) and/or email, and even if a physical address is given check carefully.