Looking for a place to live in Madrid can be stressful—and if you’re coming from abroad to study or you're a digital nomad, it can feel like a nightmare. The market is saturated, prices are high, and—just like in every nightmare—there are villains who take advantage of the situation by scamming people looking for affordable housing.
But don’t worry. In this article, we’ll walk you through a clear and practical guide to avoid scams and find a safe, verified apartment or room. All with the support of helpHousing, a trusted platform specializing in student and young professional housing.
Here are some of the most common scams you might come across when searching for housing in Madrid:
The classic “Flat in Salamanca for €700, 3 bedrooms, fully renovated” with magazine-style photos... If only it were real.
Listings with very low prices are often bait. Scammers ask for a deposit or upfront payment and then vanish. Be cautious: if it’s too cheap, it’s suspicious.
Some scammers use photos from other ads or tourist apartments to promote places that aren't actually available. After receiving your money, they cut off all contact.
Always request a viewing or video tour before paying anything.
“If you don’t pay now, someone else will get it” or “there are many interested” are phrases that sound legit—but scammers use them to pressure victims into quick payments without proper checks.
Take your time. Rushing is a red flag.
Some scammers impersonate landlords or real estate agents—even showing properties they don’t own. A recent case in Leganés involved a woman who rented rooms in a flat she didn’t own, scamming over 20 people.
(Source: TikTok, Telemadrid)
Now that you know the risks, here’s how to protect yourself when looking for housing in Madrid:
Ask for documentation that proves ownership or legal representation. You can use Spain’s Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) to confirm who owns the property.
If it sounds too good to be true—it probably is. Compare listings on different platforms. Google Lens is a great tool: upload a photo and see if it’s being reused elsewhere under a different name.
Avoid risk by searching through trusted housing platforms or agencies specialized in student rentals, like helpHousing, which provides legal contracts, verified listings, and full support.
Founded in 2010, helpHousing specializes in renting rooms and apartments to international students and young professionals in Madrid. What makes them different?
Personalized advice to help you find the perfect fit
Individual contracts in your language, adapted to your needs
Support during your entire stay: maintenance, cleaning, and customer care
Verified accommodation: all properties are inspected and meet high standards
They offer housing in top Madrid neighborhoods like Malasaña, Chamberí, and Ventas, with a range of prices and styles to suit your preferences.
When it comes to finding housing in Madrid, patience, caution, and trusted platforms are your best allies. The search can be overwhelming, but with the right resources, you’ll avoid scams and find your ideal place.
For a safe and stress-free experience, helpHousing is here to help you every step of the way.
I'm Karla, a Mexican living in Madrid, a marketing specialist and a book lover. I like to keep up with trends so I can offer you the most up-to-date and interesting information.
