How to Avoid Rental Scams in Taiwan
RHRentHouseTW EditorialUpdated 2026-06
Common rental scams targeting foreigners in Taiwan and six ways to protect yourself.
Common scams
- Bargain bait: rent far below market, asking for a deposit to "reserve" before viewing.
- Fake landlord/sublandlord: collects deposit and rent, then disappears.
- Requests to wire money to an account, no in-person meeting, no viewing.
- Stolen photos for a unit that does not exist.
- Pressure: "many people are interested, pay now or lose it".
Six ways to protect yourself
- Check the district's median rent on RentHouseTW — a price far below market is a warning.
- Always view the unit in person before paying anything.
- Verify the landlord: ask to see the title deed or property record and match their ID.
- Never pay a deposit or "reservation fee" before viewing.
- Pay by bank transfer to keep a record, not cash.
- Use the standard lease; deposit must not exceed 2 months.
If you are scammed
Keep all chats, transfer records and listing screenshots, and call the 165 anti-fraud hotline to report it. A little verification before signing prevents most losses.
FAQ
How do I know if a Taiwan rental is a scam?
Warning signs: rent far below market, requests to pay before viewing, no in-person meeting, and pressure to act fast. Check the fair price on RentHouseTW, always view in person, and verify the landlord.
Should I pay a deposit before viewing in Taiwan?
No. Never pay a deposit or reservation fee before viewing the unit in person and verifying the landlord. Pay by bank transfer to keep a record.
RentHouseTW · Source: Ministry of the Interior rental price registry. General information, not legal advice. 中文版請看租屋知識庫。