Want To Avoid Apartment Rental Scams, Any Good Agents?
 

We're coming to Spain for three weeks in July/Aug. Looking online at booking a few apartments for our visit (with a view to buying once we locate the right resort for us). There appear to be many scams involving rental properties and we do not want to fall foul of this. We are pretty savvy and know most of the easily spot-able cons but I'm sure there are some very clever scammers out there. We know about checking history, website info, dubious emails, ask for contacts etc.But I've seen some dodgy listings even in very well known sites. So how do you guys rent out your properties? Are there reliable agents that will protect the customer.

Re: Want To Avoid Apartment Rental Scams, Any Good Agents?
 

We use two very reputable agencies;

Holiday Rentals and Independent Owners or Villas People

Re: Want To Avoid Apartment Rental Scams, Any Good Agents?
 

Try 9flats or airBnb.

Both offer a lot of apartments and villas all over Spain (and the world) at good prices, both are reputable and have been in business for many years, they check out the places and the owners before listing them, and they have money back guarantee if there is a problem with the place or it's otherwise misrepresented.

Also, guests post their experiences on each place's public page so you can see what others say about it - and the places are ranked by the guests (only guests who stay there can comment on it) - kind of like tripadvisor, and the owners can't delete guests comments or modify them.

We use them often. Hardly ever stay in hotels anymore.

Re: Want To Avoid Apartment Rental Scams, Any Good Agents?
 

Holiday Rentals (HomeAway) is not an agency, it is a listing site where advertisers pay money to list their property. Over the years they have inadvertently listed scam properties.

One of the best checks to make is the length of time an owner/agent has advertised, all adverts should show this, the longer listed the better. If the owner/agent takes credit cards either online through the listing site or via PayPal you have greater protection.

Re: Want To Avoid Apartment Rental Scams, Any Good Agents?
 

Thanks everyone for your replies. I booked through Bookings.com in the end. Seem quite reputable.