How to Rent a Room in Alicante Without Scams

Every year, hundreds of international students fall victim to rental scams when looking for a room in Spain. Scammers take advantage of the fact that you don't know the city, that you're in a hurry to find accommodation, and that you can't visit in person. In this guide, we explain how to protect yourself and what warning signs to look for.

🚨 Warning signs: how to detect a scam

Price too low

If a room in central Alicante costs €150/month when the average price is €350, be suspicious. Scammers use irresistible prices to attract victims.

They don't want to video call

A legitimate landlord has no problem showing you the room via video call. If they make excuses ("the camera doesn't work", "I'm traveling"), it's a clear sign of scam.

They ask for payment before showing anything

Never pay before seeing the room (in person or by video) and verifying that the landlord is real. Scammers disappear as soon as they receive the money.

Rush and pressure

"There are 10 people interested", "you have to pay today or you'll lose it". Scammers create artificial urgency so you don't think clearly.

They ask for payment by untraceable methods

Western Union, transfers to foreign accounts, cryptocurrencies, gift cards... A legitimate landlord accepts normal bank transfer or payment through a secure platform.

The landlord "is not in Spain"

"I'm working in London/Dubai/etc. and I can't show you the room in person". Classic scammer excuse.

Photos too professional or stolen

Search the photos on Google Images. If they appear in other listings or on decoration websites, they're stolen.

✅ Steps to rent safely

1. Research the landlord

- Ask for their full name and ID/NIE

Search their name on Google and social media
- If renting through a platform, verify they have real reviews
  2. Verify the property exists
  - Ask for the exact address and look it up on Google Maps
  - Check that the building exists and matches the photos
    - If possible, ask a local person to pass by the address
      3. Do a video call
      - Ask to see the room live, not just photos
      - Have them show you the common areas, kitchen, bathroom
        Ask to see through the window to confirm the location
        4. Use secure payment methods
        - Never pay cash before arriving
        Use platforms with buyer protection (Roomaways, Spotahome, HousingAnywhere)
        If paying by transfer, do it to a Spanish account and keep all receipts
        5. Ask for a contract
        - A legitimate landlord signs a rental contract
        The contract should include: landlord's details, address, price, duration, conditions
        Keep a signed copy
        6. Don't pay everything upfront
        - Normal is to pay a deposit (1 month) and the first month's rent
        Be suspicious if they ask for 3, 6, or 12 months in advance

🏠 Safe platforms for renting

Platforms with verification

These platforms verify properties and offer guarantees to students:

- Roomaways — In-person verification of all properties. Secure payment with Stripe. 24h guarantee after check-in.

Spotahome — Video verification. Online payment with protection.
- HousingAnywhere — Landlord verification. Rental insurance.
  Platforms without verification (more risk)
  These platforms have legitimate listings, but also scams:
  - Idealista, Fotocasa, Milanuncios — They don't verify landlords. You must do all checks yourself.
  - Facebook groups — Widely used but with no guarantee. Extreme caution.
    Why choose Roomaways?
    At Roomaways, all properties are ours. We are not intermediaries. We personally visit each room before publishing it. If something isn't right, we fix it ourselves. We've been hosting students in Alicante for over 20 years.

📋 Checklist before paying

Before paying any amount, make sure you can answer "yes" to all these questions:

About the landlord:

Do you have their full name and ID document?
- Have you spoken with them by phone or video call?
  - Can you find information about them online?
    About the property:
    - Have you seen the room on live video (not just photos)?
      - Do you know the exact address?
        Have you verified the address exists on Google Maps?
        About payment:
        Is the price within the normal range for the area?
        Are you using a secure and traceable payment method?
        Do you have a contract or document specifying the conditions?
        If you can't check all the boxes, DON'T pay yet.

😰 Already been scammed? What to do

If you've already been a victim of a scam:

1. Report it

- Go to the National Police or Civil Guard and file a report

Provide all evidence: conversations, emails, payment receipts
2. Contact your bank
- If you paid by card, request a "chargeback"
- If it was a transfer, inform the bank although recovery is more difficult
  3. Report online
  - Report the listing on the platform where you found it
  - Warn in student groups so others don't fall for it
    4. Contact your university
    - Many universities have student help services
    - They can guide you and sometimes have agreements with verified accommodations
      Prevention is better than cure. Use safe platforms from the start.

Rent with complete security

At Roomaways we verify all properties in person. Secure payment with Stripe and 24h guarantee.

View verified rooms