The 2026 Shanghai Rental Scam Watchlist
Shanghai is a city of limitless opportunity, but its fast-moving real estate market can be a minefield for the unprepared. From "phantom" listings that look too good to be true to sophisticated identity fraud, scammers often target expats and newcomers who are unfamiliar with local legal requirements and pricing.
At Here | Housing & Coliving Solutions, we believe that transparency is the ultimate defense. Finding your dream home should be an exciting milestone, not a financial risk. In this guide, we break down the most common scams currently circulating in the Shanghai market and provide you with the rational, actionable steps you need to protect your investment and ensure a secure start to your life in China.
1. 👻 The "Overseas Landlord" (Phantom Rental)
The scammer posts a beautiful apartment (often in Xuhui or Jing'an) at a suspiciously low price. When you inquire, they claim to be working abroad (e.g., in the US or Europe) and offer to mail you the keys once you transfer a "security deposit."
The Red Flag: Any request for payment before you or a trusted representative has stepped inside the property.
The Fix: Legitimate landlords in China will always have a local representative or agency to show the unit. If you can't be there, ask for a live video call from the property.
2. 🪪 The "Fake Ownership" Trap
This is the most dangerous scam. A scammer rents a property short-term (via a platform like Airbnb), then poses as the owner to "lease" it to multiple expats, collecting several months of rent and a deposit before disappearing.
The Red Flag: A landlord who is "too busy" to show their ID or the original Property Ownership Certificate (不动产权证).
The Fix: Always verify the Chan Quan Zheng (Ownership Certificate). Ensure the name on the certificate matches the ID of the person signing the contract.
3. 🔑 Illegal Subletting
A tenant whose own lease forbids subletting rents a room to you anyway. If the real landlord finds out, they can evict you immediately, and you will likely lose your deposit to the "subletter" who has already vanished.
The Red Flag: The person renting to you cannot produce the original head-lease or written permission from the owner to sublet.
The Fix: Ask for a "Sublet Consent Letter" signed by the original landlord.
4. 💰 The "Fast-Action" Deposit Scam
The agent or landlord pressures you, saying, "There are five other people coming in an hour; pay 2,000 CNY now to hold it." After you pay, the "agent" stops responding.
The Red Flag: High-pressure tactics for "holding fees" before a contract is even drafted.
The Fix: Never pay a holding fee without a signed Letter of Intent (LOI) that clearly states the refund conditions if the deal falls through.
🛠️ Essential Verification Checklist
Before any money leaves your account, ensure you have checked the following:
Document to VerifyWhy it MattersProperty Certificate (不动产权证)Proves who actually owns the walls you are living in.Landlord’s ID (身份证/Passport)Must match the name on the Property Certificate.Business LicenseIf working with an agency, ensure they are a registered entity in China.Utility Debt CheckEnsure the previous tenant hasn't left thousands in unpaid electricity bills.
💡 How "Here" Protects You
At Here | Housing & Coliving, we perform a 3-step vetting process for every listing:
Identity Verification: We cross-reference landlord IDs with the municipal housing database.
Physical Inspection: We never list a property we haven't personally walked through.
Escrow-Style Support: We ensure your deposit is only handed over once the keys are in your hand and the contract is stamped.
Trust Your Instincts
In the world of Shanghai real estate, if it looks too good to be true, it is. A renovated lane house in the FFC for 5,000 CNY is not a "deal"—it's a red flag.
