FAO: Landlords and Tenants – Six Tips to Stay Safe Online

It’s Cyber Monday (December 1^st).

And if you didn’t already know, it is a major online shopping event offering big discounts, launched after Black Friday and focused entirely on digital deals and promotions.

But Cyber Monday isn’t just about snapping up bargains — it’s also a timely reminder that anything involving money, personal data, or digital communication deserves extra care.

Both landlords and tenants are increasingly managing everything online: referencing, deposits, rent payments, maintenance requests, tenancy agreements, inventories, and more.

That convenience is brilliant… until a scammer gets involved.

Here are some practical ways landlords and tenants can stay safe this Cyber Monday and beyond.

1. Be Wary of ‘Too Good to Be True’ Deals

Cyber Monday is prime time for fake listings and bogus offers. Tenants should be cautious of rental adverts that look unusually cheap or require an upfront fee before viewing. Landlords, meanwhile, can occasionally fall victim to fraudulent applicants using false documents or fabricated “proof of funds”.

Rule of thumb: If it seems suspicious, it probably is.

2. Use Secure, Recognised Platforms

Whether you’re conducting reference checks, signing agreements, or transferring money, stick to trusted platforms.

Landlords should avoid sending tenancy agreements or bank details via unsecured channels like social media DMs. Tenants should only transfer holding deposits or rent to verified managing agents or landlords.

Cyber criminals often create lookalike websites — check URLs carefully.

3. Strengthen Passwords (and Please Stop Using ‘Password123’)

It sounds basic, but weak passwords remain one of the biggest threats.

Landlords handling multiple properties often juggle several portals. Tenants use apps for everything from reporting repairs to paying rent.

Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

4. Think Before You Click

Scammers love pretending to be reputable companies — including energy suppliers, broadband providers, letting agents, parcel couriers and even the Government.

Emails asking you to “confirm your details” or “click to avoid charges” are common in December.

Hover over links before clicking and never share login information via email.

5. Protect Sensitive Documents

IDs, payslips, bank statements and tenancy agreements contain gold-dust information for fraudsters.

Landlords should store documents securely and delete old files they no longer need. Tenants should avoid sending documents through unencrypted apps.

6. Report Anything Suspicious Immediately

If something looks off, contact your agent, bank, or the platform’s support team. Quick action often limits damage.

Staying safe online should be part of the routine for every landlord, tenant, and agent.

If you have any questions about how we keep our clients protected, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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