How to Avoid Rental Scams in Nepal: 9 Red Flags Before You Pay
Updated June 19, 2026 · Kotha Chaiyo
- •Never pay a deposit before seeing the room in person or on a live video call.
- •Be suspicious of prices far below market and landlords who refuse to meet.
- •Avoid paying to anyone claiming to be 'abroad' who can't show the property.
- •Use verified platforms like Kotha Chaiyo and get every agreement in writing.
Most landlords in Nepal are genuine — but rental scams do happen, especially online. A few minutes of caution can save you a deposit worth weeks of rent. Here are the 9 biggest red flags and the safe steps to take before you hand over any money.
9 rental scam red flags
- Price far below market. If a central flat is suspiciously cheap, ask why — scammers use bargain prices as bait.
- Pressure to pay immediately to "hold" the room before you've seen it.
- Landlord refuses to meet or always has an excuse not to show the property.
- "I'm abroad" stories asking you to transfer a deposit to a relative or agent.
- Requests for full payment via wallet/bank transfer before any agreement.
- No written agreement or refusal to put terms in writing.
- Stolen or stock photos — reverse-image-search photos that look too polished.
- Contact details that keep changing across different numbers or accounts.
- Deposit before viewing — the single most common scam pattern.
Safe steps before you pay
- See the room in person, or at minimum on a live video call where they walk through it.
- Meet the landlord and verify they actually control the property.
- Pay deposit only after a written agreement with names, amount and refund terms.
- Keep receipts for any payment you make.
- Use verified platforms. On Kotha Chaiyo, landlords are reviewed before listing, which filters out most fraud.
What to do if you spot a scam
Don't pay, and report the listing. On Kotha Chaiyo you can flag a suspicious listing and email our team — we investigate fraudulent listings immediately. Renting through verified landlords is the simplest way to stay safe. Browse verified rooms and flats.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common rental scam in Nepal?
Asking for a deposit before you've seen the property in person or on a live video call. Never pay to reserve a room you haven't verified.
How do I know if a room listing is fake?
Watch for prices far below market, landlords who won't meet, pressure to pay immediately, stolen photos, and refusal to provide a written agreement.
Is it safe to pay a deposit online?
Only after you've verified the property and landlord and have a written agreement. Avoid transferring money to anyone who can't show you the room.
How does Kotha Chaiyo reduce rental fraud?
Landlords are reviewed before they can post, listings can be flagged, and renters contact verified owners directly — which removes most scam scenarios.
Verified rooms and flats across Nepal — direct from landlords, zero broker fees.
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