Long term rental Villamartin

@Kenmc298

Idealista is a reputable website, so it's probable that most of their listings are legitimate. But it's obviously possible for fraudulent ones to sneak in there too.

We all want money. If I'm a scammer, I want you to send me money. If I'm a landlord, and you want to reserve my apartment (whether or not you've seen it), I want you to send me money. So wanting money is not evidence of the scam. But, perhaps asking for it as the first thing out of my mouth would not be an encouraging sign. :-)

Renting remotely (by sending money in advance) is a risky proposition. I prefer to avoid it, by doing my search when I arrive in the country. Even then you have to be careful, but you're usually pretty confident when someone unlocks the apartment, shows you around, and has a rental contract and ID for you. :-)

If you really have reasons for renting in advance, try to rent from agents who have multiple listings on Idealista, and their own direct website (so you can contact the agency). And get some kind of virtual viewing, or some documentation (ID, proof of ownership, rental contract, bank account that matches). Nah... that's a pain in the ass... get a short-term rental on Airbnb or Booking, and do your search when you arrive in Spain.

@Kenmc298

Do not send anything!  Wait until you are face to face to do the deal.  if they say: ”The apartment could be sold/rented at any time

so we can hold it for you with a deposit.”  Just tell them that there are many apartments for sale so you will just wait until you see the place face to face.  if they arent ok with that, then just walk away with a smile…