Rental scams target newcomers everywhere, and Medina is no exception. People arriving from abroad, house-hunting quickly and unfamiliar with local systems, are exactly who fraudsters look for.
The good news is that Saudi Arabia’s official systems make most scams easy to spot if you know where to check. This guide lists the red flags and the free official checks that protect you.
Quick answer
Short answer: The most common rental scams in Medina involve fake adverts, deposits demanded before a viewing, and unregistered “landlords”. Check every advert on REGA’s advertisement licence inquiry, verify brokers on REGA’s broker inquiry, view the actual flat, and only pay once the lease is registered on Ejar. Report suspected fraud to REGA.
The red flags
Warning signs
- Rent far below similar flats in the area
- Pressure to pay a deposit before you’ve seen the flat
- The “landlord” is abroad and can’t show you around
- No advert licence number, or a number that doesn’t check out
- Requests to pay in cash, or into a personal account abroad
- Refusal to register the lease on Ejar
- Photos that look like hotel or stock images
If you see two or more of these, stop and check before going any further.
Check the advert
REGA launched its Real Estate Advertisement License inquiry to reduce fraudulent adverts and increase transparency (REGA). You can search by licence number, brokerage contract number or ownership document number, and see whether the licence is active, expired or cancelled.
Ask for the licence number and search it on REGA’s ad licence inquiry. If the advertiser can’t give one, treat it as a warning.
Check the broker
Use REGA’s broker licence inquiry to confirm a broker is registered and their licence is valid. It’s free and takes a minute.
Check the lease and property
Residential leases are documented on Ejar. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing says standard contracts on Ejar are treated as enforceable instruments and support electronic rent payment (MoMAH). REGA’s enquiries page also lists services for checking lease contracts on a property.
Free official checks (REGA)
- Advert licence: active, expired or cancelled.
- Broker licence: registered and valid.
- Lease records: services listed on REGA’s enquiries page.
- Ejar registration: landlords must apply to register unregistered leases; tenants may request it (REGA).
| Genuine offer | Likely scam |
|---|---|
| Checkable advert licence | No licence or a fake number |
| Viewing before any payment | Deposit first, viewing “later” |
| Lease registered on Ejar | “We don’t need Ejar” |
| Traceable payment | Cash or overseas transfer |
Safe steps from advert to keys
Your verification routine
1
Ask for the advert licence number: and check it on REGA.
2
Verify the broker: on REGA’s broker inquiry.
3
View the actual flat: in person, in daylight.
4
Confirm the owner or agent: ask for proof they can rent it.
5
Register on Ejar: and check the data before paying.
6
Pay traceably: through Ejar’s electronic options or bank transfer.
Warning
Never send a deposit to “hold” a flat you haven’t seen. Genuine landlords and brokers expect you to view first.
If you think you’ve been targeted
REGA encourages citizens and residents to report suspected violations or real estate fraud through its official channels, which are listed on its website (REGA). Keep screenshots of the advert, messages and any payment details. If money has been taken, also report it to the police.
Newcomers are the main target
Scammers know that people arriving from abroad want to sort housing before they land. If you’re not yet in Medina, book short-term accommodation first and house-hunt in person. Our housing checklist covers the inspection, and our guide to apartments for rent in Medina explains how the market works.
Tip
Search the advert’s photos with a reverse image search. Scam listings often reuse photos from other cities or old adverts.
FAQ
How do I check if a rental advert in Medina is real?
Ask for its REGA advertisement licence number and check it on REGA’s online inquiry.
How do I verify a broker?
Use REGA’s free broker licence inquiry to confirm the broker is registered and licensed.
Where do I report a rental scam?
Report it to REGA through its official channels, and to the police if money was taken.
Last checked 14 October 2026.
Sources
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/media-center/news-announcements/rega-launches-real-estate-advertisement-license-inquiry-service/
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/rega-services/real-estate-enquiries/inquiry-about-real-estate-advertisement-license/
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/rega-services/eservices/inquiring-about-real-estate-broker-real-estate-broker-license/
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/rega-services/real-estate-enquiries/
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/laws-and-decisions/regulations-and-by-laws/rules/statutory-provisions-regulating-the-relationship-between-the-lessor-and-the-lessee/
- https://momah.gov.sa/en/news/ejar-standardized-contracts-and