Avoid Parking Space Rental Scams in 4 Steps

Renting parking spaces online is convenient, but it's also a hotbed for scammers. According to the latest online fraud trends, scammers no longer just use "low prices" as a lure; they exploit tenants' "eagerness" to carry out scams.

Don't want to end up in the unfortunate situation of "paying a deposit and getting blocked immediately"? Before signing any documents or transferring money, be sure to follow these 3 steps of "background checking" and contract review procedures.

Step 1: Unmasking "Fake Landlords" – Land Search and Identity Verification

1. Land Search – Don't just trust the pictures the other party sends; verify online yourself.

• Method: Go to the Land Registry's Online Search Centre, enter the parking space number, and purchase the land register instantly.
• Key Check: Confirm that the "Owner's Name" displayed in the system exactly matches the person you're in contact with.

2. Warning: Self-proclaimed "Relatives" or "Agents"

• If the other party cannot provide proof of ownership and claims to be a "relative of the owner," "friend acting as agent," or "real estate agent," you must request a valid written authorization letter.

3. Identity Card Verification

• When signing the contract, you must ask to see the original ID card. Scammers are usually evasive, only willing to provide blurry photocopies or refusing to meet in person.

Step 2: Beware of the "Eagerness" Trap to Prevent Losing Your Deposit

In the past, scammers often used "super cheap rent" or "no deposit, no deal" to attract customers. Many tenants, due to eagerness, transfer money without signing a contract or meeting in person. The result: once the money is transferred, the other party blocks them on WhatsApp upon receipt, leaving them with no recourse.

Anti-scam Methods:

• Stick to Your Bottom Line: No matter how urgent or good the deal sounds, do not pay any form of deposit or "reservation fee" before confirming the landlord's identity and signing a formal lease.
• See It to Believe It: Insist on verifying the parking space condition in person or via video call before making any payment.

Step 3: The Devil in the Contract Details

There are free downloadable parking space lease templates available online, but those are just the "basics." In 2026, you need to add targeted protective clauses.

Essential Information a General Lease Must Include

When downloading a template or drafting a contract, ensure it includes the following 9 basic pieces of information:

• Contract Date
• Parking Space Address (accurate to the parking space number and floor level)
• Landlord Details (name, address, ID card number/business registration certificate number, phone number)
• Tenant Details (name, address, ID card number/business registration certificate number, phone number)
• Lease Details (lease term, commencement date, rent-free period)
• Fee Structure (rent amount, who is responsible for management fees and rates, deposit amount)
• Termination Clauses (e.g., fixed term/periodic tenancy, notice period for termination usually one month)
• Payment Method (rent payment method and designated bank account details)
• Signature Section (signatures of both parties and witness signatures)

"Enhanced" Clauses

To avoid future disputes, it's recommended to add the following in the "Remarks" or clauses:

• Electric Vehicle Charging Fees: If the parking space has a charging station, specify the electricity cost calculation method (self-pay/all-inclusive/per unit charge).
• Smart Card/Remote Control Compensation: Specify a fixed compensation amount (e.g., HK$500) for losing the resident card or remote control to prevent the landlord from demanding exorbitant compensation upon lease termination.

Step 4: Keep Payment Traces and Insist on Stamping

Most transactions now use online transfers, which are convenient but also make it easy for scammers to "disappear."

1. Be Cautious with Transfers

• Verify that the recipient's name matches the "landlord's name." Do not transfer money to unknown third-party accounts.

2. Insist on Stamping

• Many scammers will tempt you with phrases like "We're signing a 6-month short lease, no need for stamping" or "Pay one year's rent upfront for a discount, save on stamping fees." In fact, any lease (even as short as 6 months or with prepaid rent) can and should be stamped.
  

Although renting a parking space involves a small amount, it's precisely because the amount is small and the process is quick that it's easy to let your guard down. Adhering to the above 4-step compliance procedure is the most effective anti-scam strategy.