Russia Proposes State-Run Rental Platform to Combat Real Estate Scams

A new digital platform could soon bring government-backed verification and fraud protection to Russia’s rental market.

A state-run online service for secure real estate rentals may soon be launched in Russia. The proposed platform would require identity verification, official documentation checks, and full transparency in rental agreements.

The goal is to protect renters from fraud and improve trust in the rental market, says Artyom Sheikin, deputy chair of the Council for Digital Economy Development under the Federation Council. Speaking to TASS, he noted that scammers have been exploiting tourists and locals alike for years.

In 2024 alone, major Russian cities reported over 30,000 complaints related to housing fraud. Common schemes include collecting deposits for nonexistent apartments or renting the same unit to multiple tenants.

In response, Russian tech companies are developing safer property apps. One domestic platform has launched a beta version of a search tool powered by augmented reality. Prospective tenants or buyers can point their phone at a building and view verified listings associated with that location directly in the app.

This tool helps users avoid fake listings and find real offers from trusted platforms—minimizing risk in the apartment-hunting process.