Spanish Language Students: Avoid Barcelona Housing Scams

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How to Avoid Rental Fraud — and Find Verified, Safe Accommodation

Barcelona, Spain

Spanish language students on a Port Vell catamaran, Barcelona, with W Hotel and Torre Jaume I cable-car tower in background.

SAI Study Abroad Students Photo in Barcelona.

For thousands of international students heading to Barcelona to learn Spanish, finding accommodation is one of the most important first steps. But in recent years, a growing number of language students have fallen victim to housing scams—many of which are difficult to spot until it’s too late.

Rental fraud targeting international students has become increasingly sophisticated, especially in cities with high student turnover. Fake listings, misleading communication, and urgent demands for deposits are now common tactics. These scams not only cause financial loss, but can also create anxiety and instability at the very beginning of a student’s time abroad.

This article outlines how these scams work, what red flags to watch for, and how students can protect themselves by choosing verified housing options.

The Problem: Scams Are Targeting Short-Term Language Students

Short-term students—especially those staying for one to three months—are particularly vulnerable. Many don’t know what to expect in terms of local rental pricing, legal documentation, or the normal booking process in Barcelona. Scammers take advantage of this unfamiliarity, often posing as landlords or agents offering rooms through informal channels.

A typical scam might look like this:

  • A room or apartment is advertised on a social media platform or listing site
  • The price appears significantly cheaper than average
  • The “landlord” asks for a deposit quickly, citing high demand
  • Payment is requested via untraceable methods (such as PayPal Friends & Family, Wise, or cryptocurrency)
  • Once the payment is made, the contact disappears—and the student is left with no place to stay

Because many of these listings appear in English and target international students, it can be difficult to assess their legitimacy from abroad.

Common Warning Signs

Students booking housing in Barcelona should be cautious of the following:

  • No in-person or video tour available
  • Price is significantly below market average
  • Landlord refuses to provide a written contract
  • Payment requested via non-refundable or hard-to-trace methods
  • Communication limited to email or WhatsApp, with no official website or credentials
  • Lack of verifiable student reviews or building address
Terrace with wicker lamps and neon coffee lounge at Blau Student Housing—safe hangout for Barcelona language students.

Blau’s terrace and neon coffee lounge give Barcelona’s Spanish-language students safe, stylish spaces to relax.

What to Look for in a Safe Housing Option

To avoid fraud, students are advised to choose housing that meets the following criteria:

  • Offers a clear and professional booking process through an official website
  • Provides a contract outlining terms, conditions, and refund policies
  • Has a physical location with verified photos and staff contacts
  • Allows direct communication with a local team before and after booking
  • Is well-reviewed by other students or listed with trusted study abroad partners

Residences that meet these standards offer peace of mind and allow students to focus on what really matters: language learning and cultural immersion.

Blau studio with loft bed ladder, kitchenette and desk—secure private space for Barcelona language students.

Blau’s private studio pairs a loft bed with a kitchenette and study desk—secure space for Barcelona language students.

A Verified Option: Large-Scale, Professionally Managed Student Housing

One example of a verified housing provider in Barcelona is Blau Student Housing, a professionally managed residence built in September 2024. Located in the Sant Martí neighborhood, it offers over 250 fully equipped private studios designed specifically for international students and language learners.

While not the only option available, Blau has become a preferred choice for those looking to avoid uncertainty, thanks to the following features:

  • Official website with secure booking and clear policies
  • Private studios with kitchen and bathroom in every unit
  • 24/7 reception, CCTV, and on-site support staff
  • Modern facilities including rooftop pool, Technogym-equipped gyms, cinema, and community events
  • Multilingual community assistants and a built-in student community

Blau offers short- and long-term stays and provides students with the ability to live, study, and connect in a safe, comfortable environment without relying on informal rental networks.

Blau rooftop pool and glass-walled Technogym fitness center offer on-site recreation for Barcelona student residents.

Blau’s rooftop pool and Technogym-equipped fitness center keep Barcelona language students active and secure on-site.

Final Thoughts

Language study abroad is about more than just learning grammar—it’s about building confidence, friendships, and life experience in a new place. Starting that journey with a secure and trustworthy housing option can make all the difference.

If you’re planning to study in Barcelona, be sure to research your housing carefully, verify all booking platforms, and prioritize transparency and professionalism in your selection process.

Learn More

👉 Visit the Blau Student Housing official website

(All rooms are private studios with kitchen and bathroom.)

👉 Explore Spanish language programs with housing

(Short-term packages available for language learners of all levels.)

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