Is this a scam?

❓ Ask Belgium

I'm from the EU and I'm moving to Gent soon. Today I visited a place to rent and I quite liked it, later I sent the real estate agent an email saying I'd keep the place and this was the reply (translated):

Hello
I need front and back of ID
Current address
Payslip or contract
Mobile phone number

Please already pay the inspection report on
*Random IBAN number* Expertise Real Estate with
mention of your name
250 euros

Once I have your details you can expect the
rental contract tomorrow in your mailbox

I haven't signed anything. I've been informed this is for the plaatsbeschrijving but it feels quite sketchy to just transfer 250 euros to a random IBAN. The agency is called Entree. Is this a scam or is this normal procedure for renting in Belgium?
Thanks

Posted Sep 11, 2025, 5:04 PM UTC

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