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Receiving the offer letter of your dream university abroad is one of the best feelings in the world. But that is not all that matters when it comes to studying abroad as an international student. One of the biggest challenges students face is finding verified and safe student accommodation.
Every year, thousands of international students become victims of online rental scams. They are away from the country and have to take decisions solely on photos of a few properties. It gets overwhelming. This guide on how to spot housing scams, warning signs, and most common student scams can help you rent better.
Major Student Housing Scams to Look Out For:
Unfortunately, there is an endless list of housing scams happening daily with international students. The scammers know that the students are miles away from the properties, and they are desperate to find a place to call home. But if you are prepared well, you will know when you have come across a scammer.
The Fake Listing Scam
This is the most common one. The scammer will post a beautiful property, add pictures and a ‘too good to be true’ price tag. Then, once you pay them, they will vanish.
Red Flags:
- Photos are just too perfect, or they match photos from another website.
- The ‘landlord’ refuses a video tour or live viewings.
- They rush you to pay without answering your questions.
Tip: If the room is not available for video tour, don’t pay a single penny.
The ‘Pay Before Viewing’ Scam
Students often fall for this because they are in a rush. The scammers are pro; they will keep telling you to pay fast because the room is in high demand or something else.
Red Flags:
- They ask you to make the payment before any contract is drawn up.
- There is no verified business website or address.
- All communications are done informally on WhatsApp. Nothing in Email.
Tip: Please don’t pay before viewing the property or getting a contract.
Fake Agent Scam
This time, the property exists. But the landlord is fake. The scammer pretends to be a housing agent by showing fake IDs, registration numbers, and sometimes even fake tenancy agreements.
Red Flags:
- They avoid answering basic tenancy-related questions.
- Ask you to send your documents quickly.
- They ask your for big a amount to hold your booking.
Tip: Verified platforms like University Living are the best to ensure you’re not being scammed.
Too-Cheap-To-Be-True
Another common student housing scam that international students often fall for. If a property gives luxurious vibes and the price is even half of the average rent, RUN.
Red Flags:
- Rent is nowhere near the market price.
- Pictures look staged or are inconsistent.
- There are no previous tenants’ reviews.
Tip: The average rent in London is £300 per week. If someone is giving amazing student accommodation at just £125 with included bills, gym, and more, then you must run.
The ‘No Contract Needed’ Scam
Some scammers try to convince you that a contract is not needed for renting student housing. Or they will ask you to pay now, and the contract will be taken care of when you arrive.
Red Flags:
- No written contract.
- Vague information about tenancy lengths.
- No protection for security protection.
Tip: There is no accommodation without a contract. That’s a rule.
How To Avoid Student Housing Scams
Yes, international students get scammed every other day. But you can save yourself and your friends if you have the right guide. Given below are ways through which students can avoid student accommodation fraud.
Request a Virtual Tour
A genuine landlord or provider will be happy to show you the property on WhatsApp Video Call, Zoom or Google Meet. If they refuse or delay it, walk away.
Check The Address on Google Maps
Take the property address from the landlord and paste it on Google Maps. Are the property images the same? Make sure they are. If not, walk away.
Book Through Verified Student Housing Platforms
Student Accommodation platforms like University Living help you rent a verified and authentic apartment. They have a wide variety of safe student housing for international students.
Avoid Cash, Crypto or Gift Card Payments
Scammers also prefer payment methods that cannot be traced easily. So, they will ask you to make the payment in cash majorly. But the safe methods to use are bank transfers, card payments, and verified student accommodation platforms.
Check Reviews
This is the best way to know if you have chosen the right student apartment. Students often leave honest reviews about safety, noise, experience, and more. Trust them.
Final Thoughts
The journey of studying abroad is transformational, rewarding, and too precious to mess up. If it is your first time moving abroad, then this guide to safe housing is for you. Stay alert, double-check everything you see, and trust your gut feeling always.
