Don't fall victim to scams and fraud. When renting a room or property you need to be 100% sure that they are legitimate before you give any money or personal information to a potential 'landlord'. Only sign a tenancy agreement when you and all your housemates have viewed the property and have all read and understood the contract. Don’t feel under pressure to sign a tenancy agreement or part with any money.
Beware of potential scams involving renting a room/ property:
- You found a property online and it looks amazing - is it too good to be true?
- Have you been offered a room/ property where the rent is really affordable and includes bills?
- Do the pictures of the room coinside with external street view images?
- Have they asked you to send over money before you have even viewed the property?
- Have you been asked to secure the property with more than 1 weeks rent?
- Have you offered a room by email after posting on accommodation forums?
- Are you being pressured into making an immediate decision?
- International Students - Have you been asked to pay for your room via thrid party platforms such as AirBnB/ Bookings.com because of difficulties in currency exchange?
Manchester Student Homes offers a free contract checking service and you can also ask the landlord to complete the paperwork at the Manchester Student Homes’ office in the University of Manchester Students' Union.
Further guidance about Rental Fraud can be found here.