Modern Student Homes - Nottingham

Safety tips for room seekers

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As with any kind of online dealing, it’s important to be careful when you’re looking for a flatshare. Here are our top tips to help you stay safe at every stage of your search:

Responding to ads

• It might sound obvious, but never sign or pay anything before viewing the room. If you can’t see it in person, try and get a friend to go on your behalf or arrange a digital viewing

• If you’re worried an advertiser isn’t who they say they are, do a quick Google or have a look at their LinkedIn to see if they’re legitimate

• When it comes to checking ID, make sure you see it in the presence of the person it belongs to. Don’t accept an emailed scan as proof

• The golden rule? Always use and trust your common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – look out for properties that are unusually cheap for the area, or in a remarkable condition for the price. Trust your instincts and don’t let the pressure of finding something quickly cloud your judgement

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Safety at viewings

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• Find out the exact address of the property before you visit. Not only does this mean you can have a nosey on streetview (and check the area out), you can also tell someone exactly where and when you’re going before the viewing

• Try to take someone with you to the viewing – it’s handy to have a second opinion, and a good way to make yourself feel safer. If no one’s around, make sure you’ve told someone where you’re going and contact them once the viewing is finished

• Double check that the property is secure and you’re happy with the safety of the surrounding streets. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s worth visiting at night time as well as during the day

• Ask to meet everyone who lives/will be living at the property. This will help you get to know all of your potential flatmates, and gives you a sense of their characters. Always trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t move in

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Before handing over money

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• Always ask to see a copy of the tenancy agreement before committing to the room. This is a legal requirement, and you should never join a flatshare without one

• Have a look at the landlord, flatmate or agent's ID (passport or driving licence) before handing over any money and note down their name. If you have any doubts you can do a Google search or check them out on LinkedIn to see if they're legitimate. They’re also legally required to see your ID (and make a copy of it) – more info on that here

• Use a free online sort-code checker before making payments by bank transfer – this will show you which financial institution the account is registered with. You should also never make any payments to a pre-paid card issuer

• If you want to check that someone is the legal owner of a property, you can run a quick check on the Land Registry for £3

• If you're dealing with an agent, check them out online and call their main number to make sure they’re a legitimate employee

• Agents also have to be part of a Property Redress Scheme, so ask them which one they’re registered with and check out their registered details

• Ask which tenancy deposit scheme the landlord or agent is using. This is a legal requirement that ensures your money is protected in a separate scheme, ready to be returned at the end of your tenancy (rather than going into your landlord’s pocket)

 

Don't pay money up front before you've seen the property. Some advertisers might ask you to transfer money first, before you've even seen the room. We’ve got more info about some other red flags you should be aware of and a list of scams to look out for.

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