Glasgow has become one of the most sought-after cities for higher-education, and for the right reasons! It’s a city brimming with energy, culture, and some of the best universities in the UK. However, with the high demand for student accommodation Glasgow, comes an unfortunate downside: rental scams.
As a student, the last thing you want is to fall victim to fraudulent schemes that can waste your time, money, and peace of mind. Criminals are experts at impersonating. They spend days researching for their scams, hoping you or someone else will let their guards down just for a moment. So, how do you navigate Glasgow’s student accommodation market with confidence and secure a safe and legitimate place to live?
| Stop | Challenge | Protect |
| Take a moment to stop and think before you part with your information or money. | It is perfectly alright to reject, refuse, or ignore requests that you’re not sure about. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. | Immediately contact your bank if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud. |
Types of Rental Scams
It is critical to stay aware of common scams in Glasgow’s rental market when searching for accommodations. Scammers usually target students as they are less familiar with the housing market and the dangers of online listings.
- Fake Listings: These listings feature stolen photos or stick images of properties that don’t exist. Such property listings usually lure you in with unbeatable prices and ask for a deposit or rent upfront.
- Upfront Payments: A lot of scam properties ask for a huge sum of money before showing the property. They create an urgency and once you pay, the landlord is nowhere to be found.
- Fraudulent Agents: A fake agent pretends to be working for a legitimate landlord or agency. They will ask for deposits or upfront payment, but when you try to meet or view the property, they vanish into thin air.
- Non-refundable Fees: Some properties will ask for a so-called “holding fee” that is non-refundable. They will convince you that this fee is required to secure the property but it’s just a way to take your money without providing the accommodation.
Warning Signs to Watch for
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Too Good to be True Prices
Glasgow’s rental market can be competitive, but it’s crucial to remain cautious when you come across a listing that is too good to be true. Scammers usually advertise unrealistically lower rents or luxurious amenities to catch you off guard.
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Unclear or Incomplete Property Details
Legitimate landlords and agents will always provide clear and detailed information about the property including rent, location, rooms, and amenities. A listing lacking critical details like the exact location or rent breakdown could indicate a scam.
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Pressure to Act Quickly
Scammers create a sense of urgency, pressurizing you to take quick action without giving it a second thought. So, if this is happening to you, then RUN in the opposite direction.
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Reluctance to Show the Property
If the agent or the landlord refuses to show you the property in person or virtually, then it is a major red flag. Insist on viewing the property before signing any agreement or handing over any money.
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Glasgow’s Student Housing Market?
Landlord Registration
Verify the identity and contact information of the landlord or the property manager to ensure they are legitimate. In Scotland, a majority of property owners are required to be registered so check if the landlord is listed or not. You can check if the landlord or potential property is registered on the official website of Scottish Landlord Register. Another way is to check if the agent or the landlord is registered with legitimate organizations like the UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) or the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).
Scotland Deposit Schemes
Always ask your landlord about the deposit scheme they have. Most deposits in Scotland are required to be registered in the deposit protection scheme. The country has three types of schemes: Safe Deposits Scotland, My Deposits Scotland, and Letting Protection Service Scotland. The landlord needs to list your deposit within 30 days of you giving them the money.
Money
Do not pay your landlord in cash or via third-party payment companies. These payments are untraceable and difficult to prove if there are problems. If you are being put under pressure to hand over large sums of cash in advance, then this may be a warning sign of a scam. Make sure you never disclose any confidential information even if you have verified the property.
Think before handing over money to a landlord or agent for anything other than rent or deposit. If you’re unsure whether you should be paying a bill or fee, google it once or get in contact with the official leasing platforms. Never let the landlord or agent keep your ID, passport, or visa documents as there is no legal reason for them to hold this information. It is also not a legal requirement for agreeing a tenancy under Scottish law.
Property Viewings
Do not pay any money for private rental properties before viewing them in person or getting a virtual tour. This can be difficult for international students so it might be worthwhile to rent short-term student accommodation near University of Glasgow. Reliable landlords and agencies will always have testimonials, so ask them for references and reviews about the property. You can also check the property listings across multiple platforms and see if the details match.
Seek Assistance
Stick to reputable student accommodation listing websites like Best Student Halls to find verified accommodation options. Make sure everything is documented in a formal lease agreement and thoroughly check it before making any payments. If you are unsure about the property, information, or the documents you are being provided, then reach out to the established student groups or representative bodies like the Strathclyde Students’ Union (Strath Union).
Quick Pro-tips to Ensure You’re Not Getting Yourself in a Scam
- Always search online for the landlord or agent’s name with “scam” or “fraud.” Do the same with the company’s or property name.
- To check if the property really exists and is in fact a rented accommodation, put the property address in Google Maps and check it on “Street View.”
- A reverse image search via Google will help to see if the same image appears on other verified and reliable websites.
Stay Smart, Stay Scam-Free
Navigating Glasgow student accommodation requires caution, research, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Be sure to always verify the legitimacy of listings, ask questions, and inspect properties in person whenever possible. And if something feels off, trust your gut! It’s always better to walk away than to risk getting scammed. By staying informed and vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to scams and find a safe and reliable place to live while pursuing your studies.
For those seeking a trusted source to explore verified student accommodation near University of Glasgow, Best Student Halls is a great platform to start your search. Its comprehensive listings and transparent processes assist students to find quality housing without the worry of scams.