Looking for a nice student house in the UK can be fun, but it can also be a bit of a challenge for international students. Unfortunately, some fake landlords prey on people who are new to the country. So before you sign or hand over money, it is wise to make sure a landlord is real. If you use our student accommodation listing service, then you are already one step ahead because we are committed to listing only the safest and most reliable student homes. However, it never hurts to know what to check on your own so that you can have a good feeling no matter where you decide to stay.
How can I find out who the owner is?
If you are going to pay or sign, then you should spend a few minutes verifying if the one who is renting out the place is the real owner. Doing this can save you from a situation where you end up giving money to a fake landlord who pretends to be the owner of the house or flat.
Search for the property on the UK Land Registry site
Check the landlord’s name against the owner’s name on the certificate
Request an ID and address proof that matches
Be very cautious if a person refuses to show the ownership documents
Most of the time, the scammers don’t use their real names or provide ownership proof. Usually, real landlords are very quick in responding when you request to see the documents. In doing this, you will be able to determine the real owner of the property as well as whether he is allowed to rent it out. It is your first step in securing safe accommodation.
Is it necessary to have a written contract?
An excellent landlord will never request that you agree without a contract. Even if you are amicable with them, never fail to ask for one before you pay. The contract is there to protect you and also demonstrate that the landlord is a genuine and professional person.
The contract ought to carry your full name and address
Among the things listed in the contract must be the rent, the deposit, and the dates of the start and the end
There should be an indication in the contract of how and when the rent will be paid
Further, it ought to comprise information regarding the protection of the deposit
When the contract is handed to you, you should go through every line. If there is something you do not understand, then you should ask questions. Don’t be concerned about sounding overly particular, as it is your right. It’s your safety net in case things get messed up and keeps everything transparent and fair between you and your landlord.
Are the deposit arrangements really trustworthy?
Depositing an amount of money is normal in the UK; however, you have to be sure that the money is adequately taken care of. What the fraudsters usually do is they request a deposit, but they never return it to the respective parties. Therefore, being aware of where your money is going will assist in relieving the stress.
Make sure which deposit scheme they are using (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits)
Obtain a certificate or a reference number for deposit protection
Do not give your money to anyone without at least a receipt
Always do a traceable bank transfer
A landlord in possession of a good standing with the government must ensure that the deposit is secured in a government-approved scheme. In case they fail to provide you with evidence, desist from proceeding any further and perform additional checks. Keep in mind that this small check can prevent you from losing hundreds of pounds. If you would like to know more about how to find the right kind of landlord, check out our blog How to Spot a Good Landlord: Red and Green Flags for International Students.
What kinds of safety papers should I look for?
A house that is reliable and secure comes with the necessary documents. These papers confirm that the property is safe for living in and that the landlord has complied with the law. Remember, it is not impolite to request them; it’s your right as a tenant.
Gas Safety Certificate
Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
HMO licence (if the property is a shared flat)
These documents serve as warrants that the house complies with safety standards set by the UK authorities. Do not hand over your money before seeing them. If the landlord postpones or hesitates in showing them to you, then you should take your steps twice. A landlord taking his/her responsibility will gladly offer the proof that the property is safe and ready for tenants, especially students, to move in.
Are the contact details reliable?
In some cases, counterfeit landlords employ limited-period phone numbers or e-mail accounts. Contacting them to verify their details will definitely tell you a lot, and it is a simple way to verify that the person you are dealing with is real.
Find their name and phone number on the web
Schedule a video call with the landlord for a face-to-face meeting
The professional look of their email could also be a sign of credibility
See if the details in the agreement correspond
It's not a good sign if a person refuses to do a video call with you, and also, they keep avoiding your questions. Real landlords or confirmed agents will always be clear when they talk and will gladly prove to you who they really are. Don’t rush into handing over your money; instead, take your time to verify who they really are.
What are the warning signs?
Some rental frauds can be easily detected if you understand what to look for. By learning the warning signs, you will be able to save yourself from being caught in a trap that may be especially dangerous if booking from abroad and not having the possibility to visit the property.
Rent is significantly lower than that of similar properties in the area
The landlord is repeatedly urging you to send money quickly
No option is available for viewing, not even online
In case you’re asked to pay in cash or cryptocurrency
If you identify any of those, it would be better for you to step back and seek another option. Safe landlords are those who have patience and are transparent throughout the process. They will not, under any circumstances, pressure you to make a payment. If everything is not as it should be, listen to your instincts and verify the situation before booking.
What are the things I should do before making a booking?
Do a last round of checks before you book your student accommodation. It hardly takes any time, but it will grant you the safety for the months that follow. See it as your last security step before getting settled in.
Have a look at the property either physically or through a video call
Save all the talks, receipts, and transactions that you had
A friend or family member can help you take a look at the contract
Check one more time to see if your deposit is secure
By performing this small list of things, you will be more at ease and confident. You will know who your landlord is and find out what is going on with your money. If you feel like you need extra assistance, then come back to this very post, “How to Spot a Good Landlord: Red and Green Flags for International Students”, which includes simple and helpful tips for locating landlords who are genuinely concerned about their tenants.
Conclusion
On top of being an international student in the UK and having a great time, you also have to figure out how to keep yourself safe in a different country. Taking steps to verify your landlord might be a minor affair, but it is certainly a major one when it comes to your personal safety. Always comply with your instincts, perform these checks, and document everything.
Trusting StudentTenant.com means that you are allowed to take it easy, as all of the listings have gone through our verification process and are legitimate. We are making it easy for students from different parts of the globe to locate landlords they can put their trust in and thus secure their student homes without having to worry. Doing it safely is what consists of peace of mind during your studies, and that’s exactly what we intend to facilitate for you.