As a new academic year approaches, the IPOA is warning students across Ireland to remain vigilant and wary of rental scams. Mary Conway, Chairperson of the Irish Property Owners Association (IPOA ) has warned students “If the rental accommodation you are offered seems too good to be true, it probably is” as thousands of students across Ireland currently search for accommodation ahead of the academic year.
Amid a nationwide housing shortage, caution is the safest way for students to secure reliable and legitimate rental accommodation and avoid scams which could result in lost deposits, distress and the potential to disrupt studies.
The unfortunate reality is that availability does not meet rising demand, as many landlords continue to leave the rental market.
The IPOA advocates annually for students to be wary of the current rental environment where renters are increasingly vulnerable to unscrupulous actors.
To safeguard against potential losses and prevent fraudulent payments being made, prospective tenants are encouraged to follow some practical advice and use common sense; request proof of property ownership from potential landlords. This may include verifiable insurance records or Local Property Tax (LPT ) receipts.
Students are advised to be wary of accommodation only advertised on social media or if the person offering a rental will only communicate with you via messaging applications like WhatsApp.
Be vigilant if there is an unusual sense of urgency by the ‘landlord’ in securing a deposit or if the deposit requested is worth more than one-month’s rent and be cautious if rents seem ‘too good to be true’. Sense-check an advertisement with a friend or family member if you are unsure whether it’s legitimate.
Inspect the property before you pay money to the landlord. When satisfied, make payment and ensure you receive a receipt from the person you have identified as the owner or agent and be cautious if the property owner is consistently unable to or refuses to meet you in person.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, a legitimate property owner will be happy to answer and always know your rights – familiarise yourself with the Residential Tenancies Board. http://www.rtb.ie/
Watch out for illegal subletting agreements - all agreements should be made directly with the property owner or with their consent.
Speaking on the topic, Mary Conway, said: “As students across Ireland prepare for the academic year, fears of securing rental accommodation should not be another added stress, but the reality is that young people are at risk of being scammed in the rental market as the competition between renters is higher than ever.
“Students are in direct competition with demand from young professionals and newcomers moving to Ireland’s biggest cities, while landlords unfortunately cannot meet the demand, and affordable housing is hard to come by.
“There is always a threat of rental scams and unscrupulous landlords or fraudsters taking advantage of post-secondary students and those living far from home. Protect your hard-earned money and begin the academic year on a high by securing suitable accommodation.
“We want to take this opportunity to remind you to ensure that your potential landlord is following the law and abides by all relevant safety measures. Legislation exists to protect landlords and tenants, and a legitimate landlord should be upfront and communicative with prospective tenants.”
