How to Avoid Scams When Looking for Student Accommodation in London?

27 Sep 2025 38 Views Share

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When your housing search starts for accommodation, you have to be careful of many things. There are many ways you can use to find student accommodation in London. You can't easily identify which is the reliable and safe option for your house. London is a great city for international students. But before you start your studies here, you have to finalize your accommodation. Some areas in this city have higher crime rates than others. Therefore, your research plays the most crucial role in searching for the best housing.

This guide will introduce you to the seven most crucial signs of spotting scams in London, along with tips to prevent yourself. After reading this, you will be able to understand what mistakes you should not do when taking an important decision. Read on!

7 Signs to Spot a Student Housing Scam in London

You can not easily assume what is in front of you is right or wrong while choosing housing options in London. A few online platforms provide you with reliable and genuine plans. But how will you identify a scammer and how to spot them? Move ahead to the following section and learn about it.

1. Asked to Pay Before Viewing

Whenever you are asked to pay before viewing the property, it might be a scam. Never make any kind of payment before you visit the house. If not possible, virtually visit it and know the reality. It's a common sign of a scam that many people use. They generally ask you to deposit the advance, sign the contract, and make initial payments. This can be a trap, so avoid doing this.

2. Suspiciously Low Rent

If the price seems too good for student housing, it's probably a scam. Sometimes, scammers show you pictures and videos of houses in good condition and offer you low prices for them. You can identify them by knowing the current prices from another place, and then you can make a comparison. Low prices attract tenants, but you should avoid this; it's a scam.

3. Pressure to Act Quickly

Scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make a payment or sign a contract. It happens often before you visit the place. Most students don't think about this urgency, and they act so fast. They want to access money from you as fast as possible, so they say if you not provide your confirmation, other candidates may secure the place. Do not fall for it; take proper time to think, review, and take action.

4. Refusal to Allow Viewings

If you are looking for student accommodation in London, and the owner refuses to show you the property, it's a scam. On the other hand, a genuine landlord or agent allows you to view the house in person or virtually. Some students think may be it's a rule or any culture to not preview the location, but this is not the truth. It's your right to explore options, and no one can stop you.

5. Poor Quality or Reused Photos

A few scammers find different ways to trap you. They do not understand your concerns and use old and fake details so that you can trust them easily and give money as they demand. They show you pictures that are already sold or fake, with poor quality. These may be watermarked or blurry to distract you. If you act fast, you may get into the trap.

6. Vague or Incomplete Listing Details

Listings for student accommodation in London with minimal information about the property, like amenities or location, should be approached with caution. It should be up-to-date with all details like rules and regulations, rooms facilities, food and laundry services, etc. The scammer will not provide you complete details of the property, and will misguide you with incomplete listing details. Hence, avoid making the deal which does not provide you enough details.

7. nprofessional Communication

Emails from free accounts like gmail or yahoo or inconsistent communication styles could indicate a scam. Always remember, agents or landlords professionally connect with you. They may have their websites where you can find listings or the properties along with the area, housing, amenities, prices, policy, and agreement details.

We have explored seven signs which is crucial to identify scams. Now, let's move ahead and explore tips to prevent being scammed while searching house in London.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

If you move wisely, you can protect yourself from rental scams. The sole goal of scammers is to take your money from you and disappear immediately after their work is done. Here are some tips that will help you deal with scammers during your search.

Verify the Listings

One of the most important rules you need to remember is to verify the listings to avoid the scams. You can use websites and apps for reliable platforms such as Gradding Homes. Here you can find verified housing options. When you select three or four alternates to choose from, confirm that the property is not listed anywhere else. Scammers often use the previous data, so be aware of it.

Never Skip the Tour

Another rule you have to keep in mind is never skip the tour of the property. Insist the agent, landlord, or someone who is providing you the place for living to show the accommodation either on Google Meet, or in person. If they refuse or deny your demand, skip that option and search other. Seeing a property in person allows you to assess its real condition.

Avoid Non-Traceable Payment Methods

When searching for student accommodation in London, it is crucial to avoid non-traceable payment options. It includes cash, wire transfers, or gift cards, to protect yourself from potential scams. Also, ensure you have records of your payments and use ways like credit cards (which offer Section 75 protection for purchases over £ 100) or bank transfers, and always get a receipt.

Demand a Written Lease

It is essential to demand a written lease when renting a house in London. While verbal agreements can sometimes hold legal weight, a written lease provides clarity and protection for both the tenant and landlord. It also ensures that all agreed-upon terms are documented, which prevents future disputes. It must include landlord and tenant information, property address, tenancy start and end dates, rent and deposit, and more.

Check Reviews of Past Tenants

Last but not least, a tip to protect yourself from scams is checking reviews from past tenants, which is a good way to assess a property and a landlord. While direct reviews might not always be readily available, you can explore platforms like online forums, social media groups, and review websites. These should be focused on renting in London to find feedback on specific properties or landlords.

Conclusion

To conclude, when you rent student accommodation in the UK, London, making a comparison between a scammer and a genuine provider is crucial. Every year, many students get trapped, but you can save yourself if you wisely choose your home. In your journey, many platforms are dedicated to providing the best student housing options such as flats, shared rooms, en-suites, studios, private halls, & more. Gradding Homes is one of the best among them. Booking from trusted platforms provides you with safety and security with a thorough background check of landlords and owners, and helps you avoid potential fraud.