Housing Scam Warning — How to Spot and Avoid Rental Scams
Housing Scam Warning — How to Spot and Avoid Rental Scams
The most common housing scams targeting international students and how to protect yourself.
Last reviewed: May 2026
What this is
An updated guide to the housing scams most commonly targeting international students in the UK, with specific red flags and what to do if you have been targeted.
Why it matters
Housing scams are the most common type of fraud targeting international students. Scammers know that students are often unfamiliar with the UK rental market, may be desperate to find accommodation quickly, and are willing to transfer money to people they have never met. Loss of deposit money — or worse, arriving to find a fake property — can be devastating.
What to prepare
- •An understanding of the red flags listed below
- •Knowledge that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
- •Contact details for your university's accommodation service
Steps to take
- 1Never transfer money without seeing the property and meeting the landlord in person or via verified video call.
- 2Always use a letting agent registered with a government-approved property redress scheme.
- 3Never pay a holding fee without a proper Tenancy Application in writing.
- 4Check the Land Registry (gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry) to verify the landlord owns the property.
- 5Use university-accredited landlords wherever possible.
- 6Search the address online — if it appears on multiple scam-listing sites, walk away.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Paying a deposit to a landlord who says they are abroad — this is a very common scam.
- ✗Rushing to secure accommodation through fear of not finding anything — scammers exploit this urgency.
- ✗Not verifying the landlord's identity or property ownership before transferring money.
Important safety warning
If you have transferred money to a suspected scammer, contact your bank immediately to try to stop the transfer. Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk.
Official sources
Action Fraud: actionfraud.police.uk | Take Five to Stop Fraud: takefive-stopfraud.org.uk | Property Redress Scheme: propertyredress.co.uk
Related checklist tasks
Disclaimer
Beginly provides scam awareness guidance. This is not legal or financial advice. If you have been the victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud and your bank immediately.