There are many places to live in High Wycombe for students. However, as an outsider, you are more prone to housing scams. Hence, in this article, you will learn about some of the ways to avoid High Wycombe student accommodation scams. Also, with the help of these pointers, you will be able to keep yourself safe from renting a room that is not safe or does not exist at all. So, read till the end and increase your awareness.

Tips to be Safe against Student Housing Scams

Though you may be able to find a lot of available student houses in the city. However, you need to ensure that it is not a scam that takes your money. Hence, the following are some tips to help you out. 

1. Check Area’s Market Rates

This is the most popular type of scam. If you find a flat in a costly area for less rent, there is a good chance the place can be a scam. Hence, it is vital to be aware of the rental rates in the area you wish to live in High Wycombe. Also, ensure that the price you are offered does not deviate too much from the average.

2. Make no Payments in Cash

Never make any untraceable payments, whether it is a deposit or monthly rent, and avoid wiring money. It is because this is among the most popular ways to scam. Legitimate landlords or agencies complete all payments via bank transfers, which provide proof of payment and monetary security for both parties.

3. Property Viewing Before Renting

Never completely rely on photos and descriptions; they only portray the good angles and sometimes fail to mirror reality. It is best to see where you will live in High Wycombe and make sure to always check for possible faults, from water and gas pipes to ancient furniture and mould. You are not going to lose out by viewing a property. For example, if one turns out to have issues, you will know what to look out for in the next viewing.

4. Request a Written Contract

As a global student, do not agree to a verbal contract. The landlord is required to provide a written tenancy contract that contains all the details about the property, the rights and duties of each party, and the payment schedule. If they cannot provide a written contract to live in High Wycombe, move on and look for another place.

5. Know Rights and Duties

This can often get overlooked in the excitement and buzz of finding a place. However, it is crucial to a safe and happy tenancy. Further, read through all of the general rights and duties of both parties. You must signal any part of the contract that is unclear or unfair, and do not sign anything until your interests are fully protected.

6. Enquire About Deposit

You will have to provide a big sum as a deposit, which will be refunded at the end of the tenancy. Here you can find all the details about deposit payments and the management of that amount by the landlord. Make sure you know every detail of how the High Wycombe student accommodation deposit is to be paid, secured, and refunded with your tenancy contract.

7. Speak with Current Tenants

It is very helpful and comforting to chat with the tenants, get their insight on the dos and don’ts of renting. You can also find out how trustworthy the landlord is. In some cases, they might even warn you against renting a property for a particular reason. These are things that you would not have found out through the landlord/property listing.

8. Meet the Landlord

If you can, definitely try to meet the landlord. It is the best way to measure the authenticity of High Wycombe student accommodation and the landlord. To be extra safe, ask the landlord for some ID and always keep an eye out for the red flags. If the landlord has poor knowledge of the property, tries to rush you to get the papers signed, and attempts to gloss over any issues with the property that you bring up, it can be a scam.

9. Registration

Check if the landlord is a member of the National Landlord Association(NLA) or the Residential Landlord Association(RLA). It is because most student housing UK needs to be registered with the NLA or RLA.  Landlords who are members of landlord associations sign up with the intention of securing a fair regulatory and legal environment for both the tenant and the landlord. This can be an important factor in committing to a property, a landlord, and a contract.

Conclusion

To sum up, these are some of the methods to avoid a scam while selecting a place to live in this city. Further, there are a lot of reliable sources out there that can help you find a place to stay. These include platforms such as Graddinghomes. They have a list of all the different types of student housing UK, along with the option for a virtual tour. Moreover, they have some very special offers for students looking for a place to study and stay abroad.