Surge in rental scams targeting young tenants

Young tenants are being warned about a sharp rise in rent scams with scammers increasingly targeting them amid a growing housing crisis.

Experts at Tiger.co.uk, a home insurance comparison site, are highlighting critical warning signs for those navigating the property hunt.

Their advice is aimed at those aged 18 to 29, who made up 48% of reported rental fraud cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland last year.

With the Office for National Statistics revealing that private rents climbed by 5.9% to £1,343 in July, the pressure to secure affordable housing is intense.

Scammers are sophisticated

The firm’s managing director, Ian Wilson, said: “Rental scams are becoming more sophisticated, taking advantage of the growing demand for rental properties and the urgency of renters trying to secure a property.

“Younger renters are often seen as easy targets, given this may be their first time navigating this often-complicated process.

“It’s crucial that renters, especially those new to the property market, take their time, ask the right questions, and never feel pressured into sending money or personal details.”

He added: “Tiger’s research on renting red flags should help renters prepare and be on alert for any suspicious activity.”

Avoid scams involving cheap rents

The firm says that growing competition for a rented home is pushing many young people into making hasty decisions.

This urgency makes them prime targets for scams promising bargain properties that often turn out to be too good to be true.

To help tenants steer clear of fraud, Tiger.co.uk has outlined five key pitfalls to watch for:

• Bogus listings: Watch out for advertisements showcasing properties at suspiciously low prices, often using stolen images. These may promote homes that don’t exist or are unavailable. Always confirm a listing’s authenticity before proceeding.
• Unlawful fees: The Tenant Fees Act 2019 bans landlords and agents from charging for reference or credit checks. Requests for such payments could signal a scam. Ensure all fees align with legal standards.
• Excessive cleaning costs: Some landlords may demand undisclosed or inflated cleaning fees at the tenancy’s end. Legitimate charges must be outlined in the agreement and reflect reasonable wear. Document the property’s condition with photos or videos upon moving in.
• No viewings allowed: Fraudsters often dodge property viewings with excuses. Insist on seeing the property in person or via a trusted representative before committing funds or signing contracts.
• Unauthorised subletting: Properties rented out without the landlord’s consent can lead to eviction. Verify that the person offering the property is the legitimate landlord or a licensed agent with proper documentation.

Tiger.co.uk offers tools to compare insurance options to empower tenants to make informed choices in a challenging market.