Modern-day education is too much to grasp, and students have a lot on their plates to cope with. Right from obtaining admission to figuring out local transportation, from managing study times to finding hobbies & from completing assignments to keeping up with a new place, there’s a lot to deal with!
And in all of this hustle, finding safe and legal housing is one of the most critical thoughts that keeps passing through the minds of every freshman. Unfortunately, many students, particularly those from outside, become victims of housing scams in the middle of this chaos, which costs them not just money but also their peace of mind.
Thousands of students attend the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston each year. Although the city is usually hospitable and student-friendly, the increased demand for housing has also led to an increase in student accommodation scams in Preston and bogus listings. As you search for a place to call home, we seek to keep you educated, vigilant, and safe.
Why Do Scammers Target Students?
Because students are new to the area, unfamiliar with local housing practices, easily influenceable, and often in a rush to find housing before the academic session begins, scammers frequently target students, especially the international bracket of students. And elements like the language hurdles, distance communication, and a lack of local expertise make students prime candidates for scammers.
Common Student Housing Scams:
False listings: Fraudsters usually publish eye-catching housing rental ads with great amenities and at a reasonable value, which often attract students. But the fact is that these are either phony or stolen from other reliable websites.
Fraudsters use fictitious paperwork, images, and contact details to pose as landlords, real estate brokers, or even existing tenants in impersonation scams.
Non-existent companies: Some scams involve creating phony rental companies with websites and names that seem authentic to trick students into thinking the listing is reliable.
Pressuring for Fast Payment: Scammers create a sense of urgency by claiming that the item will be gone in a day or that other individuals are interested, which forces you to take action without doing any research.
Warning Signs to Look Out for
- The rent is far less than what is typical for the neighborhood.
- You are requested to pay using cryptocurrencies, Western Union, or other untraceable means.
- Unprofessional communication, poor grammar, or an unwillingness to meet or make a video call.
- Reasons such as “I’m out of the country” are not acceptable for not exhibiting the property.
- No solicitation to sign without reading the tenancy agreement.
- The property or agency has no web presence or verified reviews.
How to Prevent Preston Student Housing Scams
Employ Reliable Sources:
Always utilize reputable websites like Urban Hub for your housing needs. In Preston, Urban Hub has overseen and validated student-specific accommodations, which guarantee validity and security at every step.
Never Pay Before Viewing:
Before seeing the property in person or via a certified virtual tour, don’t pay anything. Ask a reliable local contact to visit the property if you’re yet to arrive from abroad.
Check Agencies and Landlords:
Verify the agency’s or landlord’s background through local acquaintances (especially someone from the UCLan). Check for red flags on their website, look for business registrations, and read online reviews. Reputable companies, like ours, i.e., Urban Hub – Safe student rentals Preston, are open and honest about their support services, policies, and properties.
Demand a documented Contract:
Make sure that both parties have signed a documented tenancy agreement at all times. Scrutinize the contract thoroughly, paying attention to the provisions about rent, deposits, repairs, and move-out terms particularly.
Use Secure Payment Methods:
The use of traceable payment methods is very important when one enters into any kind of contractual agreement, especially when one steps into a new place altogether. Maintaining written records of all correspondence and receipts in case of residential contracts is crucial, as it adds another solid layer of safety and security to your stay in the place.
Consult with Present or Past Tenants:
Try making contact with previous residents of the property if at all possible. These people can offer unfiltered information about potential problems, residential circumstances, and the landlord.
Report strange Activity:
Contact Action Fraud UK, the Preston Police, or the housing office at your institution right away if you notice any peculiar listings or interactions.
Urban Hub: Preston’s Secure Student Housing Partner
Urban Hub is aware of the difficulties students encounter while trying to locate housing in a new city. Every studio listed with Urban Hub passes a rigorous verification process under the local standards. Urban Hub provides not only housing but also peace of mind with features like safe online booking, round-the-clock customer service, on-site amenities, and community living alternatives.
Our staff is prepared to help international students by guaranteeing open lines of communication, equitable agreements, and secure, cozy living arrangements. Urban Hub takes the factors of uncertainty and danger out of moving, whether you’re moving inside the UK or halfway around the globe.
Being a victim of a housing scam is the last thing you would want to experience when beginning a new chapter in your academic career. You can avoid needless worry and financial loss by remaining knowledgeable, vigilant, and cautious.
Here’s a pro tip on how to spot rental scams, Preston : Never question your gut; if something seems too good to be true, it most often is!
You can be assured of a safe and comfortable stay in Preston by selecting a reliable housing partner like Urban Hub, which double-checks every detail and never lets you make a snap decision. Ultimately, we want you to concentrate on creating your future rather than combating accommodation fraud.
