Rent smart this year

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So now you know the scams to watch out for (and how to outsmart them), and what we do to protect you on SpareRoom – now let’s talk about what you can do to keep yourself safe and renting smarter from now on.

Safety at viewings

While it’s pretty rare to have any trouble when going to view a property, we appreciate that there is often some worry about this situation – you’re going to meet a stranger, basically, so you should take the same precautions you usually would.

Here are some things to think about when viewing properties:

Find out the exact address of the property before you visit, then tell someone exactly where and when you’re going before the viewing.
Try to take someone with you to the viewing – great for a second opinion, and a good way to make yourself feel safer. If no one’s around, make sure you’ve told someone where you’re going and contact them once the viewing is finished.
Double check that the building is secure and that you’re happy with the safety of the surrounding street. If you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood, it’s worth visiting at night as well as day time.
Ask to meet everyone who lives/will be living at the property. This will help you get to know all of your potential roommates, and gives you a sense of their characters. Always trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t move in.

Tips for securing a room

So you’ve found the perfect apartment and you’re ready to secure it. Good news!

However, as with any form of online dealing it’s important to be aware of where your money is going, and to make sure it’s protected. Here are a few things that will help you secure that room as safely as possible:

It might sound obvious, but never sign or pay anything before viewing a room. If you can’t see it in person, try and get a friend to go on your behalf.
Always ask to see a copy of the contract before staking your claim to the room.
Have a look at the landlord, roommate or broker’s ID before handing over any money. You can note down their name, but remember you should never take a photo of the ID.
If you have any concern that they aren’t who they say they are, Google it or have a look at their LinkedIn. And trust your instincts – if it doesn’t feel right, don’t move in.
Never pay anything via Western Union or another anonymous money transfer system. We’ve got more info about this particular scam here.

The golden rule? Always use and trust your common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There will always be other rooms, so don’t let the pressure of finding something quickly affect your judgement.

And remember, if you’re unsure about anything or just want some advice, you can always contact our customer services team for help.

Now go find that dream apartment!