Recently, Dundee City Council alerted that a scammer was calling residents of Dundee pretending to work for the council’s housing service. The individual has been offering mould inspections to those who pick up from a mobile number beginning 07477.
While we continue to face accommodation shortages, it is also important that we protect our money and mental peace from scammers, here are a few essential tips to remember when you are dealing with a landlord or agent.
1. Research the landlord: Search for the landlord’s name online to see if they have a legitimate presence. Check if the property is listed on reputable rental platforms or real estate websites.
2. Visit the property: Insist on visiting the property in person before making any payments. Be wary of landlords who make excuses for not allowing visits.
3. Check ownership and documentation: Request proof of ownership from the landlord. They should be able to provide documents supporting their ownership of the property. Verify the property’s ownership details with the local land registry office.
4. Meet in person: If possible, meet the landlord in person to discuss terms and view the property. Be cautious of landlords who only communicate through email or text and avoid meeting face-to-face.
5. Use official contact information: Obtain the landlord’s contact information from a reliable source, such as the property listing on a reputable website. Be cautious if the landlord provides contact details that are different from those listed.
6. Never wire money: Avoid landlords who request wire transfers or payments in cryptocurrency as these are common tactics used by scammers. Use secure and traceable payment methods.
7. Be sceptical of low prices: If the rent seems too good to be true for the location and property type, it might be a red flag. Scammers often use low prices to attract potential victims.
8. Research the area: Familiarise yourself with average rental prices in the area to recognize unusually low prices.
9. Ask for a lease agreement: Legitimate landlords provide a formal lease agreement detailing terms and conditions. Read the lease carefully before signing and ensure you understand all terms.
10. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or the landlord is pressuring you to make quick decisions, take a step back and reassess the situation.
11. Use reputable rental agencies: Consider renting through well-known and reputable rental agencies that have a track record of legitimate transactions.
12. Search for reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from previous tenants about the landlord and property. Negative reviews or a lack of online presence can be warning signs.
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