Students warned to be wary of bogus landlords

Students preparing to take apartments in Dublin for the first time have been warned to be wary of a scam which each year costs young people thousands of euro in lost deposits and rent.

The scam typically involves a con artist getting control of an apartment for short time – even a few hours is sufficient – after which they show prospective tenants around and collect deposits, usually accompanied by the first month’s rent.

The problem for students is that they may not have the funds available to secure an alternative when the bogus landlord is not to be found, and as a result may not be able to take up their college place.

The Irish Property Owners' Association has warned the scam has become even more pernicious. The association said unscrupulous operators have been known to clone existing advertisements for apartments on property websites and ask students – particularly foreign students – to electronically transfer funds before the apartment is even seen.

With rents of a two-bedroom apartment costing more than €1,000 per month in Dublin – and twice that in some areas –prospective students who pay up stand to lose heavily if the “landlord” suddenly disappears.

Every year around this time thousands of students will be offered places in third-level educational institutions. This always commences a frantic scramble for rental accommodation.

Walk away

The association said its members were happy to provide identification, such as a membership card or a utility bill and a driving licence and if a prospective landlord was not prepared to provide secure identification, then the tenant should walk away.

Chairman of the Irish Property Owners' Association Stephen Faughnan said “criminal behaviour of a few conmen” had the potential to bring thousands of property owners into disrepute.

“Thankfully this is a rare occurrence but to try to prevent it happening we appeal to students to make sure that your landlord is a member of the Irish Property Owners Association or a licensed letting agent,” he said.

A spokeswoman added that legitimate property owners should be able to provide identification and should not be reluctant to do so. A property owner should prefer tenants who are not gullible, she said.

The advice for prospective tenants includes the following:

* Ask property owners or agents for identification such as a driving licence anda utility bill

* First-time students should familiarise themselves the Residential Tenancies Board website www.rtb.ie.

* Before paying any money make sure to inspect the property

* Get a receipt