Students warned about rental scams
UNION OF STUDENTS IN IRELAND WARNS ABOUT SCAMS ON RENTAL DEALS
LOUTH students were warned about the risk of potential ‘ rental scams’ as the rush to find term accommodation heats up this week.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) issued the warnings, an encouraged vigilance around rental scams targeting third-level students before returning to college in September.
The warning comes as the Gardaí issue a statement on recent rental scams taking advantage of students across the country.
USI President Michael Kerrigan urged students to be cautious saying that cheques or bank drafts should be used to pay the deposit.
‘It’s important to keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence. Don’t hand over any cash to anyone, because you will not have a record or trace of your deposit.’
The USI president revealed that students were being caught in a situation where they had been asked to hand over up to two months rent as a deposit.
‘ This kind of money being stolen can have a serious impact on a student’s ability to afford college for the coming year.”
It’s a shame that people are taking advantage of students like this. Students should visit the accommodation they’re hoping to rent before sending over any sum of money”, said Mr Kerrigan.
He added that it was important to meet the landlord and ask for proof of ID if there is uncertainty.
‘If you’re worried that you’re being led into a scam, alert the Gardaí or the local students’ union right away.
It is always better to be safe. Don’t rush into any arrangement that looks too good to be true.’
The union is also advising students not to hand over money until they receive they keys, and the tenancy begins. Websites like Daft.ie are useful for renting, Students’ Union Facebook groups or free websites like homes.usi.ie for digs can be a reliable source to find accommodation too.
The warning co-incided with the chronic shortage of available rental accommodation for students across the country.
DkIT Students Union warned in the last few weeks that students trying to arrange accommodation for the incoming semester are struggling to find anywhere.
The union even took to placing adverts in the local media for landlords to register with them.
They also launched a campaign appealing to local families to consider renting out spare rooms in their homes to DkIT students.
Student Union president Pauraic Renaghan highlighted how an IT with world class facilities should not be in a position where students can’t find accommodation.
He admitted that the influx of new companies to the Dundalk area had led to increased pressure on housing.