Gardaí issue advice to help college-goers avoid being scammed

THE gardaí are urging the public to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college.

While rental scams occur throughout the year there is a spike due to a new generation of third level students seeking accommodation.

The gardaí have issued a number of pieces of advice to people to help them avoid being scammed.

They urge people to only do business with established bon-fide rental agencies. Individuals should always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented and to ask for identification, a driver’s licence or photo identification of landlord or letting agent, etc. If possible, take a photo of the document. Ensure that the deposit is paid to the landlord and not any persons leaving the property, a courier or other person. The garda advise using cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit and to keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence.

Lastly, ensure keys fit, open door lock and sign rental contract, prior to payment of deposit.

The Residential Tenancies Board rent index provides important benchmark information and is an authoritative guide as to rents being charged by landlords adjacent to all universities, ITs and other Third Level colleges.