Safety guide
1. Pay only after you've seen it
Never transfer a deposit, rent or holding fee before a viewing or before seeing a contract. "Pay now to hold the room" is a classic scam.
2. Share contacts once you trust them
Keep early conversations in on-site messages. There is no need to send your phone number, address or ID photos right away.
3. Meet in daylight
Do viewings during the day, ideally with a friend, or tell someone where you're going.
4. Check landlord consent
If you're renting a room in a rented home, make sure the landlord has agreed. Unauthorized sublets can end in eviction.
5. Put it in writing
Record rent, fees, payment dates, notice periods and house rules on paper or in messages.
6. Report anything odd
Too cheap to be true, pressure to hurry, photos that don't match: report the listing from its page.