How to avoid scams in your search for student accommodation in Melbourne?

access_time 10 Feb, 2025 07:09 am visibility 836 | comment 0

Finding a safe and affordable place to live in Melbourne as a student should be exciting—not stressful. But let’s be real, the rental market has its fair share of scammers, and the last thing you want is to fall victim to a fake listing or lose your hard-earned money. So, how do you spot the red flags and protect yourself? Here’s everything you need to know to avoid scams and secure safe student accommodation in Melbourne. 

Always Inspect Properties in Person—Don’t Just Trust Photos! 

If someone is offering you an amazing deal but keeps making excuses to avoid an in-person inspection, red flag! Scammers will often claim they are overseas or too busy, but in reality, the property may not even exist. Always visit the property in person before signing anything or sending money. You can also: 

Ask a trusted friend or family member to inspect it for you, if you can’t go yourself. 

If the landlord refuses an in-person viewing and only offers "virtual tours"—be suspicious. While virtual tours are helpful, they shouldn’t replace an actual visit. 

Pro Tip: Take your time during inspections—check for working appliances, locks, and any signs of damage. If something feels off, walk away! 

Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True 

Found a huge student accommodation in Melbourne CBD for half the average price? STOP. SCAM ALERT. Scammers bait students with crazy low prices to get them to act fast and send money before they realize it’s fake. Compare the rent with similar properties in the area—if it’s way below market rates, be skeptical. You can also: 

Be cautious if the landlord pushes for a quick deposit without letting you ask questions. 

Google the address—if the same property pops up under different prices or landlords, it's likely a scam. 

Pro Tip: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut! 

Verify the Legitimacy of Listings and Landlords 

Scammers steal real photos from genuine listings and post fake ads to trick students. Before trusting any listing, do a background check. Search the landlord’s name, phone number, and email—if their details have been flagged in scam reports, stay away. You can also: 

Use official student accommodation platforms like university living, they provide premium housing options at affordable prices.  

Be cautious if the listing is only available on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree—these platforms don’t verify landlords, making them an easy place for scammers to operate. 

Pro Tip: Legitimate landlords should have an ABN (Australian Business Number) if they rent out properties professionally. Check their ABN on the official government website. 

Avoid Upfront Payments Without Proper Verification 

If a landlord asks for a large deposit upfront before you even sign a lease or see the property, that’s a massive red flag. NEVER send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash apps like PayPal or Venmo—these can’t be traced or refunded if it’s a scam. Instead, you can: 

Always pay using secure methods like a bank transfer to an Australian account after confirming the landlord’s identity. 

Ask for a written lease agreement before sending any deposit. If they refuse to provide one, walk away! 

Pro Tip: If a landlord pressures you to "secure the deal fast" by paying immediately, take that as a warning sign! 

Be Cautious of Unsolicited Offers and High-Pressure Tactics 

Scammers thrive on urgency. They’ll say things like: 

"I have 10 people interested! Pay the deposit now to secure it!" 

"If you don’t act fast, you’ll lose the deal!" 

Take your time—never rush into an agreement without doing proper checks. Ask detailed questions—scammers often struggle to give real answers about the property Request to meet the landlord in person—if they refuse or avoid video calls, be skeptical. Legitimate landlords will NEVER rush you into paying immediately. If someone is pressuring you, walk away! 

Conclusion 

Finding a safe and affordable place to live in Melbourne doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does require awareness and caution. Scammers prey on urgency and desperation, so always take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. 

Always inspect properties in person (or send someone you trust). 

Never send money before verifying the landlord’s identity. 

Use trusted rental platforms—avoid random listings on social media. 

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! 

By following these simple but effective steps, you can find a safe student home in Melbourne—without the risk of getting scammed! 

FAQs on Avoiding Student Accommodation Scams in Melbourne 

1. How can I tell if a student accommodation listing is a scam? 
 
 Answer: Watch out for low prices, no in-person inspections, urgent payments, and vague details. Always verify the landlord and compare with similar listings. 

2. Is it safe to book student accommodation through Facebook or Gumtree? 

Answer: Not always. These platforms don’t verify landlords, making them risky. Use trusted student housing platforms or university-recommended services instead. 

3. What’s the safest way to pay for student accommodation? 

Answer: Bank transfer to an Australian account after verifying the landlord and signing a lease. Avoid wire transfers, PayPal, or cryptocurrency payments. 

4. Can I rely on virtual tours instead of visiting the property? 

Answer: No. Virtual tours help but don’t replace in-person visits. If you can’t go, ask a trusted friend or university representative to inspect. 

5. What should I do if I suspect a rental scam? 

Answer: Stop communication, don’t send money, and report it to consumer protection agencies or student support services. Always trust your instincts!