Gardaí are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college.
It’s fast approaching the end of August accommodation scramble as over 70,000 students will get their Leaving Cert results, with CAO offers coming out on August 21st. With thousands of students set to leaving Donegal to attend third level education in Dublin, Galway, and Cork, the search for accommodation is draining – and expensive.
If the rent sounds too good to be true – it probably is.
Gardaí give househunters the following checklist to ensure you aren’t left out of pocket.
- Use online maps to verify the existence and address of the property.
- Always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented.
- If you are dealing with an agent, check if they are from a reputable agency.
- Ask for identification, a drivers licence & business card etc.
- Beware of incorrect contact details and phone numbers.
- Make sure you have seen inside the property before paying a deposit and are happy with its condition. If there is anything in less than perfect condition, bring it to the Landlord’s attention. Take a photograph of it for record purposes. Ensure keys fit and open door locks.
- Pay the deposit to the Landlord and not the persons leaving the property.
- Use cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit and keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence.
If you are suspicious in any way, contact the Gardaí immediately.
The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) rent index provides students with important benchmark information and is an authoritative guide as to the actual rents being charged by landlords adjacent to all Universities, ITs and other Third Level colleges. For more see www.prtb.ie
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