Renting a room safely.

1. Know what type of room rental it is

Renting a room can mean different things. You might be renting from a live-out landlord, living with a resident landlord, joining an existing house share, subletting from a tenant, or renting student accommodation.

Before you pay, ask what type of arrangement it is and who has permission to rent the room.

2. Check who is advertising the room

Room scams often happen through social media, messaging apps, and classified sites. The advert may show a real room or copied photos, but the person taking payment may not have permission to rent it.

3. View the room and shared spaces

Do not judge the room only from photos. A room viewing should include the room itself, the entrance, kitchen, bathroom, shared areas, storage, and any outdoor space.

4. Check housemates and house rules

With a room rental, the people and rules matter as much as the room. Ask practical questions before you commit.

• How many people live in the property?
• Who shares the kitchen and bathroom?
• Is the landlord living there?
• Are there quiet hours or guest rules?
• Are pets, smoking, or overnight guests allowed?
• How is cleaning handled?
• How are shared bills split?
• Is there parking, bike storage, or laundry access?
• Are locks allowed or provided on bedroom doors?

5. Check rent, bills, and deposits

Rooms are often advertised as “bills included”, but you should still ask exactly what that means. Some costs may be excluded or capped.

6. Ask for the agreement before paying large amounts

Room rentals can involve different types of agreements. The exact rights and responsibilities can depend on whether you are a tenant, lodger, licensee, student resident, or subtenant.

Before paying large amounts, ask to see the agreement and check:

• The name of the landlord, agent, or person you are contracting with.
• The room and property address.
• Start date and minimum stay.
• Rent amount and payment dates.
• Deposit amount and deposit terms.
• Notice period.
• Bills and extra costs.
• House rules.
• Repair responsibilities.
• Whether guests, pets, smoking, or subletting are allowed.

7. Check safety and condition

A cheap room is not a good deal if it is unsafe, overcrowded, damp, or badly managed.

8. Room rental red flags

• You are asked to pay before viewing the room.
• The advertiser will not give the full address.
• The advertiser will not explain whether they are the landlord, agent, tenant, or housemate.
• The rent is much cheaper than similar rooms nearby.
• The photos look copied, too polished, or inconsistent.
• The advertiser says they are abroad and keys will be sent after payment.
• They only communicate through WhatsApp, social media, or text.
• They pressure you to pay immediately.
• They ask for gift cards, crypto, money transfer, or unusual payment methods.
• They refuse to put payment terms, bills, or deposit details in writing.
• They cannot explain who else lives there or who manages the property.
• The property seems overcrowded or unsafe.