How to avoid housing scams in your search for student accommodation

As your housing search begins, you will see plenty of options. At UCL, we understand the concern around securing safe, reliable, and legitimate accommodation and are committed to addressing your worries in a safe, non-judgemental environment, 

In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of resources to help you secure trustworthy housing and protect your rights outside of UCL Accommodation. 

Finding reliable accommodation 

Alternative Accommodation  

UCL Accommodation highlights alternative accommodation options to students who are looking for housing outside of UCL Accommodation. 

For eligible full-time UCL students who cannot secure a UK-based rent guarantor, UCL can act as their guarantor. Please find more details on the UCL Rent Guarantor Scheme webpage. 

University of London Housing Services  

The University of London Housing Services offers guidance on private housing providers and portals, and options for short stay accommodation in London. 

Students’ Union UCL  

The team are available throughout the summer and academic year to offer advice to students on how to secure private accommodation. Check out the Students’ Union UCL Guide to Accommodation to find out more information. 

You can also find other UCL students to live with, or spare rooms listed by other UCL students through the Flatmate finder platform. 

Raise your concerns and protect your rights 

If something in your housing search doesn’t feel right at any point, you should think twice before sharing any personal or bank details and raise your concerns with the support network available to you.    

UCL Crime Prevention and Personal Safety 

You can contact the UCL Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team to discuss your situation or concerns. They will support you with any queries you may have regarding your safety and security.   

Any issues raised by UCL students will be addressed in a non-judgemental, confidential, and supportive way. The team will be able to inform you of the options available to you, while giving advice to keep you safe. 

University of London Housing Services  

The University of London Housing Services offers legal advice with an experienced team of housing advisors offering appointments exclusively to students at UCL. 

If you have concerns around scams, illegal fees, issues with landlords or letting agents, they will be able to help you. 

Students’ Union UCL  

The Advice Service for Housing and Accommodation offers free and confidential advice on housing matters. They can also make sure your contract is legitimate before you sign. 

External services 

Sites such as ‘Which?’ have partnered with experts in housing markets to provide advice on how to proceed if you have fallen victim to a housing scam.   

Additionally, the London Trading Standards: Lettings agents and property management are working to tackle rogue landlords and letting agents who don’t comply with the law. 

If you are a victim of a housing scam 

If you unfortunately become a victim of a scam, there is help available for you. It is important to report this immediately to prevent it from happening to others.  

Some actions you can take include: 

1. Talk to the police by dialling 999 if you feel threatened or if you are in immediate danger. 
2. Report the scam to Action Fraud as soon as you can. 
3. Contact your bank and speak to your family. 
4. Contact UCL’s Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team. Your concerns and problems will be handled with complete confidentiality. 

Other resources to help you  

Housing Advice for UCL Students video  

Current UCL students George and Erik tell us about their experiences renting privately in London. This podcast covers the full journey of privately renting, from thinking about who you might live with all the way through to moving out and tips on getting your deposit back!  

External resources 

The guide “How to Spot a Rental Scam” provides you with knowledge of the characteristics of common scams. You can also read this article to understand the different kinds of scams happening currently.