Student Accommodation Scams to Avoid: A 2025 Guide for International Students
Every year, thousands of international students move to the UK to study at world-class universities and enjoy its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and academic excellence. However, amid the excitement of finding the perfect place to live, many students fall prey to student accommodation scams that can cost them hundreds, even thousands of pounds.
These scams have become increasingly sophisticated, often targeting students searching online for affordable housing. Whether you’re planning to study in London, Manchester, or Loughborough, understanding how these scams work and how to avoid them is crucial.
This 2025 guide will help you identify red flags, understand your legal rights, and find safe, verified accommodation options near your university without compromising on quality or budget.
1. The Reality of Student Housing Scams in the UK
As the demand for student housing rises, scammers exploit unsuspecting students with fake listings and too-good-to-be-true offers. These fraudulent schemes often appear on social media, classified sites, or unverified online marketplaces.
According to Action Fraud, student accommodation scams have surged by over 25% since 2023, with many victims being international students unfamiliar with the UK’s rental system.
The most common trick? Scammers copy real listings, use stolen photos, and pose as landlords or letting agents, convincing students to pay deposits or rent before viewing the property. Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears, and the property turns out to be fake.
2. Common Types of Student Accommodation Scams
To protect yourself, you need to know how these scams operate. Here are the most frequent types of housing fraud in the UK student market:
| Type of Scam | How It Works | Example | How to Avoid It |
| Fake Listings | Fraudsters post ads for properties that don’t exist or are already rented. | A fully furnished studio in central Loughborough for £200/month. | Only book through verified student housing websites or university-approved providers. |
| Advance Fee Scam | The landlord asks for a deposit or rent before you’ve seen the property. | Send one month’s rent to secure the room before someone else does. | Never pay before viewing the property and signing a tenancy agreement. |
| Phishing Scam | Scammers impersonate trusted agencies to steal your personal details. | You receive a fake email pretending to be from a real estate company. | Check the sender’s email domain and never click suspicious links. |
| Overpayment Scam | A scammer sends you a fake cheque or claims they’ve overpaid. | They ask you to “refund” the extra amount, which later bounces. | Never transfer money back; always verify transactions with your bank. |
| Identity Theft | Fake agents use real landlords’ names and stolen IDs. | They send you “proof” of ownership to appear legitimate. | Ask for official registration documents or contact the property owner directly. |
3. Red Flags to Watch Out For When Renting
Whether you’re booking student accommodation the UK, stay alert for these warning signs:
- Unrealistic rent — If the price is significantly below average, it’s probably too good to be true.
- Pressure to act quickly — Scammers often use urgency to manipulate students into transferring money immediately.
- No property viewings — Always insist on a live virtual or physical tour before making payments.
- Incomplete or vague contracts — A legitimate landlord provides a detailed tenancy agreement outlining rent, dates, and terms.
- Stock or stolen photos — Run a quick reverse image search to confirm whether photos belong to another listing.
4. Safe Ways to Find Legitimate Student Accommodation
Avoiding scams starts with knowing where to look. Here’s how you can find genuine, high-quality housing safely:
Use Verified Student Housing Platforms
Platforms like amber verify all listings and landlords. They offer secure payment systems, transparent contracts, and full customer support. For example, if you’re moving to the East Midlands, you can explore student accommodation in Loughborough directly through trusted providers.
Book Through Your University
Most UK universities have their own accommodation offices or official partners who help students find secure housing. Contact the accommodation team at your university before searching independently.
Join University Forums & Social Groups
University-run Facebook or WhatsApp groups often feature verified landlords or peer recommendations. However, avoid random DMs or suspicious offers shared by unofficial profiles.
Request a Written Contract
Never rely on verbal agreements. A legal tenancy agreement should include:
- Rent amount and payment dates
- Deposit amount and protection details
- Start and end dates of tenancy
- Landlord or agent contact information
5. What To Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you think you’ve been targeted or scammed:
- Stop all communication immediately.
- Collect evidence, screenshots, chat logs, payment receipts, and listing links.
- Report it to Action Fraud UK or your local police station.
- Inform your university housing office; they can assist and alert other students.
- Contact your bank; they might be able to freeze or recover the payment.
Remember, acting quickly can make a huge difference in recovering your funds and preventing others from being targeted.
6. How to Balance Affordability and Quality
While scams often lure students with cheap prices, you don’t have to compromise on safety to save money. The key lies in smart searching and early booking.
In student-friendly cities like Loughborough, Birmingham, or Leeds, you can find student accommodation near Loughborough University that’s both budget-friendly and verified. These modern properties often include:
- All-inclusive bills (utilities, Wi-Fi, heating)
- On-site maintenance and security
- Communal spaces for studying and socialising
- Proximity to campus and transport links
Booking early also helps you avoid last-minute stress and inflated rents during peak season.
7. Legal Rights Every Student Should Know
UK law protects tenants, including international students, under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and Housing Act 1988. Here’s what you’re entitled to:
- Your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits).
- You must receive a tenancy agreement and a “How to Rent” guide from your landlord or agent.
- Landlords must maintain safe, habitable living conditions, including fire safety measures and energy efficiency.
- You can’t be charged hidden fees beyond rent, deposit, or utility bills.
Knowing these rights ensures you won’t be misled by false promises or illegal charges.
8. Final Tips for Safe, Stress-Free Renting
- Start your housing search 3–6 months before arrival to secure the best options.
- Avoid sharing personal information with unverified contacts.
- Always double-check listing addresses on Google Maps or the UK Land Registry.
- Keep copies of all communications and agreements.
- Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
Conclusion
Finding the right home is a huge part of your UK study journey. While the housing market can be tricky, staying informed and cautious will protect you from scams and bad deals.
Whether you’re heading to London, Manchester, or exploring any other UK cities, prioritise safety, transparency, and verified sources. The perfect home for your university life is out there, secure, comfortable, and completely scam-free.
So, before you sign or send money, pause, verify, and choose wisely; your peace of mind is worth far more than a rushed deal.
How can amber help you?
amber helps you secure ideal student accommodation on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.
About author
Bhavna.S is a storyteller at heart who loves weaving words into engaging narratives. When not writing, she can be found sipping chai while lost in a book, taking long walks to clear her mind, or planning her next travel adventure – only to end up binge-watching a documentary instead.
