Introduction

Choose Melbourne to study? It is a good place to get your education. It is a city which is famous for its vibrant lifestyle, art scenes, and status as a global hub for sports and events. But this is not enough to study. You should find a great place to live in. 

Finding student accommodation in Melbourne is a very important step. Near University of Melbourne, RMIT, and Monash, the properties are always in high demand. Because they are like home for most of the students.  

But unfortunately, this high demand leads to scams for the students who are looking for affordable housing options. But you can avoid student housing scams by following this guide: 

Why are Housing Scams Common in Melbourne?

Melbourne is known as one of the best cities for students. Every year, thousands of students come here to study. The scammers take advantage of students searching for housing. And they put fake property listing online, demanding deposits, and pretending to be certified landlord. These scams left no money for the students and a secure place to live. 

You should avoid red flags and book your student accommodation in Melbourne with trusted platform. 

Types of Student Housing Scams

You can find out below different types of scams: 

• Fake Listing: Scammers post fake properties online. Some scammers also use beautiful photos of beautiful apartments. And they offer you an unbelievably low rent. They do not own the property, or the property does not exist. 
• Payment: If the provider asks you for a high deposit for the first month, before seeing the property in person. Then you are in a scam. Once you transfer the money, they suddenly just disappear. 
• Identity Theft: The scammer asks for sensitive documents like; your passport, student ID, or bank details. And they say that this is the background check. But they use your documents without your permission to commit fraud. 
• Overseas Providers: If the landlord says that they are out of the country, and commute via only Email, or any WhatsApp. This is a warning sign for you. You should be careful. 

What are the Tips for Avoiding Housing Scams?

• Use Trustworthy Platforms: You should use trusted online platforms while searching for student accommodation in Melbourne. Using verified platforms reduces the risk of the scam. University Living is one of the most trusted platforms.  
• Payment: You should avoid paying before inspection. You should visit the property in person. And if you are oversea, then you can ask for a virtual tour of the property. 
• Mostly scammers ask for wire transfers or non-traceable methods. But you should always use secure method for the payment 
• Average Rent Prices: Research into the average prices of student accommodation in Melbourne. If any the deal looks like ‘too good to be true’, because it probably is. The average cost of studios in central Melbourne is AUD 350-500 per week. If you are looking for a property, they are offering you AUD150 per week. Be cautious. 
• Sensitive Documents: Do not share any kind of sensitive documents such as passport, your ID, or bank details. If the provider asks for you to share the documents, then it is a warning. 
• Meet in Safe Environment: If the landlord agrees to meet with you, then choose a safe place, or public place. And if you are going to visit their property, you should bring someone with you. 

What are the Safe Alternatives?

• University Halls: They are the safest place to live. The universities usually offer the university halls residence to first and international students. Maybe they are a little expensive, but they are safe, reliable, and scam-free. 
• PBSA: These places are professionally managed which make them the safe choice. These properties are fully furnished rooms which provide you with study spaces, gyms, and laundry. 
• Verified Platforms: You should do your research by using trustworthy online platforms. There are plenty of platforms which offer you the opportunity to investigate the property. Whether it’s comparison between properties or booking of the property. 

What to Do, if you are being Scammed?

You can be careful but sometimes scams just happen. Here’s you should do: 

• Report the Scam: You should immediately report the scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commision (ACCC). Do not wait for further damage. 
• Inform Your Bank: If you got scammed and transferred the money. You should inform your bank. The bank can try to trace or block the transaction.  
• Contact Your University: Your university has a special support team which can help you. They help students in crisis situations.  
• Spread Awareness: You should post about the scam, so the other people can be aware. You can send reviews and warnings in your student groups to rescue them from falling into this trap. 

Conclusion

Student housing scams in Melbourne usually happen, because of the student crowd there. Finding student accommodation in Melbourne is not stressful. If you have knowledge to do differentiate between scam and legitimate properties in the city. You should always avoid fake listing online and paying the landlord before looking into the property. 

There is no rush to book the property immediately. You should ask the provider to give you a tour of the housing. And also, do not share your documents with the landlord, you do not want to use them against your will.  

So, take your time, take a deep breath, and do your research. Good Luck for you research as well as your career. 

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