How do I check that a student room near campus is real before I pay?
See the room, or have someone you trust see it, before any money. Student rooms are a favourite of scammers because students are far away, in a hurry and pay deposits from another province; the room either does not exist or has been "let" to ten people.
Check with the university's accommodation office whether the landlord or building is on their list of accredited providers; many universities keep one. Ask current tenants in the building if you can.
How to check
- Ask a friend already at the campus, or a relative in the city, to visit the room and meet the landlord.
- Check the owner on the title deed via the Deeds Office or the provider with the university's accommodation office.
- Reverse image search the photos; copied rooms are common.
- Pay the deposit only after the viewing and the lease, into an account in the landlord's or the provider's name.
- Keep all messages and the proof of payment.
Frequently asked questions
- The landlord says NSFAS will pay them directly. Is that normal?
- Only for accredited providers. Confirm with the university before relying on it.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for R99.
Check a person