Rental scams on the rise in Melbourne

Rental scams on the rise in Melbourne

Learn how to identify and avoid rental scams targeting students.

This article is part of an ongoing series produced by RMIT's Student Legal Service to provide RMIT students with tips and advice around renting in Victoria.
 

Welcome to Melbourne – a great place to live and study.

But as you know, it can be hard trying to find a rental.

So, when you find an inner-city apartment with a pool and a balcony listed for $100 a week, what do you do (apart from getting your swimmers ready)?

Be careful. When something sounds too good to be true, it can often be.

Unfortunately, we are seeing a lot more renters and students being conned by rental scams.

These scams involve someone taking your bond and rent, without really having an apartment to rent out.

Often, the scammer will find ways to ask for more and more money – then disappear, leaving you out of pocket and without a place to live.

A person holds a credit card and writes on their laptop.

Our top three tips are:

1. Make sure you see any rental property in person
2. Jump online and do a google image search of any of the pictures used in the advertisement 
3. Pay your bond via a cheque or money order made out to the “Residential Tenancy Bond Authority”.

If the accommodation/price seems too perfect, discuss it with a friend – or someone at the RMIT Student Legal Service.

Discover more tips and tricks about rental scams at the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

Need help?

If you’d like help with your rental rights (and more), make an enquiry with the RMIT Student Legal Service. It’s 100% free and confidential… almost sounds too good to be true, right?). 

28 March 2022

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