Rental scams surge ahead of college year
An Garda Síochána has warned students to be vigilant when looking for accommodation as the new college year approaches. Reports of rental scams continue to rise.
The warning comes after Leaving Certificate results and CAO offers, when demand for student housing is at its highest. Gardaí have said this is the time of year when accommodation fraud typically peaks.
In the first six months of 2025, 160 cases of rental scams were reported — a 22% increase on the same period last year. Reported losses total €385,000. Last year, a third of all fraud cases happened in August and September, and more than a third of victims were under 25.
Cork Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon warns, both Irish and international students can be vulnerable to accommodation scams. “Often accommodation fraud takes place online with fake ads and sometimes if a deal looks too good to be true - it probably is. If the person advertising the property seems very eager, then it could be a scam and if they are pressuring you to send money."
Senator Harmon said it is important to stay vigilant. "It's so important not to transfer any money until you have seen the property and get a lease agreement. It's often a good idea to bring someone with you to view the property if you can also so you are not alone. If you see or encounter a scam, you can report it to the gardaí. You could also contact Threshold for advice."
Common scams include asking for a deposit before showing the property, taking money from several people for the same property, or advertising properties that do not exist, are already occupied, or have keys that do not work. Reservation fraud, where people pay for hotel or guesthouse rooms that turn out to be fake, is also a risk.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau advises students to view properties in person, check that they are registered with the Residential Tenancies Board, and confirm landlord details. Students should compare prices with similar properties and never pay upfront in cash, cryptocurrency, or vouchers. Instead, secure, traceable payments such as credit cards should be used. A receipt and a proper tenancy agreement are essential. Anyone targeted by a scam should contact their bank and the Gardaí immediately.
The Irish Property Owners Association (IPOA) has also warned students about risks in the rental market this year. The group highlighted upcoming changes under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2024. The law introduces student-specific tenancies, limits them to 41 weeks unless the tenant requests a longer term, and restricts advance rent payments to situations where tuition and rent are paid to the same provider. Tenants may also give notice of termination between 1 May and 1 October each year, regardless of the landlord’s compliance.
The IPOA says the combination of regulation changes and high demand will make accommodation shortages even worse, increasing the risk of fraud. Students are advised to ask landlords for proof of ownership, such as insurance records or Local Property Tax receipts, and to avoid illegal subletting. Rental agreements should only be made directly with the property owner or an authorised agent.