Stay Safe, Rent Smart: UK Housing Advice for Indian Students
16 July 2025
Packing and moving to the UK from India is a thrilling milestone for any student. It’s a moment of hope, new start, and world-class education in the works. But somewhere in between applying for university and arranging flights, one very crucial thing normally becomes overwhelming which is securing a safe and trustworthy place to call home.
With a growing number of Indian students flying to the UK each year, rental scams are a prevalent issue. The scams primarily appear in the form of fake listings, unauthorized landlords, or good offers on rentals that evaporate after payment is made.
It’s at BCES Admissions Abroad that we recognize just how crucial safe accommodation is to your educational experience. That’s why we’ve written this handy guidebook—so you don’t simply establish yourself in a foreign land, but do so with security and confidence.
Why International Students Are Often Scammed
Recent UK university and local council data have revealed a consistent increase in rental cons against international students, particularly during intake periods (August–October and January–March). Con artists understand new students are unfamiliar with UK rental markets, extremely keen to get rentals quickly, and highly stressed.
Most of these fraudsters operate via unmonitored sites like Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp groups, or Gumtree. They can present photographs of property, ask for a deposit first, and disappear when the deposit has been paid. Result? Students have no keys, no room, and no way of retrieving their money.
Top 6 Tips to Avoid Rental Scams in the UK
- Never Pay Without Seeing the Property First
If they insist that you wire money before you’ve seen the property (in person or on video call), that’s a red flag. A legitimate landlord or agent will always organize an actual viewing or provide secure online options.
- Use Safe Property Websites
Don’t click on random postings or third-party advertisements. Rather, begin searching through proper websites like:
- Rightmove
- Zoopla
- Student.com
- Amberstudent.com
- UCAS Student Accommodation
These sites are also popular for checking out listings and ensuring that landlords use legal procedures.
- Check the Agent or Landlord’s Credentials
Ensure your landlord or agent is a member of a professional association such as:
- ARLA Propertymark
- The Property Ombudsman
- National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)
You can request their registration details and check them online. This easy step may save you thousands.
- Refuse Unusual Terms of Payment
No reliable agent will ever request payment in cryptocurrency, gift cards, or international wire transfers. Always pay securely by using a UK bank account if possible.
- Demand a Written Tenancy Agreement
Ensure there’s a written contract before paying any money. A legitimate tenancy agreement should state your rent amount, deposit, tenancy length, and both parties’ roles in clear terms.
- Be Wary of “Cheap” Deals
If it is obscenely cheap for the area, walk away and investigate. An example is a fully furnished studio in the heart of London for £300/month. This is unrealistic in most places. Student rent usually ranges between £700 and £1,200 per month—location and accommodation dependent.
Securing the perfect accommodation in a new nation can be daunting, but you don’t have to be alone. Remain vigilant, question everything, and never take any impulsive step that does not sit well with you. With knowledge and help, your study life in the UK can begin on the right note—and safely. In need of assistance to locate genuine housing schemes? Contact BCES Admissions Abroad at +91-9319996328 or write to us at enq@bces.in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check if they are registered with proper housing authorities such as ARLA Propertymark, The Property Ombudsman, or NRLA. Most organizations have websites where one can search members’ information.
While there is the urge to arrange accommodation well in advance, we recommend that you arrange temporary accommodation (like student hostels or university halls) first. You can afterwards search for long-term accommodation once you are in the UK and can view properties personally.
Report the fraud straight away to Action Fraud UK at www.actionfraud.police.uk, tell your university’s housing department, and notify your bank. The sooner you report it, the more likely your lost money will be recovered.