Find a place without getting scammed

Most scams around student housing follow the same pattern: a great room at a great price, pressure to decide fast, and a request for money before you've seen anything. Here's how to stay safe.

Warning signs

• They ask for a deposit, "holding fee" or "admin fee" before you've viewed the room.
• The rent is far below other rooms near the same campus.
• They can't show you the room in person, or send someone who "doesn't have the key".
• They pressure you: "Three other students want it, pay today."
• Photos look like a hotel or a show house, or appear on other sites under a different name.

Do this instead

• View the room in person, in daylight, with a friend or family member.
• Ask who owns the property, and whether the person showing you is the owner or their agent.
• Get a written lease before paying anything, and read it (see Leases and deposits).
• Pay into a bank account in the landlord's or company's name. Never pay cash to a stranger, or into a personal account of someone you can't verify.
• Walk the route to class at the time you'd normally travel before you commit.

How Campus Galleries helps

Landlords are verified before they can see students. Offers include a room page with photos and details, and you must open it before you can accept. Your number is only shared when you accept, and every offer has Block and Report buttons. Campus Galleries never asks students for money. If anyone asks you to pay us, or to pay before a viewing, report it with the Message us button.

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