Renters in Dublin are being warned about fake rental property listings that are cropping up online with clever scammers claiming to be from the Department of Housing.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has said that it has become aware of a number of false rental property listings in recent weeks. According to the Department, potential renters have reported to them that they were given an application by an individual before being asked to complete a ‘Rental Application’ form or a Residential Tenancy Agreement, which claims to contain a Departmental letterhead and logo and a fake gov.ie email address.
The renter is then asked to complete the Rental Application/Residential Tenancy Agreement, and to provide their personal information for registration. The fake application also then requests the document to be filled out, as well as a deposit and first month’s rent to ‘hold unit’.
Read more: Serious warning from gardai over 'money mules' targeting bank accounts
In a statement, a spokesman for the Department of Housing said: "The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage wishes to point out that it does not require or engage with registrations for private rental properties and therefore does not ask members of the public to provide personal information as requested in these advertisements.
"This ‘Rental Application’ form/Residential Tenancy Agreement purporting to be issued with a Department/Gov.ie logo and a gov.ie mail address is fraudulent and we strongly advise prospective renters that it should not be completed."
Here's what to do if you think a rental ad is fake
- If you respond to a private rental advertisement and receives forms purporting to be from the Department of Housing in return, they should not engage further with the vendor.
- Anyone who believes they have mistakenly provided personal information or paid a deposit in response to these types of fraudulent advertisements and false rental applications/tenancy agreements, please report to your local garda station
According to gardai, rental scams occur throughout the year there is a spike due to a new generation of third level students seeking accommodation. Here is advice on how to keep yourself safe and avoid any potential rental or tenancy scams:
Rentals and leasing advice
- Ideally only do business with established bon-fide rental agencies.
Always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented.
- Ask for identification, a driver’s licence or Photo identification of landlord or letting agent. etc. (Take a photo of the document on your phone)
- Pay the deposit to the Landlord and not the persons leaving the property/ courier other person.
- Use cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit and keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence.
- Ensure keys fit, open door lock and sign rental contract, prior to payment of deposit.
For more information and advice click here
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