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Who Can Be A Personal Reference On Your Rental Application?

Your rental application is the ticket to your ideal home. One of the most important stages of the application process happens during your reference checks. For this reason, it’s important to select those references carefully. Read our guide to find out who can be a personal reference on your rental application.

 

Personal references can be hard to come by, especially when you’re already overwhelmed putting the rest of a rental application together. When you’re in a competitive rental market, it’s important to provide the most impressive references possible. Professionalism is key when choosing who will write your references and how many references you include with your application.

 

Understanding the landlord screening process

One thing to keep in mind when trying to choose your references is the screening process that landlords will go through. A property manager typically does background checks on your income and rental history. This is done to ensure that landlords can trust you, so they can be confident that you’ll be the right tenant for their property!

 

To learn more about what information a landlord can request as part of your rental application, check out this handy guide from Threshold.

 

They’re looking for certain things during this evaluation like credit history, criminal record, reports of bad behaviour etc. If they can, they will likely contact your references and ask them how they know you, what you’re like, and how reliable you are. As such it’s important to put careful thought into choosing your personal references for your rental application.

How to source your references

You should look to find people who know you well enough to speak to your character. Think of the people in your life who could vouch for your personal, financial, and professional reputation.

 

At this point, you may already have a few people in mind, but be wary of what kind of answers you might get from them. Reflect on your relationship with these people and consider how they would speak about you in terms of your professionalism, your timeliness, and behaviour.

 

Choose your references wisely

It’s common for a landlord/agent to ask for a minimum of two rental references, but don’t let that put you off. The reason they do this is so they can verify from an independent third party that you’re genuine and trustworthy.  The ideal references will be able to express your characteristics and qualities in a positive way so that the landlord has faith in you.

 

Before you go putting everyone you know on your Tenant CV, you first need to work out if they will actually provide you with a reference, and secondly, that what they have to say actually helps your situation.

 

You don’t want to select someone who might have something negative to say. Bear in mind they may not want to be contacted by anyone. Best practice is to reach out and discuss their feelings on the matter first! Written references are widely accepted, but it helps to have a few contact details available just in case.

 

Who Can Be A Personal Reference On Your Rental Application?

 

Previous landlord– This is probably the best reference to have (if you’ve had a good experience with them of course!) Having a former landlord’s reference on your Tenant CV will immediately catch a property manager’s eye.

 

An employer –  that knows you well and can speak highly of your work ethic, accountability, and attitude is an excellent reference. In most cases, your employer is someone who has worked with you for a long time. What they have to say about you professionally is valuable!

 

Co-workers/ career mentors– also considered great references. Again, someone who knows you professionally who speaks positively about your attitudes and behaviour.

 

Volunteer Supervisor – A volunteer supervisor who has worked with you can provide you with a vote of confidence in terms of your hard work and diligence.

 

Friends/Family– it can sometimes be thought that a family member or friends aren’t useful references but this isn’t always the case.  Don’t worry if you don’t have a tenancy history. You can compensate by adding a few people you know who can provide a positive character reference. Someone who speaks highly of you can be more valuable than just saying ‘they can pay rent on time’.

 

Honesty is the best policy

If you haven’t got the best credit history or if there’s another peculiarity that you think will be revealed during the screening process, the best thing to do is be upfront and honest. Everyone has a different story! A Tenant CV is a great way to explain how great of a tenant you are.

 

However, if you’re worried about anything (i.e., rental arrears, damages) be prepared to discuss these with the property manager. Put your best foot forward and let them know the steps you’re taking to improve upon your history.

 

The addition of personal references instantly elevates your rental application, but always go with your gut. When considering your options reflect carefully about who can be the best personal reference on your rental application. Choose people who you can trust!

 

HomeHak Tenant CV

HomeHak provides the tools to easily include references on a beautiful Tenant CV. A Tenant CV is a document that showcases your attributes and interests when looking for a home. The idea is to build a Tenant CV once and use it as often as you need! The step-by-step process couldn’t be simpler, and it has a lot of benefits!

 

Check out how you can start building a Tenant CV here.

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First-Time Renters: What To Know Before You Rent

Move-In Day: HomeHaks Top Tips On Ways To Help Your New Tenants

Moving out of home is one of the biggest life changes you’ll ever experience. It’s stressful, exciting and can be overwhelming at times.

 

First-Time Renters: What To Know Before You Rent
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

We’ve all heard horror stories about first time renters making mistakes that cost them dearly. Whether it’s not having a good understanding of your rights as a tenant or falling prey to scam rental advertisers looking to make a quick buck, there are plenty of pitfalls waiting for you!

 

That’s where our tips come in handy. Moving out involves a lot of organisation, especially for first-time renters. We will walk you through everything from finding the right place to live, how to manage finances and what to watch out for when signing a contract.

 

Location

Location, location. Where you want to live, work, or study has a big impact on your location preferences for the rental search process.

 

When thinking about where to live, don’t just focus on the things you need in an apartment or house; think about what’s around too and how that may impact your commute time. Is there public transportation or cycle routes nearby? How far away are the supermarkets and services? What kind of gym options do locals have at their disposal? These are important questions since they can totally change how much fun living there would be day after day!

Rent Cost

You may already have an idea of how much you would like to spend on rent. There is a general rule of thumb to spend 30% of your annual income on rent. That said, it’s not entirely applicable to everyone. For example, someone who earns €100,000 may not want to spend €30,000 on their rent. Similarly, if you are on a lower salary it might not be feasible to put 30% of that towards rent.

 

Analyse your financial situation for starters, and ask yourself what you can afford. It also doesn’t hurt to compare rent prices with your friends. See what they put towards rent and use that as a guide!

 

Budgeting

When preparing to rent for the first time, it’s important to embrace the concept of budgeting ASAP. It’s unavoidable, but in the long run it’s the best thing we can do to feel financially secure! Setting up a budget is essential for any tenant. Make a list of monthly expenses/regular bills and set aside a personal allowance.

 

This may be the first time that you’re paying the bills yourself, so it’s important to know what they will cost ahead of time to save yourself any worry. Using a rent/ budget calculator is a great way to start figuring out your expenses.

 

Gas, Electricity and Bin Collection

Gas/electricity should come as no surprise since these things exist in every home. Depending on the setup, you may need to register the bin collection unless the landlord has done it for you.

 

If you have no idea what the bills are going to be like, try getting an estimate on sites like Bonkers.ie which compares different suppliers’ rates. These utilities are then shared between all housemates in the house, sometimes monthly or every other month. You can also ask your friends/family what they usually

 

Broadband

Other necessities may include broadband internet service, especially if you’re now working from home! Sometimes broadband may require installation at an additional fee depending on the supplier and/or location restrictions. When choosing how much broadband you’ll need, take into account how many people will be using it.

 

Some areas cannot support every provider, which may affect your budget plan. Talk this over with your landlord if possible – they might already know about some hidden costs or previous issues!

Reading the Contract

You may be racing to put your name on the dotted line, but it’s essential that you read through your contract carefully before signing anything. One thing to keep an eye out for is what type of tenancy agreement you are committing to. It will normally be a fixed-term tenancy or a periodic tenancy.

 

Fixed-term, as the name suggests, refers to a fixed period usually about 6-12 months minimum. A periodic tenancy does not have a fixed length of time. There is lots of information about these agreements which can be read about in detail here.

First-Time Renters: What To Know Before You Rent
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash

RTB

In Ireland, all private residential properties must be registered with the RTB. The Residential Tenancies Board provides a dispute resolution service to protect both landlords and tenants. They provide “high-quality information and assistance to the public, tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities“. It’s advised that first-time renters check that their property has been registered so that your rights are protected.

 

Pet Policies

Depending on the property, it may or may not be permitted to bring pets on site. If you don’t come across any explicit pet policies, just ask the landlord what their feelings are about it!

 

Applying Without a Rental History

Don’t let a lack of a rental history hold you back. Everyone has to start out somewhere! First-time renters can still include character references as part of their application. This helps to establish how reliable you are, and how you will treat another person’s property!

 

Find references from people willing to vouch for you such as previous employers, colleagues, even school principals! The idea is to find someone who knows you well and will speak highly of you.

 

HomeHak Services for first-time renters

Moving out for first-time renters is an exciting adventure, and soon you’ll be obsessing over how to decorate and fill it to make it your own. With a bit of self-determination and positive action you will absolutely find something you love! To do this you just need to express to the landlord that you would be the perfect tenant, i.e., someone reliable, responsible, and punctual.

 

Homehak, a tool for tenants and landlords alike, is a great way to express these traits. With Homehak’s help you can create a Tenant CV that contains all the information a landlord would ever need from you, so they don’t have to search around themselves or get short on time. This makes life easier not only for landlords but also applicants who are trying their best to impress them!

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What is a Tenant CV?

tenant-cv-rental-application-new-home

Your move to a new home involves so many important activities that all count towards your success, and it’s not always so obvious how time-consuming each activity is.

 

You find yourself scouring through property ads, applying for as many as possible with the same cut and paste story, chasing for responses and hoping to hear something good.
 

There are tons of documents to get together for the rental application: references, ID verification, salary/banking documents. It can take a lot of time to get it all prepared.

 

You take time off work to go to viewings, organise housemates, prepare to pay a deposit and rent in advance, go through security checks – all before you’ve even got a solid offer!

 

Searching for a home
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

 

Basically, searching for your next home involves a lot more than checking property websites ten times every day and resending the same message over and over again.

 

In a competitive rental marketplace there may be thousands of views on just one ad, so you can imagine what the landlord or property manager’s inbox looks like with hundreds of enquiries.

 

The ideal situation is to stand out from the crowd, being selected for the home you want. Whether you’re an experienced renter or a first-timer, the best advice for you to take on board is to be exceptionally organised – and a really great way to help you do that is to prepare a Tenant CV in advance of your search.

What is a Tenant CV?

A Tenant CV works in the same way as your standard CV, but instead of searching for employment opportunities you’re searching for your dream home. It’s an easy-to-read document that shows off information a landlord would need to know. For example who you are, what kind of accommodation you’re looking for, as well as any amenities you might need.

The idea is to create a Tenant CV once and then share it directly with  landlords/agencies, which takes some frustration out of the process for you! 

What difference will a Tenant CV make?

Using a Tenant CV not only makes your own life easier, but it also offers some relief to the landlord. Imagine it from their perspective. Sifting through hundreds of emails from eager applicants, trying to find the right fit.  Completing a rental application with a beautifully formatted and detailed Tenant CV straight away lets the landlord see what you’re all about and that you have all the important documents organised, meaning you can both avoid having to go through a tedious back-and-forth email conversation and get straight to the point. 

Starting out

When you start building your profile, the important thing is to focus on you and what you want! The Good Home Report has found that 73% of people who are happy with their home are also happy in general. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your happiness when it comes to the place you live, work, and relax. If you’re not satisfied with your rented home, you’re more than likely going to end up back at square one. Back on the property ad sites trying to find something you actually like. 

 

So when you’re creating a Tenant CV, be as specific as possible when describing your ideal living arrangement. Even if that sounds ambitious, including more detail will bring you one step closer to finding your dream home. Doing this helps potential landlords realise that you would be perfect for their property, that you would look after it, and ideally stay for a long time!

What kind of information will be a part of the Tenant CV?

The best Tenant CV’s for a rental application include:

    • A little bit about you – who you are and what you’re looking for!
    • Your tenancy history – landlords will look for any tenancy history so they can establish your character and trustworthiness
    • Your employment history – this lets the landlord know you’re capable of paying the rent
    • What you’re looking for – indicate your preferred house type, commute options, amenities and qualities (i.e., garden or en-suite etc.)
    • References – Real people who can give you a vote of confidence and are happy to be contacted
    • Optional verification information. – You may be asked for photo ID (passport/ driver’s license)

These are all the kind of things a landlord will ask you for at some point in the application process. Showing them that you’re already prepared will be a pleasant surprise! The biggest take-away from this list is that sharing all of this information serves a purpose. It’s a way to form a solid foundation between you and potential landlords from the outset. 

agent giving keys to tenant

I’ve made my tenant CV, what happens next?

That’s great! Now the fun begins. When a CV status reaches strength level of ‘good’ or higher it’s ready to be shared with landlords and agencies. Users also have the option to share it with a rental application via email, WhatsApp and more. Your information is accessible only by you until you choose for your profile to be visible within the database.

 

HomeHak allows you to store your Tenant CV information securely so you can start the application process with confidence. If the time comes for you to start looking for a new home, don’t worry. Just update your profile with any new preferences and attach it to your next application – simple!

 

Have a look at the 6 reasons to use a Tenant CV and get started today!

 

 

 

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International Students Coming to Ireland – Everything you Need to Know

International Students Coming to Ireland:  Everything you Need to Know

Where do they come from?

The biggest increase has been international students from other EU states, jumping from 1,934 in 2017 to 6,383 in 2022.

 

According to the Irish Times, the total number of full-time, non-EEA international students reached nearly 18,500 in 2018. The Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA) states that the main non-EEA sending countries for Ireland are the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Canada. Asia sends the largest share of students (43% as of 2017/18), followed by North America (30%), and the EU (20%).

 

As reported by this report, applications from British students increased by 9 per cent this year. In 2021, Ireland was home to 25,000 international students. India is the second-biggest source of international students on the island. 

 

International Students Coming to Ireland:  Everything you Need to Know
Photo by Javier Trueba on Unsplash

Top tips for International Students arriving to Ireland

Rental scams

September has approached, and students are heading back to college. The rental market has never been busier. With the surge in demand for accommodation, hopeful tenants are being advised to be cautious of a variety of rental scams.  HomeHak has put together some useful information about scams related to renting.

Bank account

One of the first things you should do is open a student bank account. Each university usually has a banking partner on campus.

Budgeting for international students

To enable you to enjoy your university experience to the fullest, you need to learn to manage your money correctly. One of the biggest ways to save money in university is through your grocery shopping. As an international student in Ireland, you can enjoy a range of great discounts and savings. These will make your finances easier to manage.

Shopping and discounts

Ireland has several student discount cards. They range from freebies to money off. Below, we list the cards we recommend adding to your student wallet.

 

iConnect Card

    – You can save up to €450 on MacBook iPad ranges with a valid third-level student card.

>Student Leap Card

    – Ireland’s primary student travel card.

ISIC Card

    – ISIC has been the mainstay discount card for international students for over 50 years. They offer exclusive discounts on a vast range of products and services in over 125 countries.

Affordable Supermarkets

Grocery shopping will eat up a large part of your student budget. It pays to shop around to find the cheapest supermarket in your local area. Here, we list the supermarkets that are the cheapest.

 

SuperValu

Dunnes Stores

Tesco

Lidl

Aldi

Manage your time

As you settle into the swing of things, your time in Ireland is going to fly by. Plan Your Next Adventure with Discover Ireland.

Ireland’s Weather

Ireland is the type of place where you can experience the four seasons in one day. Ensure to pack wisely for cold, warm and wet days.

 

HomeHak International students
Photo by Erik Witsoe on Unsplash

Student Travel Card

A student travel card will get you discounts on your travel throughout Ireland. Also, giving you great savings is the Student Leap Card.

 

For more information on these tips, check out our article International Students Studying in Irish Universities Top Tips.

Embassies 

Full details of all Diplomatic Missions in Ireland or accredited to Ireland on a non-resident basis can be found in the link below. This has been issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. It includes information on the index of missions and representations accredited to Ireland. Diplomatic List July 2022

Irish Banks

To open an Irish bank account as an international student, you will need:

    • Valid passport/ID card

Certificate of Attendance

These are Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks and Ulster Bank. Each offers a student account with differing service fees and added extras.

Mobile phone

Ireland has a reliable phone network. The country is covered by several major network providers. There are a number of options available to you, depending on your budget and requirements. These include a fixed-term contract, sim-only plan or pay-as-you-go tariff.

 

The main operators we’d recommend in Ireland are

Healthcare

The INIS visa service offers information on the process of finding health insurance in Ireland. On average, health insurance for international students costs around €100 – €120 per annum.

Working in Ireland

Here are the conditions you need to be aware of:

EU Students

    If you’re travelling from the EU, you can work in Ireland without registering for a GNIB card.

Non-EU Students

  • Non-EU students can seek casual work of up to 20 hours a week during term-time, provided they have a card. In June, July, August and September, non-EU students can work up to 40 hours per week.
    You cannot work in Ireland if your course is under six months in length.

 

Start with the university careers portal. These list a range of term-time positions available on and off campus. Then, check job sites such as Monster, Jobs and Irish Jobs. Distribute your CV to local businesses, as not all positions are advertised online.

 

Why use a Tenant CV?

  1. It’s an easy-to-read document.
  2. HomeHak tenant CV shows off information a landlord would need to know.  Head to our article What is a Tenant CV? for more information.
  3. It promotes you as a suitable tenant.
  4. A tenant CV takes some frustration out of the rental application process.
  5. It provides all valuable and essential information for the homeowner upfront. Check out our article on 6 Reasons to Use a Tenant CV.

Landlord References

A landlord recommendation letter (rental reference) is an crucial component of your rental application. In a competitive rental market, a good reference can make a huge difference. Check out our article Importance Of a Reference for Irish University Student Accommodation.

Important links for international students

www.fas.ie

www.jobs.ie

www.argus.ie

www.Jobted.ie

Revenue office

www.revenue.ie

Safety 

www.garda.ie

Irish Newspapers 

www.independent.ie

www.ireland.com

www.irishtimes.com

www.independent.ie

www.irishexaminer.com

Travel in Ireland

www.discoverireland.com/ire

Irish Council for International Students

www.internationalstudents.ie

Link to University websites In Ireland For International Students

Trinity College Of Trinity

University College Dublin

University College Cork

Dublin City University

Technological University Dublin

University Of Limerick

Maynooth University

Galway National University Of Ireland

Athlone Institute Of Technology

Carlow Technology Institute

Dundalk Technology Institute

Limerick Institute Of Technology

Letterkenny Institute Of Technology

Waterford Institute Of Technology

Cork Institute Of Technology

Sligo Technology Institute

Institute Of Technology, Tralee

Dublin Business School

Griffith College Dublin

Useful articles for international students

Study in Ireland: A Guide for International Students

International Students

Student visas to study in Ireland

Study in Ireland

Top recommended websites for international students 

Irish Council for International Students

Irish Universities Association

Citizens Information

Education in Ireland

Embassy World

The Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service

Google Maps

 

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HomeHak Tips on how to avoid rental scams

HomeHak - Home search

Tenants are being advised to be cautious of a variety of rental scams. In this article, you will  some useful information about scams related to renting:

Rise in accommodation fraud and scams

With the increase in demand for accommodation, so too has there been a rise in rental fraud and scams.

 

The end of summer (August to October) is a particular target time for criminals as students and their families have a clear urgency for new homes. Experienced scammers will be prepared to catch people off guard during this time.

How much money has been stolen in scams?

An average amount of €1,300 is stolen in rental scams. In Ireland, a total of €291,452 was stolen from tenants in 2022.

 

Tenants new to the rental market should familiarise themselves with the law around the renting sector. A good starting point is the Residential Tenancies Board website. Threshold is another great website that provides free, confidential advice to anyone in Ireland experiencing tenancy issues.

 

The current competition for rental properties means that landlords can have their pick of tenants. Scammers are taking advantage of this competitive rental market by hurrying their victims into making quick decisions.

 

HomeHak - Accommodation Fraud
Image Source Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash

Types of rental scams

Usually, accommodation scams fall into three broad categories:

 

  1. Since the landlord claims to be out of the country, they can’t show you the property. However, they request a deposit upfront.
  2. The scammer is living at the property and shows it to a number of people. They will secure deposits from several before disappearing with the money.
  3. The transaction appears normal. This is until the renter finds that the keys don’t work and the landlord has disappeared.

Be Informed

Spend time doing research. What is the current average rent price of accommodation in the area? You can use online maps to verify that the property you are interested in actually exists. You can also check it is at the stated address.

 

Have a look at short-term rental websites to ensure any potential fraudsters are not using the property for “viewings”. This might result in the fraudster potentially might taking your deposit.

 

Red flags

These are some red flags to look out for when booking accommodation:

  • If the rent seems too good to be true; then it is probably a scam.
  • The listing contains grammar or spelling mistakes and is on social media.
  • All communication is only via WhatsApp or social media.
  • The landlord is away and unable to meet up to show you the property in person.
  • Property is offered with no questions asked. Payment is demanded immediately before signing the lease.
  • Requested to pay in cash/PayPal/wire transfer/iTunes gift cards or cryptocurrency.
  • The account to pay into is in a different country.

 

HomeHak - Home search
Photo by Mimi Thian in Unsplash

 

Follow these three instructions to avoid rental scams 

 

  • 1. Check the property

  • First, establish that the property exists and is available for rent.
  • Check the identity of the landlord or agent. Request a copy of a driver’s licence or photo identification.
  • It is always better to be safe. Don’t rush into any arrangement that looks too good to be true.
  • Check the URL to ensure it’s a real website. Take note of the privacy and refund policy sections.
  • Do a landlord check through the Residential Tenancies Board website.
  • Use a booking agent or hotel website directly if booking a holiday rental. If it is a third-party website, ensure it is secure.

  • 2. Be cautious

  • Pay the deposit to the landlord. Do not pay the person leaving the property or anyone else.
  • Ideally, only do business with legitimate, well-known, established rental agencies. Alternatively, deal with people who are bona fide and trusted.
  • Bring a friend or family member with you to view the property.
  • Use cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit. Keep copies of all receipts of payments.
  • You can check any IBAN bank details supplied for payment using free online checking tools. These will show where the bank account is based.
  • Do not hand over any cash to anyone. This is because you will not have a record or be able to trace your deposit.
  • Only use trusted money transfer systems such as credit cards.
  • Keep track of all correspondence between you and the advertiser, e.g. bank details, advertisement etc.

  • 3. Stay alert

  • Meet the prospective landlord in the accommodation.
  • Ensure the keys of the property fit. Open the door lock and sign a rental contract prior to payment of the deposit.
  • Be careful of social media advertisements, especially if the person letting the location will only communicate via messenger or WhatsApp.
  • Push for direct answers. If responses are vague, disengage immediately.
  • Watch out for “unsolicited contacts” or where the contact appears to be based in other jurisdictions. This is especially important if there is a sense of urgency like “a one-time offer”.
  • Ask yourself why a person living and letting out a property in Ireland would have a bank account based in the UK, Holland or anywhere abroad.

 

Do you think you are a victim of rental scams?

Gardaí advised members of the public who believe they are a victim of accommodation fraud to contact any Garda station and report the crime.

 

Use any phone numbers or email addresses to monitor for future activities of criminals. Anyone can fall victim to a rental scam. Ask anyone who finds themselves in this situation to report it to Threshold, as well as to An Garda Síochána.

 

“While Threshold cannot help to recover the lost money, alerting us will help to prevent other people from falling victim,” said Inspector Steven Meighan of the GNECB.

 

Source: ‘The family turned up to move in but the real owners knew nothing about it’ – Garda warning as €500,000 lost to rent scams

 

Rental scams resources

Check out the resources provided by An Garda to avoid accommodation fraud:

 

How to avoid accommodation fraud in Ireland

Red Flags and Warning Signs Accommodation Fraud

An Garda Síochána's Advice for people who are looking for accommodation

An Garda Síochána's Advice for people looking for accommodation
Source: An Garda Síochána

 

Useful Websites

Residential Tenancies Board

Threshold

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

 

Interesting Articles

Renters warned of scams amid increase in accommodation fraud– Irish Times

‘The family turned up to move in but the real owners knew nothing about it’ – Garda warning as €500,000 lost to rent scams – Independent

Renters warned of scams amid increase in accommodation fraud – Irish Times

‘Exercise particular caution’: Here’s how to make sure you don’t fall victim to a fake rental scam – The Journal

The clever renting scam that’s catching Irish students out – what you need to watch out for – Irish Mirror

Gardai issue tips to students on how to avoid getting scammed while renting property – Irish Mirror

Checklist for Students Renting for the First Time’ – RTB

Here’s how to make sure you don’t fall victim to a fake rental scam – The Journal

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Renting Guide for First Time Accommodation Students in Ireland

accomodation renting

Becoming a first time apartment renter is a rite of passage and exciting time in your life. Of course, figuring out how to rent an apartment comes with new tasks and responsibilities, as well as freedom to pick and choose the perfect place. Read more to find your renting guide for students in Ireland.

 

To make the transition as smooth as possible, HomeHak has put together a first time apartment renter checklist of everything you need to know about how to rent your first apartment for a successful move. 

 

house keys

 

Check out our Renting Guide!

 

Determining your costs and expenses

Your living costs are going to be determined by your accommodation, eating arrangements, leisure activities and transport costs. Here is an article with a broad breakdown for living costs for students in ireland.

 

The average monthly cost of a student living in Ireland is anywhere between:

 

  • Dublin: 1,100 – 1,800 EUR/month. This article breaks down the cost of living in Dublin.
  • Cork: 860 – 1,400 EUR/month
  • Galway and other smaller cities: 800 – 1,100 EUR/month. This article breaks down the cost of living in Galway.

Renting Guide Living expenses

 

The following prices are taken from this article and show the average cost range of student living expenses per month in Cork.

 

  • Utilities – €30=€50
  • Food €250-€350
  • Travel (Monthly bus ticket) – €65-€85
  • Textbook & materials – €75
  • Mobile phone – €20
  • Personal expenses (social/sports) €200-€300

 

accomodation guide

Location, Location, Location

 

Some things to take into consideration when choosing where to live is:

 

  • Distance from university 
  • Distance from workplace 
  • Mode of transportation – walk, cycle, bus, drive.
  • Quiet suburban area or more urban built up area
  • Close to amenities – gym, park.

Living alone or with other people?

There are many types of accommodation options. Will you be taking a room in a house share, moving into a house with friends, or moving in with random people into an on campus apartment ? Are you on your own searching for accommodation or looking to live with friends? HomeHak can link you to other people in your course looking for similar accommodation or you can co-apply with your friends. 

Do you have a parking space?

On campus accommodation usually always provides a free parking space in a safe complex with security cameras. If you are living in off campus accommodation you might have to consider how many people are in the house share and how many of the tenants drive cars. If there are only 2 spaces and there are 3 of the tenants driving you will have to check for on-street parking. Is this readily available and is it safe? Some streets in Cork require a parking ticket between the hours of 9:00am to 6:00pm where it is free after that time. If you have a bike, do you have somewhere safe to store it? 

Don’t leave your search to the last minute – get ahead of the competition and search in good time

A new academic year usually starts at the end of august / start of september. Don’t leave it until the start of august to begin your search. To find your perfect fit, HomeHak recommends you give yourself a few months to search. HomeHak can help you to get ahead of the competition and ensure you are in a favourable position to get your perfect accommodation. 

Ask the right questions on your accommodation tour

As a first time renter, you are eager to secure your accommodation and sometimes we can overlook and not ask the important questions before we sign a lease. Some key questions to ask is how much is the rent which includes security deposits and any other financial payments such as utilities, electricity, wifi etc. What payment options are available – bank transfer, cash or cheque? Can you pay in instalments? 

Renting Guide Documentation

Want to beat your competition and secure your dream accommodation? Ensure you have all appropriate documents ready and up to date. HomeHak helps take this stress off you by being your centre point for storing all of this. Some documents you may need for example include employer reference, any previous landlord reference, academic reference, identification documents (passport, PPS number) and proof of income.

 

first time renting

To summarise

Even the most ambitious and organised first time apartment renter can get overwhelmed with the process. Apartment hunting, applications, fees, budgeting, packing, and all the logistics of moving come with their headaches, but it is well worth it. We hope this renting guide has helped put your mind at ease!

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6 Reasons to Use A Tenant CV

landlord signing agreement

Struggling to find a home in today’s competitive rental market? In this guide, we will show you why using a Tenant CV will give your a competitive edge over other applicants.

 

Finding a new home can be as important as scoring your dream job. It’s your base where you go to unwind, recharge your batteries and steel yourself to take on the world outside. Your home is your sanctuary where you should feel safe and where memories are made and shared. It is a representation of you. You deserve a big say in where you are going to live! So how can you influence where you live and avoid wasting time on tenant application forms for properties that don’t suit you?

 

Take control with a  Tenant CV that will help you put your best self forward, get noticed and secure the dream home that will suit your lifestyle. 

 

A good Tenant CV is a profile that expresses your attributes when searching for a new home and promotes you as a suitable tenant. A great Tenant CV goes further by including your particular requirements in a home. This takes some frustration out of the rental application process. Providing all useful and essential information for the homeowner upfront. while also outlining your own needs.

 

Many of us are familiar with the famous quote “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”.  Here are our top 6 reasons to prepare yourself for a competitive rental market with a Tenant CV. One that that best reflects you and what you need in a home.

 

tenant-cv-rental-application-new-home

 

6 Ways A Tenant CV Can Aid Your House-Hunting

1. Define Your Needs

If you don’t want to join the 59% of people that find it difficult to find a suitable home, you can start by reflecting on and defining your needs. By identifying what is most important to you, you can skip the frustration and waste of time on pointless viewings. Ask yourself questions, do you want to be close to work? Do you need a garden? Are there any amenities that are essential to you?; and then make it known on your Tenant CV. If something really is important to you then make it clear. Great homeowners value long term tenancies with good tenants and if they can accommodate you, more often than not they will.

 

2. Express Yourself & Stand Out

Once you have defined your criteria for a home, it’s time to show the agents and homeowners why you are the best candidate. A Tenant CV simply puts more power in your hands. It enables you to present yourself beyond the restraints of a standard tenant application. A profile of yourself with your living objectives will convey your individuality. It helps the reader understand what type of tenant you are likely to be. If you’re comfortable with it and you’re using an online Tenant CV tool, include a short video to showcase your personality. 

 

Homeowners look for evidence they can trust the people renting their property.  An impressive Tenant CV is your best opportunity to present your evidence and separate yourself from the crowd, so you get selected ahead of your competition.

 

3. Demonstrate Trustworthiness & Organisation Skills 

For homeowners and letting agents, the top priority is to find someone who is going to look after the property and pay the rent reliably on time. According to a survey conducted by DKM Consultants in 2014 for the RTB, some primary reasons agents choose not to rent to tenants in Ireland are because they are worried about property damage, rent being paid on time, or they don’t trust the applicant. Selecting the right tenant has a lot to do with human nature and finding reasons to like somebody. 

 

Preparing a great Tenant CV allows you to demonstrate that you are an organised responsible person by answering key questions and providing relevant information. Not only can a resume showcase your ability to care for a property, but it can also demonstrate your ability to pay.  Paying bills on time and maintaining order requires you to be on top of things. What’s more, you can also include any written references in your Tenant CV.

 

4. Address Potential Doubts About Your Tenant Application

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel an explanation will help people to understand you, but you don’t have the chance to get your point across? A Tenant CV is a means to explain things that might otherwise be perceived as negative in your application. Some examples are changing jobs, relocating often, or perhaps being a first-time renter. Being a first-time renter can be a positive thing, as it’s your chance to kick-start an excellent rental history.  The Tenant CV is a great tool to explain peculiarities like this in your objectives to a potential homeowner.

 

5. Save Time

Oftentimes homeowners and agents will invite the first 20 ad respondents to a property Viewing. You need to be fast if a great property pops up on a property website. Having all your key information on hand will help to submit an application ASAP!

 

A Tenant CV prepared in advance greatly simplifies and accelerates this process. Usually, homeowners are happy to accept a good tenant CV, as long as the information is true and the references stack up. You can shine even further by including pre-written references and getting your identity independently verified in advance. This will reduce time on tenant background checks and increase your chances of being selected. Make the landlord or agent job easier when it comes to narrowing down applications and they will look kindly on you.

 

In addition to streamlining the application process, outlining your wants and needs in a home on your Tenant CV means that you can save time viewing unsuitable properties. 

 

6. Turn Competition Into An Opportunity

It’s no secret that house and apartment hunting can be competitive, but considering the above, you can use competition to your advantage! You just need to take the initiative to put yourself on top. Whether you’re a 1st time, or 10th-time renter, being prepared and taking measures to stand out will help establish yourself as an impressive candidate. It’s like applying for that dream job if you’re proactive and go above and beyond; you should validate why you should be chosen. 

 

landlord signing agreement

Tenant CVs: The Key Takeaways

In this guide, we have looked at how rental resumes allow you to define your needs, express yourself, demonstrate trustworthiness, explain doubts, save time and get ahead of the competition. It’s clear that a Tenant CV is a tool that will give you a competitive edge when searching for your new home.

 

Like practising for a job interview, those that are prepared are more likely to succeed than those that aren’t. There’s no doubt that securing viewings or a lease can be challenging; but by having a Tenant CV on hand, you can be more prepared than others. A strong Tenant CV will impress agents and homeowners and ensure you stand out in a pile of applications. 

 

The sooner you find a home that’s right for you, the sooner you can start living and be happy!

 

 

 

References:

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Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals in Ireland

grey cat lying on a bed

Looking to move to a new rental property with your cat or dog? Read our helpful guide for advice on how to find pet-friendly rentals in Ireland.

It’s difficult to find pet-friendly rentals. 

Whether you are renting a house or apartment, it is important to find the home that best suits your needs. This often means having to search for a property that will allow you to have pets. Pet owners are forced to live in unsuitable properties or keep their pets without consent from their landlord, risking eviction. 

 

Landlords and tenants should be honest with each other. The relationship is built on trust and honesty. It’s important to stay open about the situation from day one of renting. 

 

Pets are an important part of many households. Here are HomeHak’s top guidelines and tips to make the process easier when looking to rent a home with your pet in tow!

 

pet friendly rentals

Having a pet can give you an edge in the home renting competition. 

With so many people applying to rent homes, it can be difficult to stand out from the multitude of other applications on the letting agents desk. Having a pet presents a practical opportunity to demonstrate how responsible you will be as a tenant. If you go about it in the right way, there’s a better chance you will encourage landlords and letting agencies to allow you to rent with your pet. Think about how your pet can help you can stand out from the crowd; Include a pet-CV with your application and an eye-catching photo of your furry friend

 

References are important for humans, and yet they are often presented as an after-thought and the end of the renting process. Imagine how impressed a landlord or agent will be when your pooch romps up with verifiable pet references from professionals like its vet, previous landlords and neighbours at its old address. 

Be organised with your home-search process

If you’re looking to find a pet-friendly rental home, there are some steps that can make the process easier. 

 

  • Plan ahead. Searching for a pet-friendly property can take more time than the usual house-hunting process. Give yourself plenty of time to find what you want without rushing things – this will help avoid disappointment down the line! In addition, when you have a pet in tow, you need to have your new property available before you must move out of your current home as finding temporary accommodation with a pet is frustratingly hard, and expensive.

 

  • Check the pet policies of each property you’re interested in before attending a viewing. Speak with or email the landlord or letting agent and check if pets like yours are allowed before viewing any properties. Maybe dogs are allowed if they’re below a certain size. 

 

  • Be open-minded about the location or size of the property you are searching for. City centre living might be on your wish list, but it typically means smaller properties and less room for your furry friend to exercise. Pet-friendly properties in popular locations with lots of amenities will typically be more expensive. Pet-friendly homes in suburbs may provide a better value for money overall, including cheaper rent prices and fewer pet restrictions. The downside of suburbia though could be longer commute times and more time for your pet to be on its own, which isn’t ideal. 

 

  • Be proactive and spread the word. Rather than just search endless property ads for the rare mention of “pets allowed” or “pets considered”, take the initiative with your home search. Post your need for a pet-friendly home on your social media pages and message boards. Let your friends look with you in their own networks. Make sure to share and post the link to your tenant CV with your pet-cv section prominently displayed so people with solutions can get in touch. 

How to secure the ideal pet-friendly property when you find one 

Pet-friendly properties are often limited in supply, so it’s important to have your plan for securing it primed well in advance of when one becomes available. 

 

Collate information about your pet in advance so you are prepared. 

  • Pet-friendly properties will often have a pet section on the application form. In these properties, you can be sure every applicant will put their best foot/paw forward and so it’s important to include as much information about your pet that you can. 

Have your Pet CV ready for when pet-friendly rental properties are presented

  • When pets are not mentioned on the property ad, but you love the property, it’s worth checking whether the landlord will consider you and your pet. Rather than just ask the question and inviting an easy “No”, make a polite request by including an impressive Pet-CV with your enquiry. It may cause them to pause and consider inviting you for a property viewing. 

 

  • Presenting a well-organised tenant cv is a must if you want to impress landlords or agents. Moreover, when you want to encourage them to allow your pet to stay, include a section for your Pet’s CV.

 

  • Pet CVs should describe what type of animal they are, where they live now and how long you’ve had them.

 

  • Provide any relevant medical history and vaccination records as well as confirmation about micro-chipping and relevant licenses.

 

  • Tell the story of your pet and communicate a little about your pet’s personality, their good behaviour, any training they have had. 

 

  • Of course, you should include a picture of your pet, on its own or with you. 

 

It all comes back to showing trustworthiness

  • You need the Landlord or agent to like your pet and soften any pre-conceived concerns they might have about potential issues with noise, fouling, or damage to people or property.

 

  • It’s very valuable to include verifiable references for your pet. If you have previous landlords who will vouch for the good behaviour of your pet as well as a vet, neighbours or the dog-kennel, make sure to include written references from all of them. Don’t be overwhelmed by the thought of securing such references as the process has been streamlined by HomeHak.com. 

 

Introduce your dog or pet to any potential landlords 

Introducing your pet at the first opportunity can immediately put any landlord’s mind at ease and dispel their fears. Bring them along for a property viewing so they can see how well behaved it is, but be mindful of other animals that may not want a trip in a carrier!

 

Offer to pay for a professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy.

You have a responsibility to look after a property that you rent. Over the course of time carpets, soft furnishings or walls can get extra grubby after muddy paws or stains from little accidents! In some cases, allergens can be an issue for future tenants who are not comfortable with pets, making the property harder to rent or sell. Check if you can fund your landlords extra cleaning services when it is time to move out. You can offer to agree or pay these costs upfront instead of waiting until the end of the tenancy.

 

Offer to pay a special deposit for damages caused by your pet

To assure your landlord that you’re a responsible pet owner, offer to pay an additional deposit for pets. Even the best cat or dog can get up to mischief and it’s as well to acknowledge the possibility by agreeing on a special damages deposit upfront. 

 

pet friendly rentals cat

Some tips for moving into your new pet-friendly rental home

Moving into a new home is exciting. Moreover, it is easy to get caught up in the euphoria. However take stock of a few important things before moving day.

 

  1. Check your lease for all mention of pets. Also, ensure you are comfortable that it reflects everything you agreed in relation to your pets. Don’t be afraid to mention any omissions or mistakes. A good landlord or agent will be just as keen as you to have everything contractually in good shape before the move-in date. 
  2. Additionally, ensure the contract agrees the amount for special cleaning or pet damage deposit. 
  3. Moving day can be one of the most stressful days for humans. Having to pack and clean. Additionally, the stress for our pets that are going through a big life change. The day will arrive when you’re getting ready to move house with your dog in tow. Take steps now to make it as stress-free as possible! Consider asking friends or family if they would mind taking care of your pet while you get all packed up. 

Honesty is the best policy

To have a successful landlord/tenant relationship, one must be honest about their pet. Be open and upfront with your prospective landlord or property agent. Assure them that you won’t break any trust by sneaking in a pet without permission. Show them you take responsibility for your best friend. You do not want the tenancy agreement terminated due to unauthorized pets.  You may not have an opportunity to live at this location ever again! 

On the other hand, do good preparation and take a proactive approach. This way you can be more assured of finding pet-friendly rental accommodation to suit the whole family. Circumstances will change and you might decide to move home in future. A good relationship with your landlord or agent will auger well for good references on your tenant cv. 

 

For more information about the regulations around private rented accommodation with a pet in Ireland, take a look at this guide from Threshold.

 

pet friendly rentals dog chair

Key Takeaways 

When looking for pet-friendly rentals with your pet, there are a number of steps you can take:

  • Being open and upfront about your pet in advance when enquiring or before signing any tenancy agreement
  • Keeping your pets in accordance with all rules set out in agreements such as not allowing animals on furniture
  • House training, (i.e., providing sufficient litter trays)
  • Taking care not to disturb neighbours during odd working hours. 

 

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Renting in Ireland – What is the tenant’s true cost?

a pile of euro coins

Renting in Ireland – What is the tenant’s true cost?

 

The price of rent can represent the tip of the iceberg when renting in Ireland. From utilities and furniture to Netflix subscriptions and bin charges, we have you covered with everything you need to appropriately budget your first few months in your new home.

 

Before you can start your new life in your new home you must first identify and secure your desired apartment or house against high demand, with vacancy rates tipping at just 1.31% across Ireland (Savills Ireland., Shifting Ownership in Ireland’s Private Rented Sector., 2017). Rental properties can receive thousands of views once posted on rental sites and you will need to brace yourself amongst the wave of applications you will be sidling alongside. 

 

renting in ireland man

 

1. Rent

First and foremost, and most costly, will be your monthly rent to be paid in advance of each month. The considerable cost of renting in Ireland is no secret with a National Rent Index recognizing the standardized average rent as €1,122 in 2018, an increase of 7.5% on the previous year (Residential Tenancies Board., Rent Index., 2018). This will no doubt represent the most pivotal variable in your ability to live independently. 

 

2. Deposit

In addition to your first month’s rent, you will have a sizably additional cost in your deposit. This is taken as collateral by the landlord for any potential costs they will need to suffer that we cover in our Guide to Deposits. Your deposit typically reflects one month’s rent and will not be returned until you leave the premises, contract fulfilled.

 

3. Moving

All your bags are packed, you’re on your way as John Denver once said, but he failed to mention the back and forth trips on moving day, ferrying a seemingly endless amount of possessions, clothes, jigsaws, and any other rainy day items. GoCar provides excellent prices on cars and vans ideal for such an occasion. 

 

No matter the mode, persistent ‘one final car-full’ trips will take their toll on your petrol. Be careful you don’t blow the deposit on day one with any reckless transportation of big bulky items with sharp edges that can dent your new home’s walls and its deposit!

For A Faster, Easier And Less Stressful Move check out this article!

 

4. Furniture

If you manage to keep the leg of the chair away from the walls on move-in day, you may be lucky enough to complete the entire set without so much as a mark incurred. 

 

While most accommodations will come fully furnished, you will quickly discover a table and four chairs may not suffice. Bed stands, dressing tables, armoires, bureaus, coffers, and davenports, may not be at the very top of your list, but every trinket needs somewhere to rest upon.

 

Due in no small part to their affordable value and effectively Swedish flat-pack features, Ikea is a renter’s best friend. While its home just off the m50 is a forestry of flat-pack furniture, there will be many local providers and charity shops. Or you could peruse Donedeal for an opportune bargain, with an hour’s sanding and painting to transform any antique.

 

boyfriend and girlfriend showing off new keys to rental property

5. Food

You will quickly find that your food costs are particularly flexible. Weekly shops can cost as low as €30 with stringent restraint, but they can also soar considerably higher without careful monitoring. Your first step in reducing your shopping bill requires ditching the costly takeaway and cooking your own meals.

 

Aldi and Lidl are the unequivocal champions of value while the other end of the spectrum will find significantly higher prices in Marks & Spencers or boutique groceries. Jalapeno Peppers can be sought for less than euro in certain more palatable retailers or rising to a far spicier €7 for example.

 

6. Renting in Ireland Utilities

Four walls by themselves will not do much in terms of keeping the heat in. Aside from brief weeks of summer bliss, our other three seasons prove the need for comfortable heating and lighting. Gas and electric bills are ingrained in the Irish psyche due to generational berating with regards to a certain immersion. However, it is worth shopping around and identifying the best deal for you.

 

Consider other utilities like your phone, internet, and bin charges. Again, shopping around is an effective method in quelling creeping costs that can erode your pocket.

 

happy new family of tenants

7. Entertainment

Aside from sleeping and eating, your home should primarily be used for living in! Life is to be lived beyond necessity! When budgeting, make a realistic allocation for entertainment and hobbies such as Netflix, painting supplies, videogames, or gym memberships. 

 

While drafting your entertainment budget it would also be worthwhile to make an extensive list of low-cost or free activities that you can participate in, for further bootstrapping.

 

8. Transportation

Location, location, location are the three most important words when it comes to accommodation. The goldilocks zone would be located a short walk between your place of work, family, and friends. Realistically however you will be spending some amount on public transport, petrol, or most cost-efficiently a bicycle. 

 

The more convenient the location, the higher the cost, as seen when comparing standardised average rents in Dublin (€1,620) to outside Dublin (€1,149) (Residential Tenancies Board., Rent Index., 2018). Thankfully we can ensure you that there are more places to live than just Dublin!

 

Cars will get you furthest fastest, but this convenience has a higher cost. Insurance, maintenance, tax, and fuel, combined with the price of parking (if no on-site parking is available), can quickly reach untenable costs.

 

9. Insurance

Keeping your worldly possessions kept safe and away from harm has its price.  Unfortunately in Ireland the cost of insuring your home and car is considerable and rising. In the last decade alone, the average cost of motor insurance has risen by 42% (Central Bank of Ireland., Private Motor Insurance Report., 2019).

 

Much like utilities, shop around to obtain the best deal. Hours spent on the phone to multiple brokers and agents are grating and tiresome, but this is the price that must be paid to improve your bottom line.

 

10. Savings

At the end of the month, it may be difficult to categorize any of your remaining income as savings. This is a particular issue in Ireland with 1 in 10 people spending over 60% of their income on rent (Social Justice Ireland., National Social Monitor., 2019). This is why it is best to categorize your savings at the start of the month while drafting your budget. Savings should be prioritized in line with other costs no matter how tempting they are to shave and spend.

 

A few hundred euros each month could be deemed an immaterial amount in times of less restraint. However, month by month, your savings investment will slowly but surely build and be there for you in times of need or to finally purchase your own home so that you can bid farewell to your rent and welcome in a mortgage.

 

agent giving keys to tenant

 

Finally…

Renting in Ireland is undoubtedly a costly endeavour. The playing field is rarely even, and any number of unseen variables can capsize even the best-made plans. However, with careful planning and foresight, you can navigate and mitigate almost all risks. Invest your own time and effort into reducing your monthly costs. This will allow for greater investment in the things you would rather capitalize upon, such as your future!

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Rental Scams and Fraud: Be Prepared, Spot the Signs

House keys

Online rental scams are on the rise. Because of this, it is more important than ever to be able to spot these scammers before you fall into their trap.

Scammers know that tenants often do not have time or knowledge about how to find a place to rent, so they prey on those who don’t know any better.

Accommodation Fraud – Some figures

According to Gardaí, approximately 500 cases of accommodation fraud were reported between the years of 2019 and 2021.  72% of cases affected individuals under the age of 35 and 42% affected those under 25.

 

Since 2019 in Ireland, criminals conducting rental fraud have taken approximately €900,000.  In 2020, in the UK last year, has been an increase of 71% in the number of rental fraud reports, meaning 1 in 50 ads were scams. This indicates that rental cybercrime is becoming more popular than ever.

What can we do to prevent accommodation fraud?

Rental fraud is a large threat to tenants looking for a place to live. In particular, students starting their rental journeys may be at risk as they may not be aware of the dangers that are out there.

Scammers use similar tactics over and over again, which means it is possible to spot the signs. We compiled a list of these warning signs that will help you identify rental scams before any damage is done. Forewarned is forearmed. Tenants, prepare to spot the warning signs before it costs you your data and your money.

houses-online scams-rental fraud-spot the warning signs
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Accommodation Fraud – Warning Signs

Cybercrime researchers say that rental fraudsters seem genuine because they mimic real landlords. They often use pre-scripted emails and a range of “persuasion techniques”. If you feel suspicious about something, more times than not you’re probably right!

Here are some examples of how scammers have tried to fool renters before:

 

  1. Too Good to Be True – This is the most obvious sign of a scam. Perhaps the pictures show a beautifully furnished property, more bedrooms and facilities than usual, and the rent is surprisingly low
  2. Landlord Living Abroad – The scammer claims to have a property in Ireland but they themselves are living abroad. They might send a long email explaining the set up of the property, but they won’t be able to meet you beforehand. They request a deposit and say that someone will meet you at the property afterwards.
  3. Requests Deposit Urgently – The scammer allows viewings at a property and asks individuals for a deposit to secure the arrangement. They may create a sense of urgency around this, to seal the deal as soon as possible. Soon after, the scammer disappears leaving everyone short.
  4. Fake Keys – In rare cases a renter may be given keys after settling a deposit, only to arrive and find that the keys do not work.
  5. Address Fraud – A scammer may list a property on an ad site that is already being rented/owned by someone else. Again, the scammer requests a deposit up front. Later on, the victim arrives at the destination and learns that the address does not exist. Some may find that the address does exist, but is owner occupied by someone completely different.
  6. Spelling/ Grammar – Property ads with lots of spelling and grammar mistakes may also indicate accommodation fraud. (Note that this doesn’t mean that every ad with spelling errors is fraudulent!)
  7. No Background Checks/ Unsecure Payments – A property is offered to you without any requests for your information, proof of ID, references etc. The fraudster may contact you via social media, asking for untraditional payments via PayPal, cryptocurrency etc.

How to Avoid Rental Scams

Recognising the above examples is the first step to avoiding a nasty situation with rental fraud. To save yourself any further worry, take into account the following advice. 

 

Trusted Payments – Only submit payments via trusted systems. If there is a request to pay a deposit via PayPal, iTunes gift cards, Western Union transfer or cryptocurrency, disengage immediately. These methods are usually popular with fraudsters as it can be difficult to reverse transactions.

 

Messaging Apps – Be wary of those who only communicate via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or other social media messaging platforms. The Gardaí advise that renters should be mindful of unsolicited contacts, especially if they seem to press individuals with ‘one-time offers’ or deals. 

Social Media – Be especially cautious of rental ads on social media, such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree etc. Not all the rental ads on these platforms are scams, but it is where a lot of them seem to pop up. In many cases the scammer will use the same photos and details found on residential letting sites, so it looks realistic.  

 

Check all Keys – Be sure to check that all keys given to you are in working order before you commit to anything.

 

Legit Address – Make sure that the property actually exists by checking Google Maps before settling a deposit.  Try to gauge the situation in front of you by comparing similar properties for price, location etc.

Who to Contact 

If you believe that you have been a victim of a scam, call your bank or financial institution immediately. You should also notify the Gardaí of your situation.

 

When browsing online, if you come across anything that looks suspicious, go ahead and report it. Ad sites usually have methods for handling sceptical property listings so it’s relatively easy to do so.

 

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland can be contacted to report rental fraud here.

 

If you have been scammed elsewhere in Europe, you can contact the European Consumer Center Ireland and report your situation.

 

Within the HomeHak portal, report any suspicions or poor experiences by clicking the “Questions” link at the top right of the screen.

questions homehak rental fraud online scams

HomeHak Data Protection

As a community, we can all make efforts to improve the level of trust amongst one another. Landlords and renters both want to liaise with someone reliable, who they can depend upon!

HomeHak Tenant CVs use a wide range of security measures to ensure your data is safe:

  • Uploaded documents are stamped with a ‘HomeHak’ watermark, reducing the chance of identity theft. Users can choose specific persons to share their documents with and for limited time periods. Additionally, when a tenant shares a document, they can track who has viewed it in the tenant dashboard.

 

  • Landlords and tenants using HomeHak services have the opportunity to verify their ID with Stripe. Stripe verification takes just 3 minutes and prevents the sharing of identity documents.