Renting a property can be an exciting venture, but it's essential to tread carefully to avoid potential scams. Aston Students' Union is here to help with their dedicated website, offering a secure platform for your housing search. In this guide, we'll walk you through key steps to avoid rental scams and find a reputable lettings agency.

Search Registered Properties:

• Utilise www.astonstudenthomes.org to search for registered properties that meet the union's high standards. This ensures a reliable and trustworthy foundation for your housing search.

Property Viewing Checklist:

• Before making any decisions, view properties in person using the property viewing checklist provided by Aston SU https://www.astonsu.com/pageassets/housing/astonstudenthomes/housing-advice/faqsheets/Property-Checklist.pdf. This guide ensures you cover all the essential aspects during your property inspection.

Request Essential Documents:

• Protect your interests by asking landlords or agents for their identification and copies of gas and electrical safety certificates. Verify the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) using the EPC register on https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.

Check Ownership and Avoid Scams:

• Safeguard against scams by confirming property ownership through the land registry onhttps://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry.  This step ensures legitimate transactions and minimises risks associated with fraudulent activities.

Secure Payment Process:

• Do not succumb to pressure to transfer large sums of money hastily. Only transfer funds to a bank account obtained directly from the landlord or agent after completing the necessary verification steps. Be wary of requests to use money transfer services like Western Union.

Tenancy Contract Checking Service:

• Take advantage of the Students' Union's tenancy contract checking service. If you find a property you like, request a sample contract from the landlord and have it reviewed by an adviser. Email a copy to advice@aston.ac.uk for a thorough check.

Tips for Finding Reputable Lettings Agencies

Local Office Presence:

• Ensure the lettings agency has an office based in Birmingham. A physical presence in the area establishes trust and reliability.

Registration and Complaints Process:

• Choose agencies that are registered UK companies with a full complaints process. Consider agencies signed up to the Property Ombudsman, indicating their commitment to professional standards. Verify membership at https://www.tpos.co.uk/find-a-member.

Accreditation Matters:

• Prioritise agencies accredited by organisations such as MLAS or NRLA. Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to industry standards and professionalism.