Common Student Accommodation Scams in Paris

Finding suitable student accommodation in a city like Paris can be easy and difficult at the same time. You will likely have a lot of options to choose from; However, you may also be exposed to different kinds of scams.

Most fraudulent accommodation companies in Paris target international students and tourists who don’t know the city and are eager to secure an apartment.

So, it is important to spot accommodation red flags so you can avoid being scammed and in this post, we will show you how.

Key Takeaways

• With so many international students constantly moving to Paris for school each year, the rate of student accommodation scams keeps increasing.

• As a foreign student, you must be vigilant when searching for student accommodation online in Paris and be able to spot commonly used red flags to avoid being scammed.

• One sure way to avoid being a victim of rental scams in Paris is to only engage and use reputable luxury student accommodation companies like Student Luxe when searching for an apartment.

• Student Luxe provides a comprehensive range of the most luxurious private student accommodation Paris has to offer. These apartments are perfect for affluent foreign students who want value for money and want to be comfortable throughout their stay in the city of lights. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.

Why Rental Scams are Popular in Paris?

Paris is renowned for its world-class universities and attracts thousands of international students each year.

This high demand for student housing creates a lucrative environment for scammers. Here are more reasons why rental scams are so popular in Paris.

• High demand and low supply: The limited availability of suitable housing in Paris makes students eager to secure accommodation quickly, causing them to overlook potential red flags.

• International students' vulnerability: Foreign students who are unfamiliar with the local rental market and regulations are always prime targets. The language barrier and lack of local contacts make them even more susceptible to scams.

• Online platforms: The increase in online rental platforms and social media groups with less regulated listings makes it easier for scammers to post fraudulent ads.

• Urgency and pressure: The housing market in Paris is competitive, and this creates a sense of urgency among students, making them more likely to rush into agreements without thorough verification.

These reasons make it easy for fraudulent agents to extort international students' money, often without severe consequences.

Here are some of the most common rental scams in Paris targeted at international students coming into the city.

Fake Listings

Scammers create attractive listings for properties that don't exist or aren't available. These listings often feature stunning photos and are priced lower than the market average to lure in unsuspecting students.

The goal is to collect deposits or advance payments from multiple victims for the same non-existent property.

Red Flags:

• Prices are too good to be true.

• Lack of contact details or vague information about the property.

• Pressure to make quick decisions or pay deposits immediately.

Phantom Landlords

Scammers pose as landlords or agents to collect deposits and rent without owning the property. They often use fake identities and create elaborate stories to convince students of their legitimacy.

Red Flags:

• Lack of proper identification or refusal to provide proof of ownership.

• Reluctance to meet in person or conduct a property viewing.

• Insistence on cash transactions or quick payments.

Upfront Payment Scams

Scammers demand large deposits or rent upfront before showing the property. They use urgency and high demand as excuses to pressure students into paying quickly.

Red Flags:

• Requests for wire transfers or Western Union payments.

• Urgency to pay before viewing the property.

• Excuses for not showing the property until payment is made.

Key Money Scams

Scammers ask for a significant amount of money (key money) to secure a rental, claiming it's a standard practice in Paris. They often lack legal rental contracts and provide vague explanations for the fees.

Red Flags:

• Unusually high fees for "key money."

• Lack of a legal rental contract or detailed agreement.

• Pressure to pay key money quickly.

Identity Theft

Scammers collect personal information under the guise of processing rental applications. They ask for sensitive information early in the process, which is then used for identity theft or sold on the black market.

Red Flags:

• Requests for sensitive information like passport numbers, bank details, or Social Security numbers early in the process, usually before you even see the house or make payment.

• Lack of legitimate rental application forms or contracts.

• Pressure to provide personal information quickly.

How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams in Paris

Use the following tips to protect yourself from being scammed by fraudulent property agents in Paris.

• Research and verification: Use Google Maps to verify the property's existence and check landlord/agent credentials through official sources. Read reviews and ask for recommendations on student forums and embassy websites.

• Use reputable agencies: Choose well-known rental agencies with positive reviews and avoid unknown or poorly reviewed services. A trusted student accommodation provider in Paris is Student Luxe.

• Use secure payment methods: Avoid cash transactions and only use bank transfers or secure payment platforms. Also, try never to wire money.

• Ask for legal contracts: Always insist on a legal rental contract, and be sure to read and understand the contract before signing.

Student Luxe Tip: Only rent your Paris student accommodation from a reputable luxury student accommodation Paris provider like Student Luxe. Access multiple private accommodations near various universities and in the best arrondissements in the city.

Wrapping Up

When searching for private student accommodation Paris, avoid fake listings, phantom landlords, super low prices, etc., and other red flags. Be sure to only use reputable and established luxury student accommodation providers like Student Luxe.

About Us

Student Luxe are the preferred choice for guests seeking superior comfort, flexibility & service for their studies - providing some of the most luxurious and private student accommodation Paris has to offer.

Most of these apartments are in the best parts of the city, with amazing on-site amenities and flexible booking perks.

If we can assist with your apartment search in any way, please let our experts know.

We look forward to hosting you soon.