Viewing UK Properties Remotely: Safety Checklist for International Students

Most international students view UK accommodation remotely via video call, photos, or virtual tours before arrival. While this is standard and manageable, remote viewing carries risks: scams, misleading images, and undisclosed issues. A structured checklist and verification process reduce these risks significantly.

Red flags: when NOT to rent

Do not pay any money if:

• The landlord refuses a video call or live property tour.
• They pressure you to book immediately without answering questions.
• They request payment via untraceable methods (Western Union, gift cards, cryptocurrency).
• The rent seems unusually cheap (£40/week for a 1-bed in London) without explanation.
• They claim the property is in high demand but won’t confirm availability in writing.
• They ask you to sign the tenancy before viewing the property in any form.

A 2024 UNILINK study (1,850 international renters, August–October) found 12% encountered rental scams during remote viewing. Most fell into three categories: fake landlords (asking for upfront fees for non-existent properties), bait-and-switch (showing photos of a different property), and hidden costs (advertising £120/week but demanding £500 “admin fees” at move-in).

Before the viewing: verify the listing

1. Check the landlord’s identity

• Search the property address on Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom. Cross-reference the agent’s or landlord’s name.
• If the listing is months old with no updates, contact the agent to confirm it’s still available.
• Ask the landlord for their phone number and council tax band number (proof they own or manage the property). Verify the band via the local council website.

2. Request detailed photos and a floor plan

• Ask the landlord for: full room photos (all angles, natural light), kitchen close-ups, bathroom, hallway, storage, outside (if relevant).
• Request a floor plan or room dimensions (in meters or feet). If they can’t provide this, it’s a red flag.
• Ask specifically about: window size and direction (south-facing = warm), heating type (gas boiler, storage heater, electric), water pressure, kitchen appliances, laundry facilities.

3. Confirm the property details

• Ask how many bedrooms, bathrooms, and occupants are in the property.
• Confirm bills: which are included (rent, electricity, gas, water, internet, council tax, TV licence)?
• Ask about the garden, outdoor space, cycle storage, or parking if relevant.

Conducting the virtual viewing

Schedule a video call (WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime) at a time when natural light is good (daytime, not evening). Ask the landlord or agent to walk you through the property, room by room.

Take screenshots or ask for a property video. A landlord who won’t be recorded is a red flag.

Verifying the holding deposit and booking

Once you decide to rent:

1. Request a holding agreement in writing The landlord or agent should send you:

• A holding agreement (document confirming the property is reserved for you).
• The amount: max one week’s rent (legally capped).
• Duration: typically 15–21 days (time to arrange a formal tenancy agreement and send deposits).
• Refund terms: if the deal falls through (e.g., guarantor rejected, visa delayed), you should get the deposit back, minus a reasonable admin fee (£0–£50).

Never pay without a written holding agreement. A WhatsApp message saying “book it” is not sufficient.

2. Confirm the deposit protection scheme Ask: “Which deposit protection scheme (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits) will my tenancy deposit be protected under?” The landlord must tell you before you pay.

3. Request a tenancy agreement draft Before signing, ask to review the full Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) in advance. Check for red flags (see “Tenancy Agreement Red Flags” article) and clarify any unclear terms.

After booking: on-arrival inspections

Even if you’ve viewed the property remotely, conduct an in-person inspection before you unpack (ideally, on move-in day with the landlord present).

Check:

• Does the property match the photos?
• Are all appliances in working order?
• Is the property clean and in the described condition?
• Request a detailed inventory and take your own photos for comparison at move-out.
• Report any damage or missing items to the landlord in writing within 7 days.

If the property is significantly different from what was shown, contact the landlord immediately. You may have legal grounds to withdraw (though you’ll likely lose the holding deposit and fees).

Using a local viewing agent

Some international students hire UK-based viewings agents (£100–£300 per property) to view on their behalf and report back. Agents can:

• Conduct in-person viewings and photograph the property in detail.
• Verify the landlord’s legitimacy and check for complaints.
• Negotiate terms and ensure the tenancy agreement is fair.
• Liaise with the landlord about move-in dates and utilities setup.

Agents are most useful if you’re booking from abroad with no local contacts. However, vet agents carefully: check reviews on Trustpilot or through your university’s accommodation office.

Key questions to ask the landlord

1. Can we schedule a video tour of the full property?
2. Can you send detailed photos of each room from multiple angles?
3. Can you provide a floor plan and room dimensions?
4. What utilities are included in the rent?
5. Which deposit protection scheme will you use?
6. Can you provide a holding agreement in writing?
7. Can I review the tenancy agreement before signing?
8. What’s your repair response time if something breaks?
9. How do I pay rent (bank transfer, standing order)?
10. What’s your cancellation policy if my circumstances change?

Sources

• GOV.UK: Avoiding rental scams and verifying landlords
• Rightmove, Zoopla: Accredited agent checks
• UKCISA: Renting safely as an international student
• Shelter: Renting from a distance and avoiding scams
• Citizens Advice: Recognizing rental fraud

Last updated: 2025-04.