Discover how OpenRent protects landlords and tenants from rental scams, ensuring a worry-free experience for all.
Being a landlord means juggling many responsibilities, including staying abreast of the latest laws and regulations and ensuring the safety of your property.
Though uncommon, scams such as fraudulent tenant applications and deceptive phishing emails can still pose a threat to unsuspecting landlords, requiring vigilance and preparedness.
Whilst OpenRent already provides you with cutting-edge tools to protect your investments, here you’ll also discover some practical strategies if you’re looking to go the extra mile.
- Identifying common online scams
- Verifying tenant information
- Securing online transactions
- Protecting sensitive information
Join thousands of landlords enjoying a secure and hassle-free letting experience.
Create Your Advert TodayIdentifying common online scams
One widely recognised rental scam involves creating fake listings, with fraudsters posing as landlords to lure unsuspecting tenants into paying deposits for non-existent properties.
Phishing emails disguised as legitimate enquiries or appearing to come from reputable letting agencies have also become increasingly prevalent on other platforms. They aim to deceive landlords into disclosing sensitive information or transferring funds to fraudulent accounts.
Understanding these tactics enables you to better protect yourself, your tenants, and your properties from falling victim to online scams.
Here at OpenRent, we enforce state-of-the-art security measures and require landlords to verify their details and provide proof of ownership.
This guarantees the authenticity of every listing, providing peace of mind for both tenants and landlords, who can be reassured that there is no risk of scammers impersonating them and damaging their reputation.
Verifying tenant information
Confirming the legitimacy of potential tenants is paramount in protecting your rental property, as dishonest individuals are likely to give up quickly when faced with thorough screening processes.
The best way to do this is by referencing prospective tenants and their guarantors.
Referencing checks provide a comprehensive overview of applicants, such as their income, credit history and CCJs, helping you make informed decisions regarding whom to entrust with your property.
On top of this, we highly recommend tenants enhance their application prospects by obtaining Verified Tenant status.
Through Verified Tenant, we confirm tenants’ identities by cross-referencing with credit agencies and the electoral roll to further establish their reliability and stability.
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Securing online transactions
With the rise of online transactions in the rental market, landlords must prioritise security when handling payments and deposits.
Avoiding unconventional payment methods can significantly mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams.
As part of the Rent Now process, OpenRent will handle the deposit and first month’s rent, ensuring it’s securely registered on the landlord’s behalf. This guarantees that the tenancy is legally sound and fully compliant with deposit regulations.
Moreover, if you opt for Rent Collection at the start of the tenancy, we will keep your bank details private from tenants.
We provide tenants with a unique bank account for the tenancy, and they pay into that. Of course, there’s no waiting period: as soon as the rent is paid to us, it’s then automatically transferred to you.
Protecting sensitive information
Protecting sensitive information is essential in preventing identity theft and financial fraud.
Even basic steps, such as having a strong, unique password for your account and only letting authorised people access it, can greatly help mitigate the risk of data breaches and unauthorised access.
By prioritising the protection of sensitive information, landlords can reduce the chances of getting tricked by online scams and keep their rental ventures safe.
Let us take the stress off your shoulders – from contract signing to monthly rent collection.
Discover Rent NowAs landlords, navigating the digital realm requires a keen eye and a proactive mindset to safeguard your rental properties from online threats.
By understanding common scams and implementing strong security measures, you can further fortify your defences and protect your investments.
At OpenRent, we’re committed to empowering landlords with a secure platform that prioritises safety and transparency.
