Safety tips for advertisers

The vast majority of people who will contact you in response to your ad will be genuine people looking for a room. However, we do get asked by users if there are any steps they can take to help them stay safe (and, just as importantly, feel safe) while conducting viewings.

Below are some practical safety tips to keep in mind when meeting prospective tenants or flatmates.

Before the viewing

• Screen first: You may want to arrange a FaceTime or phone call ahead of an in-person viewing so that you can see whether the person is legitimate. It also adds another step into your screening process to help determine if you want to live with them - so win, win!
• Check details: Ask who will attend the viewing. If more people arrive than expected, you are within your rights to refuse entry.

During the viewing

• Try not to host alone: When you set up a time for someone to visit, try and make sure that you're not in the house alone; ask another flatmate or friend to stay in with you
• If alone:
  • Tell a friend or family member the time, name, and details of the person visiting.
  • Confirm with them once the viewing is over.
  • Agree on a “code word” to use if you feel uncomfortable.
  • If you feel uneasy, excuse yourself and contact a neighbour or friend for support.
• Stay professional: When conducting the viewing, stay alert, be friendly but professional and avoid giving out too much personal information
• Trust your instincts: Pay attention to your gut feeling. If something doesn't feel quite right, act right away to remove yourself from the situation

After the viewing

Referencing: If you agree to take someone on, try and get a reference from their previous landlord. You could also ask for their social media account details so that you can confirm they are who they say.