Rental scams are increasingly common in NSW, as the housing crisis makes it challenging to find affordable accommodation, leaving students vulnerable to being scammed.
Many rental scams target university students, particularly international students. Scammers may advertise through WeChat or other forums in community languages, which can make it very hard to track the scammer.
Rental scams take many forms, including:
Landlords may also attempt to take advantage of tenants during, or at the end of, the tenancy. Common examples include:
Be aware that rental laws in NSW do not offer much protection to tenants. A signed residential tenancy agreement or occupancy agreement can only be broken under specific circumstances. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), which handles tenancy disputes, requires clearly documented evidence proving you were in a rental agreement and the ways your rights were breached under the appropriate act. This means it can be almost impossible to get your money back if you are scammed.
It’s important to remember that being scammed is not your fault. Scammers spend thousands of hours making their scams as convincing as possible. Try not to let embarrassment or shame prevent you from seeking help. Reporting your scam can also help SUPRA warn other students. Contact us for help.
This information is current as of November 2024 and is intended as a guide to the law as it applies to people who live in or are affected by the law as it applies in NSW. It does not constitute legal advice.
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