Most hosts and platforms are legitimate, but it's worth knowing the warning signs before you commit money to a room you haven't fully vetted.
Pressure to pay before you've seen anything
Be cautious of anyone pushing you to pay a deposit or "reservation fee" before you've seen photos, spoken to them properly, or (ideally) viewed the place — in person or over a video call.
Prices that are far below market rate
A listing priced noticeably lower than everything else nearby is either a mistake, or bait to get your money before you notice something's wrong. Compare a few listings in the same area first so you know what "normal" looks like.
No verifiable identity or ownership proof
Legitimate hosts should be able to confirm who they are and that they actually own or manage the property. Refusal to verify, or accounts with no history/reviews at all, are worth extra caution.
Requests to pay outside the platform
If you're using a platform that handles applications and leases, be wary of anyone asking you to pay a deposit directly via an untraceable method (cash, informal EFT with no paper trail) before anything is signed.
Vague or missing lease terms
A host who can't give you a clear lease, avoids specifics about the deposit refund process, or won't put agreed terms in writing is a real warning sign — see our guide on what to check before signing a student lease.
Trust your instincts
If something feels rushed, vague, or too good to be true, slow down. A legitimate host will always be willing to answer questions and give you time to make a real decision.
On RoomNest, every host is verified before their listing goes live, and leases are signed digitally through the platform — so there's always a clear, traceable record of what was agreed.