Top 10 Tips To Avoid Student Accommodation Scams In South Africa 2025

Finding decent student accommodation in South Africa has become a nightmare. As we head into 2025, students across the country are scrambling to find places to live, and unfortunately, scammers know this. They are taking full advantage of desperate students who need somewhere to stay.

The numbers tell a scary story. For the first time ever, the average rent in South Africa has shot past R9,000. Meanwhile, over 130,000 students started this year facing possible eviction because of NSFAS funding delays. When students are this desperate, fraudsters see dollar signs.

Educational authorities have been warning students about fake accommodation posts flooding social media platforms. These scams are getting more sophisticated, and students are losing thousands of rand to criminals who promise them housing that does not exist.

If you are searching for student accommodation this year, you need to know how to spot these scams before they spot you. Here are ten practical ways to protect yourself and your money.

1. See It Before You Pay for It

This sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many students hand over deposits for places they have never seen. Scammers steal photos from real estate websites and create fake listings for properties they do not own. The property might exist, but they have no right to rent it to you.

Never pay a cent until you have walked through the property yourself. If someone tells you they are overseas or cannot meet you for a viewing, walk away. Real landlords understand that you need to see where you will be living before you commit your money.

When you do view a property, go during the day and bring a friend if possible. Take photos and ask lots of questions. A legitimate landlord will not mind your thoroughness.

2. Check Out Your Potential Landlord

Anyone can create a fake profile online and pretend to own property. Before you sign anything or pay any money, do your homework on the person trying to rent to you. Start by asking for their identification document and proof that they actually own the property.

Check if they are registered with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority if they claim to be an estate agent. Look them up online and check their social media profiles. Real landlords usually have some kind of digital presence and references from other tenants.

If someone refuses to show you proper identification or gets defensive when you ask questions about their background, that is a red flag. Professional landlords expect these questions and answer them willingly.

3. Know the NSFAS Rules

If you receive NSFAS funding, you need to understand their accommodation rules inside out. NSFAS will not pay your accommodation allowance if you live in unaccredited housing without getting permission first from both NSFAS and your university.

This means if you choose accommodation that NSFAS has not approved, you could end up paying the full amount yourself. Before you sign any lease, contact your university’s financial aid office and confirm that the accommodation qualifies for NSFAS funding.

Do not assume that just because a place advertises itself as “student accommodation” that NSFAS will pay for it. Get written confirmation to protect yourself.

4. Watch Out for Social Media Tricks

Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups have become goldmines for scammers. They post beautiful photos of properties at prices that seem too good to be true – and usually, they are.

These criminals create fake profiles and steal photos from legitimate property listings. They make everything look professional and trustworthy. Then they create fake urgency by saying things like “only available until tomorrow” or “three other students are interested.”

If you see an amazing deal on social media, verify it through other channels. Contact the property directly if you can find their official details. Never make payments based only on social media conversations.

5. Handle Money Carefully

Here is a simple rule that will save you from most scams: never pay someone you have not met in person. All money should change hands either face-to-face or through secure bank transfers after you have met the landlord in person.

Do not pay for anything you have not seen with your own eyes. Real landlords will give you detailed contracts that explain exactly what you are paying for, including deposits, monthly rent, utilities, and any extra fees.

If someone pressures you to pay immediately or sign something without time to read it properly, say no. Legitimate landlords give you time to think and ask questions.

6. Check the Paperwork

Before you commit to any place, ask to see the important documents. These include municipal rates certificates, electrical compliance certificates, and proof that the person actually has the right to rent the property to you.

Real property owners keep their paperwork in order and will show it to you without hesitation. They know that responsible tenants ask these questions.

You can also check with the local municipality to confirm who owns the property and whether there are any problems with rates or other issues that could affect you later.

7. Pay Smart and Keep Records

When you do make legitimate payments, use methods that leave a clear trail. Bank transfers are much safer than cash because you have proof of what you paid and when. Avoid landlords who want cash only or ask for weird payment methods like Bitcoin or gift cards.

Keep copies of everything: emails, text messages, contracts, and receipts. Screenshot important conversations and save all your paperwork. If something goes wrong, these records will be crucial for reporting the problem and potentially getting your money back.

8. Report Suspicious Behavior

If you encounter a scam, report it immediately. File a case with the South African Police Service and give them all your evidence, including emails, receipts, and any other communication with the scammer.

Also report fake listings to the websites or social media platforms where you found them. Contact your university’s student affairs office to warn them about specific scams targeting their students.

Your report might prevent other students from falling for the same trick, and it helps law enforcement track these criminals.

9. Ask Around and Do Your Research

Before you sign anything, ask to speak with previous tenants. Real landlords should be happy to put you in touch with people who have rented from them before. If they refuse or make excuses, be suspicious.

Check online reviews and student forums for mentions of the property or landlord. Look for patterns in what people say. Be especially careful if a property has no online presence at all – that could mean it is new, or it could mean it is fake.

Talk to other students at your university. They often know which landlords are reliable and which ones to avoid.

10. Listen to Your Gut

Throughout your search, pay attention to how you feel about different situations. If something seems off, it probably is. Trust that feeling.

Common warning signs include deals that seem impossibly good, landlords who keep postponing viewings, pressure to pay immediately, and people who get angry when you ask reasonable questions.

When you are unsure about something, talk to your university’s student legal aid services or housing advisors. They have seen these scams before and can help you spot problems before you lose money.

Conclusion

The student housing situation in South Africa is tough right now, and scammers are taking advantage of that desperation. But you can protect yourself by being careful, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts.

Real landlords want good tenants and will work with you to make sure you feel comfortable with the arrangement. They will show you proper documentation, let you view properties, and give you time to make decisions.

Do not let desperation cloud your judgment. It is better to take extra time finding safe, legitimate accommodation than to lose your money to criminals and end up homeless anyway.

Remember these ten tips, keep detailed records of your search, and do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your education is an investment in your future – protect it by making smart choices about where you live.