We all love to travel. New acquaintances, amazing landscapes, interesting stories, cultural features - all this awaits you while exploring new countries. However, there may also be dangers awaiting you, one of which may be lurking when renting housing during your vacation. Today we will help you avoid any problems.
Some General Tips
Renting abroad can be an exciting experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Below you will find some tips to help you avoid troubles.
Investigate the area and the property before making any commitments. Check reviews and get feedback from other expats if possible. Familiarize yourself with the local rental laws and tenant rights to ensure you are protected and know your obligations.
Always go through licensed and well-reviewed real estate agents or rental agencies to avoid scams. If possible, visit the property in person before signing any lease agreements to verify its condition and suitability.
You should understand all terms and conditions, including the duration of the lease, rent payment terms and any additional fees. Document all agreements, including repairs, modifications and any promises made by the landlord.
Introduce yourself to your neighbors. They can help you feel more at home. Check that all utilities (water, electricity, gas) are in good working order and understand how to pay for these services.
Consider renter’s insurance to protect your belongings in case of theft, damage, or other unforeseen events. Have a list of local emergency contacts, including your embassy, local police, and medical facilities.
Let Your Loved Ones Help
Do not forget about personal and physical safety. Even if you are not traveling alone, do not neglect our advice - use apps. Life is unpredictable and any danger may await you - for example, an accident, a meeting with ill-wishers or even a criminal situation.
In such cases, it is better to be forewarned and armed. You can give your loved ones the opportunity to always see where you are and what is happening to you. In cases of emergency, they will be able to quickly respond and call for help. Or you can do it yourself, as such applications have special SOS buttons.
There are some apps for personal safety:
bSafe: This app allows users to set up a network of guardians who can track their location, send SOS alerts, and access a lot of safety features like automatic recording and fake calls.
Phone Locator: A family-oriented app that provides location sharing, driving and digital safety features. Family members can stay connected and informed about each other's whereabouts.
Noonlight: It offers a panic button that connects users to emergency services with the touch of a button. It also has features like location tracking and automatic alarm triggers if the user doesn't respond.
Kitestring: This app checks in on you at specified times. If you don't respond, it sends an alert to your emergency contacts with your last known location.
Red Panic Button: By pressing a panic button, this app sends your GPS coordinates and a distress message to predefined contacts. It's a simple and effective tool for emergencies.
Find My Friends: An app by Apple that allows users to share their location with friends and family.
My Safetipin: This app provides safety scores for areas based on various parameters like lighting, openness, and public transport. It helps users make informed decisions about their routes.
Circle of 6: This app lets users connect with six trusted friends or family members who can be contacted quickly in case of an emergency. It also has features to share location and send preset messages.
Google Maps: Beyond navigation, Google Maps allows users to share their real-time location with trusted contacts.
Avoiding Scams and Fraud
Common Rental Scams
Fake Listings: Scammers create fake rental listings to lure victims into paying for properties that don't exist or aren't available for rent. They often use photos and descriptions from real listings to make the scam more believable.
Tip: Always verify the listing by searching for the same property on multiple rental websites and checking for inconsistencies.
Advance Fee Fraud: Scammers ask for payment upfront for a deposit or the first month's rent before allowing you to see the property.
Tip: Never pay any fees or deposits before viewing the property in person or verifying the legitimacy of the rental.
Identity Theft: Scammers may ask for personal information, such as your passport number or bank details, under the guise of processing your rental application.
Tip: Be cautious about sharing sensitive information. Provide personal details only through secure and verified channels.
Non-Existent Landlords: Scammers pose as landlords who are supposedly out of the country and unable to meet in person, insisting on handling everything via email or phone.
Tip: Always try to meet the landlord in person or arrange for a video call to verify their identity.
Verification of Listings
Trusted Websites: Use reputable rental websites and platforms known for their security measures and verified listings.
Cross-Referencing: Cross-reference the rental listing with other listings to ensure consistency in details such as price, description, and photos. If a listing appears on multiple sites with different contact details or prices, it could be a red flag.
Direct Communication: Communicate directly with the landlord or property manager. Ask detailed questions about the property and pay attention to their responses.
Lease Agreements
Key Clauses: Pay attention to key clauses in the lease agreement, such as the duration of the lease, rent payment terms, and any additional fees. Ensure all agreements, including any verbal promises, are documented in the lease.
Translation and Legal Advice: If the lease is in a foreign language, get it translated. Consider seeking legal advice to fully understand the document. Legal advice can help you identify any unusual or unfair terms in the lease.
Financial Considerations
Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods such as bank transfers, credit cards, or trusted online payment systems. Avoid cash transactions and ensure you get receipts for all payments.
Hidden Costs: Be aware of potential hidden costs like utility bills, community fees, and maintenance charges. Clarify all costs upfront and ensure they are detailed in the lease agreement.
Wrapping Up
Safety is something that is always worth remembering because it is better to be cautious than to be sorry. Therefore, we recommend that you always be on alert, especially if you are far from home, because in such cases it will be difficult to help you. That is why you should always use any help, for example our article from today in which we tried to give you the most detailed advice. Good luck and happy travels!
