Safety tips

The golden rule

Don't pay anything (no bond, no rent, no “holding deposit”) before you've seen the room and signed a written agreement. If you can't go in person, ask for a live video call walking through the house, not photos or pre-recorded videos.

Red flags

• The rent is much lower than similar rooms in the area.
• The host says they're overseas and will post you the keys once you pay.
• They rush you: “lots of people are interested, if you don't pay today it goes to someone else”.
• They ask for payment by international transfer, Western Union, crypto, gift cards, or into an account in someone else's name.
• They won't do an inspection or a video call, or always have an excuse.
• They ask for photos of your passport, visa or bank details before you've seen the house.
• The photos appear in other listings under a different name or city.

If you're looking for a room

• Take someone with you to the inspection, or tell someone where you'll be.
• Ask whether the person listing is the owner, the head tenant or an agent. If they're subletting, ask whether their lease allows it.
• Get a written agreement covering rent, bond, which bills are included, notice to leave and house rules.
• Pay in a way that leaves a record (bank transfer to an Australian account in the name of the person you're signing with) and get a receipt for every payment.
• Take photos of the room's condition on the day you move in.
• Keep the conversation on El Barrio until you trust the person, so there's a record if something goes wrong.

The bond

In many cases the bond must be lodged with the state's bond authority rather than kept by the host. The rules vary by state and by whether the arrangement is a tenancy or a boarding or lodging arrangement, so check with your state's agency:

• New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading
• Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
• Queensland: Residential Tenancies Authority
• Western Australia: Consumer Protection WA
• Other states and territories: your state's consumer affairs or fair trading office.

If you're listing a room

• Don't post your exact address; El Barrio only shows the suburb. Share it once you've agreed on an inspection.
• Meet the person before you accept them, in person or on a video call.
• Follow your state's tenancy law, including lodging the bond where required, and give receipts.
• If you're a tenant yourself, make sure your lease allows you to sublet.

If something goes wrong

• Tap Report on the listing, profile or conversation, or email us at admin@elbarrio.online. Reports are confidential; we review every one and can take down listings and block accounts.
• If you've lost money, contact your bank straight away and report the scam to Scamwatch and ReportCyber.
• If you're in danger, call 000.